Build a Better Story

4.9

(34 ratings)

·

6 Weeks

·

Cohort-based Course

Learn how to pair cutting-edge AI tech with a predictive narrative framework, all in service of writing a complete and engaging story.

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Course overview

A Revolution in Storytelling: From Plot Holes to Perfect Arcs

Think you can't know what your story's about before typing 'FADE IN'? Think again. If you've ever found yourself trapped in the dreaded '2nd Act doldrums' or banging your head against an impenetrable writer's block, it's not a rite of passage--it's a failure to prepare. 


As a storyteller with insider experience at Disney, Dreamworks, Netflix, and even helping craft Canada's 2023 Oscar contender, I'll show you a proven framework that stands up against aimless drafts and wandering narratives. We'll dig deep into what makes stories tick, not just on a superficial level, but in a way that lets you breeze from 'FADE IN' to 'FADE OUT' without a hiccup.


Tired of making excuses and ready to get to the heart of your story? Strap in for an exhilarating six-week journey designed specifically for writers like you. This is storytelling unboxed and unleashed, ideal for both screenwriters and novelists who want to go from struggling to soaring. Don't just write—craft unforgettable stories that leave a mark.

Who is this course for

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.

03

Artists who believe that leveraging cutting-edge tech maximizes and accelerates one's ability for self-expression.

Dive into These Exciting Topics

Gain a holistic understanding of storytelling through the Four Throughlines

Dive into Objective Story, Main Character, Obstacle Character, and Relationship Story as unique facets of a narrative mind. This holistic view elevates your storytelling, offering a complete, actionable approach to any narrative.

Master the mechanics of plot and craft resonant characters

Get hands-on with plot structure, conflict, and resolution. Shift gears to develop multi-dimensional characters. By blending both, you'll create a balanced, compelling narrative that is both "character-driven" and "plot-driven".

Enrich your narrative with transformative character arcs and Pivotal Elements

Learn to intertwine compelling and emotional character arcs with key elements that tie plot to character. The result is a structurally sound, emotionally rich narrative that keeps your audience hooked from start to finish.

Equip yourself with your story's unique Storyform to stay on track with your chosen theme

Master the Storyform to build a robust storytelling framework. From Storypoints to Storybeats, Drivers to Transits, you'll draft a detailed treatment that serves as fertile ground for a captivating, complete story (and tells you what happens in each and every Act). 😃

Course syllabus

Jan 9—Feb 17
Mar 5—Apr 13
4 live sessions • 5 modules • 31 lessons • 5 projects
Expand all modules
  • Week 1

    Jan 9—Jan 14

    Events

    • Jan

      9

      The Four Throughlines

      Tue, Jan 9, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

    Modules

    • Free preview

      The Four Throughlines

      In "The Four Throughlines," we begin by discussing the four essential Throughlines—Objective Story (OS), Main Character (MC), Obstacle Character (OC), and Relationship Story (RS). The Storymind shows a narrative as a model of a human mind grappling with a problem. Then, we break it down into four throughlines, each a unique facet of that mind. Together, these elements offer a complete, holistic approach to storytelling, providing a deep understanding of narrative structure.

  • Week 2

    Jan 15—Jan 21

    Events

    • Jan

      16

      Plot & Players

      Tue, Jan 16, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

    Modules

    • Plot and Players

      In "Plot & Players," we dive into two core storytelling elements. First up is Plot, where we tackle structuring events to create a satisfying arc, emphasizing conflict, tension, and pacing. Then, we switch gears to Players, focusing on crafting multi-dimensional characters—protagonists, antagonists, and supporting cast alike. By mastering the mechanics of plot while developing resonant characters, you'll achieve a balanced and compelling narrative.

  • Week 3

    Jan 22—Jan 28

    Events

    • Jan

      23

      Character Arcs

      Tue, Jan 23, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

    Modules

    • Character Arcs

      In "Character Arcs," we blend the art of character transformation with the craft of key story drivers. We start by dissecting compelling character arcs that align with your story’s themes, adding emotional depth and complexity. Then we pivot to Pivotal Elements, focusing on plot points, turning points, and climaxes that shape your story’s trajectory. Master these, and you'll enrich both character and plot, creating a riveting narrative that hooks your audience.

  • Week 4

    Jan 29—Feb 4

    Events

    • Jan

      30

      Unveiling the Storyform

      Tue, Jan 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC

    Modules

    • Unveiling the Storyform

      With "Unveiling the Storyform", we zero in on the blueprint that brings vibrancy and detail to your narrative. Here, you'll learn how to use the Storyform to build a robust framework for your storytelling. This includes mastering story points, story drivers, and story transits, all of which shape your narrative arc. By the end of this section, you'll be equipped to create a detailed Treatment that serves as a rich soil from which your complete story can grow.

  • Week 5

    Feb 5—Feb 11

    Nothing scheduled for this week.

  • Week 6

    Feb 12—Feb 17

    Nothing scheduled for this week.

  • Post-Course

    Modules

    • From Storyform to Treatment

      After the course, you're not on your own. Continuing forward, we'll help guide you in outlining the Objective Story Throughline and Main Character Throughline, beat-by-beat. This will turn your initial treatment into a near first-draft level of detail. The instructor will also provide next-step strategies, whether you're considering writing the first draft, seeking a producer, or pondering self-publishing options. It's your essential guide for what comes after "The End."

4.9

(34 ratings)

What students are saying

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Join an upcoming cohort

Build a Better Story

Winter 2024

$1,450 USD

Dates

Jan 9—Feb 17, 2024

Payment Deadline

Jan 8, 2024

Spring 2024

$1,450 USD

Dates

Mar 5—Apr 13, 2024

Payment Deadline

Mar 4, 2024

|

Bulk purchases

Meet your instructor

Jim Hull

Jim Hull

🎩 Many Hats, One Mission: Animator, storyboard artist, director, story consultant—you name it, I've done it. 


🎬 Notable Projects:

  • Shaped Disney's Tangled series
  • Contributed to Canada's Oscar pick for 2023, Eternal Spring


🌟 Impact & Influence:

  • Collaborated with Mike DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Sebastien de Castell (acclaimed novelist), and Dave Collard (Blacklist 2020 Top 3 Spec Script)
  • Mentored creators behind hits like The Mitchells vs. The Machines and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles


🕰️ 25+ Years in Animation: Worked on 15+ films for Disney and Dreamworks, including TarzanShrek 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!

A pattern of wavy dots
Join an upcoming cohort

Build a Better Story

Winter 2024

$1,450 USD

Dates

Jan 9—Feb 17, 2024

Payment Deadline

Jan 8, 2024

Spring 2024

$1,450 USD

Dates

Mar 5—Apr 13, 2024

Payment Deadline

Mar 4, 2024

|

Bulk purchases

Learning is better with cohorts

Learning is better with cohorts

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.

Free resource

Unlocking a Complete Story with AI

Unlock the secrets of storytelling with this downloadable PDF! Master the Four Throughlines, a technique endorsed by professionals, and transform your story ideas into compelling narratives. Gain a sneak peek into the Write Great Stories with AI cohort and learn how complex narrative concepts can elevate your writing skills. Download now and start writing stories that leave a lasting impact!

Unleash Your Story Potential!

Frequently Asked Questions

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A pattern of wavy dots
Join an upcoming cohort

Build a Better Story

Winter 2024

$1,450 USD

Dates

Jan 9—Feb 17, 2024

Payment Deadline

Jan 8, 2024

Spring 2024

$1,450 USD

Dates

Mar 5—Apr 13, 2024

Payment Deadline

Mar 4, 2024

|

Bulk purchases

$1,450 USD

4.9

(34)

·

6 Weeks