Build a Better Story
Hosted by
Jim Hull
Story Consultant for Canada's Oscar-contender 2023, 20+ yrs. animation industry
Course overview
Join us to learn and master a tried-and-true story framework that never fails, straight from a seasoned story consultant who's rubbed shoulders with giants like Disney, Dreamworks, and Netflix--even contributing to Canada's 2023 Oscar contender.
Get ready for an immersive learning experience with over 23 hours of live instruction, spread across an exciting six weeks!
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Creative storytellers (screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, etc.) who feel stuck when it comes to finishing their stories.
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Anyone who recognizes that a story has the power to transform the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
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Artists who believe that leveraging cutting-edge tech maximizes and accelerates one's ability for self-expression.
We'll delve into the crafty strategies employed by successful authors (more often than not, subconscious in nature!) in spinning those unforgettable narratives. Ready to understand what makes a story stick?
Delve into the fusion of AI and storytelling. Learn how cutting-edge technology can illuminate profound narrative concepts, leading you to fresh, inspired stories. Welcome to the next level of narrative depth and complexity.
Deep within every story lies a pulsing heartbeat. By identifying what truly resonates within your work, you can enhance its power and transformational storytelling potential. Discover your story's heart and amplify your authorial voice.
Learn to weave a seamless narrative, leaving no stone unturned in your story's landscape. We'll tackle the art of crafting a balanced story, one that harmonizes both logic and emotion, ensuring your narrative stays captivating, comprehensive, and free of perplexing story gaps.
9.7
(26 ratings)
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
Georgina Perry
Jason Loftus
Late Summer 2023
$1,450 USD
Dates
Aug 2 - Sep 8, 2023
Application Deadline
July 28, 2023
Hello future storytelling wizards! I'm an old hand at the storytelling game, and I'm here to share some insider knowledge with you. Throughout my career, I've donned many hats - animator, storyboard artist, director, and story consultant, just to name a few.
You know the Disney animated series Tangled? Yep, I helped shape that story. How about Canada's Oscar pick for Best International Film 2023, Eternal Spring? I had a hand in that too. And the stories I've worked on aren't just confined to the big and small screen. I've collaborated with novelists and screenwriters like Mike DiMartino of Avatar: The Last Airbender fame, Sebastien de Castell, and Dave Collard, whose spec script made it to #3 on the Blacklist 2020.
But the thing I'm most proud of? Seeing my students succeed. They've gone on to create critically acclaimed films like The Mitchells vs. The Machines for Netflix. I'm telling you, there's nothing quite like seeing your protégés' stories come to life.
With over 25 years in the animation industry, I've learned a thing or two about crafting compelling narratives. I've animated on at least 15 films for Disney and Dreamworks, including classics like Tarzan, Shrek 2, and How to Train Your Dragon. I've also had the privilege of writing & storyboarding for the legendary Warner Bros. director Chuck Jones and directing for Sony Pictures Television and Dreamworks TV.
All these experiences have taught me one thing: the importance of getting the story right, and as soon as possible. And that's exactly what I'll be sharing with you. So, are you ready to save time and get your first draft right the first time? Let's get started!
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Week 1: Building a Relationship with Your Story
Picture your story as a distinctive personality, almost like a new friend. Fascinating, right? By delving into the "Genre" of your piece, you're paving the way for a balanced and compelling narrative structure.
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Week 2: The Magic of Theme-Driven Narratives
Ever heard Robert Towne's view that a movie is really just "four or five moments between two people"? This week, you'll unravel how great stories leverage contrasting perspectives to stir up enduring and impactful conflict. This is your antidote to the dreaded 2nd Act woes.
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Week 3: Characters as Bearers of Meaning
Characters aren't real people; they're conduits for conveying diverse perspectives. Aligning these viewpoints with your artistic intention is crucial in constructing a sturdy narrative base. This week, we'll start making choices that sculpt your story's exclusive narrative structure.
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Week 4: The Crossroads of Character and Plot in Your Premise
There's been debate about "character-driven" versus "plot-driven" narratives. The truth is, great stories merge both – you just need to know where to look. Identifying the right turning points for a potent premise sets your narrative structure on track.
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Week 5: Sketching Your Story Outline
Time to let the words flow. Eager to draft your story outline in an engaging, meaningful way? We've got just the tool for you. This week, we delve into a unique, intuitive approach to mapping your story from start to finish.
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Week 6: Crafting Purposeful Scenes
With a thought-provoking outline at hand, crafting your story scene-by-scene is as fun as your favorite game. We'll dive into sequences and scenes that make your narrative pulse with life. Storytelling made effortless and exhilarating!
Late Summer 2023
$1,450 USD
Dates
Aug 2 - Sep 8, 2023
Application Deadline
July 28, 2023
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.
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 Build a Better Story cohort and learn how complex narrative concepts can elevate your writing skills. Download now and start writing stories that leave a lasting impact!
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Late Summer 2023
$1,450 USD
Dates
Aug 2 - Sep 8, 2023
Application Deadline
July 28, 2023