Hosted by
Jim Hull
Story Consultant for Canada's Oscar-contender 2023, 20+ yrs. animation industry
Last chance to enroll
5
days
13
hours
35
mins
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!
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.
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.
Build a Better Story
9.7
(31 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
Alistair Dyte
Anthony Tilke
Georgina Perry
Jason Loftus
Fall 2023
$1,450 USD
Dates
Oct 3—Nov 9, 2023
Payment Deadline
Oct 2, 2023
Don't miss out! Enrollment closes in 6 days
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!
01
Storymind
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. 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.
02
Complete Story
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.
03
Plot
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.
04
Players
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.
05
Character Arcs
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.
06
Pivotal Elements
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.
07
Mental Sex
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.
08
Storyform
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.
09
OS Transits and Story Drivers
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.
10
MC Transits, Progressions, and Events
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.
11
OC, RS Transits, and Plotting
In the OC, RS Transits and Plotting section, we delve into the Obstacle Character and Relationship Story Throughlines. We discuss how to use transits and plotting to create complex, multi-dimensional characters and relationships. This includes understanding how to use these elements to create emotional depth and complexity in your narrative.
12
The Mind of a Story
In The Mind of a Story section, we return to the concept of the Storymind. We discuss how to use this perspective to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. This includes understanding how to balance the different aspects of the Storymind to create a story that resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level.
Fall 2023
$1,450 USD
Dates
Oct 3—Nov 9, 2023
Payment Deadline
Oct 2, 2023
Don't miss out! Enrollment closes in 6 days
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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Fall 2023
$1,450 USD
Dates
Oct 3—Nov 9, 2023
Payment Deadline
Oct 2, 2023
Don't miss out! Enrollment closes in 6 days