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.
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.
Previously at
Course overview
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.
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 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.
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".
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.
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). 😃
Build a Better Story
Week 1
Week 1
Jan 9—Jan 14
Events
Tue, Jan 9, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC
Modules
Free preview
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
Week 2
Jan 15—Jan 21
Events
Tue, Jan 16, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC
Modules
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
Week 3
Jan 22—Jan 28
Events
Tue, Jan 23, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC
Modules
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
Week 4
Jan 29—Feb 4
Events
Tue, Jan 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC
Modules
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
Week 5
Feb 5—Feb 11
Nothing scheduled for this week.
Week 6
Week 6
Feb 12—Feb 17
Nothing scheduled for this week.
Post-Course
Post-Course
Modules
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)
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
🎩 Many Hats, One Mission: Animator, storyboard artist, director, story consultant—you name it, I've done it.
🎬 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!
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
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 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!
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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
$1,450 USD
4.9
(34)
6 Weeks