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Build a Better Story

9.7

(26 ratings)

·

6 Weeks

·

Cohort-based Course

Harnessing AI to dive deep into the art of crafting complete and engaging stories.

Hosted by

Jim Hull

Story Consultant for Canada's Oscar-contender 2023, 20+ yrs. animation industry

Course overview

Discover a New Chapter in the Art of Storytelling

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!

Who is this course for

01

Creative storytellers (screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, etc.) who feel stuck when it comes to finishing their stories.

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

Uncover the Secrets Behind an Iconic Story

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?

Harnessing AI to Unlock Deeper Narrative Insights

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.

Discovering the Heart of Your Story: A Journey to Your Core

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.

Crafting a Cohesive Narrative: Filling the Story Gaps

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)

See what people are saying

        This is such a powerful tool...the best is that it demands you put in deep thought. No surface-level 12 steps for Heroes here. I'm blown away...blown. away. I also don't think I actually exist anymore. This is all The Matrix.
John Dusenberry

John Dusenberry

Head of Story (Warner Bros. Animation)
        So often, writing a script made me feel like being up Sh** Creek without the proverbial paddle...when I was ready to throw the paddle overboard and scuttle the boat, who came rowing through that turgid brown water?… Sh** Creek’s resident paddle expert, Jim Hull
David Collard

David Collard

Screenwriter (Blacklist 2020)
        After working with Jim, I'm now in a spot where I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do in my life-create stories, make shows and series, collaborate and compose with other people, and I believe I can go on and make a good living from it.
Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams

Award-winning Audio Drama Writer-producer.
        Jim Hull is the only story consultant I’ve ever met who goes beyond dumbing down an idea into a set of steps but instead guides you to flesh out your ideas, showing you where to find the depth and complexity in your story that will make it both satisfying and meaningful to the reader.
Sebastien de Castell

Sebastien de Castell

Bestselling author of twelve novels including Traitor’s Blade and Spellslinger
        Your know-how, your professionalism and your creativity really helped getting the project to a new level. Honestly, my story would be so much poorer if not for your help. Thanks to working with Jim, I sold 4 novels, with the first scheduled for a 2022 release.
Cearnach Grimm

Cearnach Grimm

4x Published Novelist
        Working with this method has leveled up my writing across the board, from story structure skills, to the depth of my characters, and insight into the intricacies that make a story compelling. I'm able to start with a more profound and intimate psychological viewpoint, and spend less time fixing holes and flaws in revision.
Wendy Terrien

Wendy Terrien

International bestselling author
        I've started writing! And to know where I am, and where to go next, is so awesome! I've been worried about the writing process, how it would be affected by the framework. But so far, the Storybeats feel like playgrounds where the creativity can unfold and explode. It's so liberating! Love it!
Angela Hagen

Angela Hagen

1st Time Novelist
        I really admire how you teach. You make room for our perspectives and allow us to explore where we may be right and where our train of thought may be off in the wrong direction. It’s a great learning environment to be in, and I’m thankful for how much I’m learning and growing.
Dan Bernitt

Dan Bernitt

Screenwriter
        Jim's course goes deeper than just using AI and prompts as writing tools. He takes time to steer your thought process in the right direction, and back on track when you inevitably go astray. His structural techniques and story analyses exercises offer great preparation to build more confidence and awareness before taking the deep-dive into Subtxt.
Bill Neary

Bill Neary

Screenwriter
        You manage to make a complex topic fun and friendly while not holding back your vast depth of knowledge--while also managing the egos of a bunch of prissy artists.🙂 My grasp of Dramatica and Subtxt skyrocketed. Even though I still feel like I only understand the very basics, definitely 100% improved for going through the process.
Danno Sullivan

Danno Sullivan

Comedy Writer
        I’ve taken this course before, and thought it was great. I signed up for it again, and, wow! This second iteration has only solidified my previous understanding, but also enabled no more second act blues! Subtxt allowed me to outline a clear roadmap of where my story is going, allowing my own Muse to run wild and create an amazing story.
Julian Gustasson

Julian Gustasson

Novelist
        This is the foundation of the narrative course I’ve been looking for for years. I’ve been attending creative writing workshops for over a decade, unable to understand the story I was working on, the motivations for the teacher’s suggestions, or even to finish. With this course, I left with a story I’m sure will become a fully-fledged novel.
Victoria Paris

Victoria Paris

Novelist
        The outlining method Jim teaches starts from meaning and builds everything about the story out from there. Jim has taken the incredibly insightful Dramatica Theory of Story and found a way to make it very practical, so you're not stuck theorizing, but can make the link between theory and practice.
Georgina Perry

Georgina Perry

Novelist
        Maybe you’re like me, you wanted to know how to unearth that complete version of the story you desperately needed to tell...and once you found such a guru, you’d never share your secret with anyone! If that’s what you seek, Jim Hull is absolutely NOT your guy. Try McKee or that Hero’s Journey thing!
Jason Loftus

Jason Loftus

Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, director of Ask No Questions (Slamdance 2020) and Canada's Oscar-contender 2023, Eternal Spring
A pattern of wavy dots
Join an upcoming cohort

Build a Better Story

Late Summer 2023

$1,450 USD

Dates

Aug 2 - Sep 8, 2023

Application Deadline

July 28, 2023

Meet your instructor

Jim Hull

Jim Hull

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!

Course syllabus

01

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

02

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.

03

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.

04

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.

05

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. 

06

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!

A pattern of wavy dots
Join an upcoming cohort

Build a Better Story

Late Summer 2023

$1,450 USD

Dates

Aug 2 - Sep 8, 2023

Application Deadline

July 28, 2023

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 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!

Unleash Your Story Potential!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I can’t make a live session?
What is your real-world experience developing stories professionally?
I work full-time, what is the expected time commitment for assignments?
What are the assignments like?
What is the community experience like?
What is Subtxt?
What is Narrative First?
What time is the class? How long do they last?
What will I leave the course with? What will I have learned?
What happens at the end of the course? Will you completely abandon me?
What if I want to take the class again?

Stay in the loop

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A pattern of wavy dots
Join an upcoming cohort

Build a Better Story

Late Summer 2023

$1,450 USD

Dates

Aug 2 - Sep 8, 2023

Application Deadline

July 28, 2023

$1,450 USD

9.7

(26)

·

6 Weeks