Think your next story into existence while preparing yourself for the future of storytelling and AI
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Course overview
The technology now exists for storytellers to think their next great story into existence. By matching a predictive narrative framework with an AI-interface that understands the substance behind what you say and type, we can now mold a story from start to finish—one that is complete, compelling, and rooted in rich thematic meaning.
Welcome to Mastering Narrative Design with Subtxt, a six-week, immersive workshop that puts the future of storytelling at your fingertips. Whether you're working on the next cinematic hit or pushing the boundaries of gaming and new media, this course will teach you how to harness AI-powered narrative design to craft stories that truly resonate.
With Subtxt’s groundbreaking approach, you'll develop an intuitive understanding of story structure and design. The implications for gaming, interactive storytelling, and emerging media are clear: the storytellers who master this blend of predictive AI and narrative theory will lead the way. And that is exactly what you will master in this course.
Why This Course?
A Future-Proof Approach: Dive deep into the fusion of Hollywood-level narrative techniques and AI-driven storytelling tools. You’ll learn how to shape stories that adapt, evolve, and elevate your creative vision—whether for traditional mediums or cutting-edge interactive experiences.
Hands-On Learning: Get ready to see your stories come to life. Through practical workshops, you’ll actively engage with AI to refine your plots, deepen character arcs, and unlock narrative potential you never knew existed.
Expert Guidance: With experience at Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, and contributing to Canada’s 2023 Oscars selection, I bring firsthand knowledge of both professional storytelling and AI development. Plus, as the creator of the Subtxt app, you’re learning from the very foundation of this groundbreaking technology.
Since 2017, Subtxt has transformed the way thousands of writers think about storytelling. Now, it's your turn. Whether you're writing screenplays, novels, or designing immersive games, this course will equip you with the skills to craft stories that aren’t just good—they’re unforgettable.
In six weeks, you'll unlock the power of AI-assisted narrative design and become the kind of storyteller who is ready to lead the next generation of storytelling innovation. Join the future of narrative design today.
01
Fiction writers (screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, etc.) who feel stuck when it comes to finishing their stories.
(Non-fiction too!)
02
Anyone who recognizes that a story has the power to transform the hearts and minds of people all over the world (copywriters, marketers)
03
Artists who believe that leveraging cutting-edge tech maximizes and accelerates one's ability for self-expression.
Craft Your Stories with the Four Throughlines of Conflict
Use the Four Throughlines—I, You, We, and They—to structure your stories from multiple perspectives. This timeless approach, used by Shakespeare and modern storytellers alike, ensures your narrative is dynamic and lasting.
Master Plot and Character
Balance plot-driven and character-driven storytelling by mastering plot structure and conflict resolution, while crafting multidimensional characters. This blend creates engaging, well-rounded narratives for any medium.
Storyform as Thematic Guardrails
The Storyform acts as thematic guardrails, helping you stay true to your story’s core while offering freedom to explore. Learn how to ensure your creative vision aligns with your theme, allowing your story to evolve without losing its essence.
Transform Your Narrative Approach
Shift your storytelling mindset with the Storyform. By using it as your guide, you’ll design stories that are thematically rich, cohesive, and flexible, giving you both structure and room for creative exploration.

Live sessions
Learn directly from Jim Hull in a real-time, interactive format.
Lifetime access
Go back to course content and recordings whenever you need to.
Community of peers
Stay accountable and share insights with like-minded professionals.
Certificate of completion
Share your new skills with your employer or on LinkedIn.
Maven Guarantee
This course is backed by the Maven Guarantee. Students are eligible for a full refund up until the halfway point of the course.
6 live sessions • 32 lessons • 6 projects
Sep
30
Oct
2
In the Storymind section, we delve into the concept of a narrative as a model of a single human mind trying to resolve a problem. This perspective allows us to understand the story's structure and dynamics in a more profound and personal way. We explore how the different aspects of a story represent different facets of the human psyche and how they interact to create a cohesive narrative.
Dramatica Table of Story Elements
The Complete Story section focuses on the four essential throughlines of a narrative: Objective Story (OS), Main Character (MC), Obstacle Character (OC), and Relationship Story (RS). We discuss how these throughlines interweave to form a complete story and how they can be developed to create a compelling narrative. This section lays the foundation for understanding the holistic nature of storytelling.
Prework: Writing Complete Stories
Prework: Avatar - Teaser Trailer
Prework: Avatar - Full Trailer
Prework: Identifying The Domains And Throughlines Of A Complete Story
Project 1: Your Four Throughlines
Oct
7
Oct
9
In the Plot section, we delve into the mechanics of plot development. We explore how to structure the events and sequences in your story to create a satisfying narrative arc. This includes understanding the role of conflict, tension, and resolution in driving the plot forward. We also discuss the importance of pacing and timing in maintaining reader interest and engagement.
Prework: The Story Driver Dynamic
Prework: Triumphant Endings
Prework: Virtuous Endings
Prework: Bleak Endings
Prework: Tragic Endings
Prework: The Hero
The Players section focuses on character development. We discuss how to create complex, multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers. This includes understanding the roles and functions of different types of characters, such as protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters. We also explore how to use character arcs to drive character growth and transformation.
Prework: The Contagonist of Contact
Homework: Identifying the Protagonist and Antagonist of a Complete Story
Homework: Protagonist and Antagonist: Beyond Hero and Villain
Homework: Developing Complex Characters that Defy Expectation
Homework: Archetypal Characters of Star Wars
Project 2: The Plot & Players of Your Story
Oct
14
Oct
16
In the Character Arcs section, we delve deeper into the concept of character transformation. We discuss how to craft compelling character arcs that reflect the themes and messages of your story. This includes understanding the different types of character arcs and how they can be used to create emotional depth and complexity in your narrative.
Prework: The Steadfast Main Character
Homework: Main Character and Meaning
Project 3: Your Character Arcs
The Pivotal Elements section focuses on the key elements that drive a story forward. We discuss how to identify and develop these elements to create a compelling and engaging narrative. This includes understanding the role of plot points, turning points, and climaxes in shaping the trajectory of your story.
Prework: The Coincidence of Opposites and Story Structure
Prework: You and I are Both Alike
Homework: Pro Tips for Framing an Inequity
Your Character Arcs
In the Mental Sex section, we explore the concept of narrative perspective. We discuss how the mental sex of a story (whether it is male or female) influences the way the story is perceived and interpreted by the reader. This includes understanding how to use mental sex to create a unique and distinctive narrative voice.
Prework: The "16 Blocks" Trailer
Homework: Time and Space in Dramatica: Rewriting the Story Limit
Homework: The Female Mental Sex Premise
The Storyform section delves into the underlying structure of a story. We discuss how to use the Storyform to create a solid narrative framework that supports and enhances your storytelling. This includes understanding the role of story points, story drivers, and story transits in shaping the narrative arc.
Prework: A Story is an Argument
Homework: The Storyform Does Not Dictate Storytelling
Project 4: Storyforming for Success
Homework: Identifying the Storyform of a Complete Story
In the OS Transits and Story Drivers section, we focus on the Objective Story Throughline. We discuss how to use transits and story drivers to create a compelling plot that engages the reader. This includes understanding how to structure and sequence events to create tension, conflict, and resolution.
Prework: Writing Your First Act
Prework: Identifying The Number Of Acts In Your Story
The MC Transits, Progressions and Events section focuses on the Main Character Throughline. We discuss how to use transits, progressions, and events to drive character development and transformation. This includes understanding how to use these elements to create a compelling character arc that resonates with readers.
Homework: The Narrative Structure of Scenes
Homework: How to Classify the Atomic Elements of Story Structure
Homework: Writing Perfect Scene Structure
Project 5: OS and MC Transits
John Dusenberry
David Collard
Daniel Williams
Sebastien de Castell
Cearnach Grimm
Wendy Terrien
Angela Hagen
Dan Bernitt
Bill Neary
Danno Sullivan
Julian Gustasson
Victoria Paris
Alistair Dyte
Anthony Tilke
Georgina Perry
Jason Loftus
🎩 Many Hats, One Mission: Animator, storyboard artist, director, story consultant—you name it, I've done it.
🛠️ AI App Builder: solo-developed Subtxt from the ground-up to serve storytellers across the 🌎
🎬 Notable Projects:
🌟 Impact & Influence:
🕰️ 25+ Years in Animation: Worked on 15+ films for Disney and Dreamworks, including Tarzan, Shrek 2, and How to Train Your Dragon.
📝 Learned from Legends: Written & storyboarded for Warner Bros.' Chuck Jones; directed for Sony Pictures Television and Dreamworks TV. World's leading expert on Dramatica (thanks to the theory's co-creators 🙏).
✨ My Goal: Teach you to nail the story early—saving you time and drafts.
🚀 Ready to Write? Let's dive into your first draft, done right, the first time around!
Jim has taught over 120+ students on Maven (not to mention the countless hundreds at CalArts and thousands over the years). Payment plans are available if needed.
Active learning, not passive watching
This course focuses on async workshops and hands-on exercises. You'll learn by doing.
Gain a new support system
We're all in this together. You'll be part of a community that can lean on each other and Jim for support during and after the course.
Receive real-time feedback
Real-tme feedback is one of the best ways to learn — and you'll get a lot of it in this course. We're here to help each other improve and grow in a positive, constructive way.