Develop your story idea into a world of its own
Everyone has IDEAS; now learn how to take that idea/sketch/napkin drawing and build it into a STORY with relatable characters, solid structure, and themes using timeless, but simple techniques inspired by everything from ancient myths to contemporary film, books, comics and animation. Students will develop their own ideas, characters and stories using written premises, outlines, treatments, fictional biographies and character histories, becoming the absolute authorities on their invented worlds – with an eye toward preparing each student’s creative development work for real-life application in their media of choice; film, TV, animation, comics, etc.
Course Format
Standard
Skills Level
Intermediate
Duration
8 weeks
Q&A
Once a week
Feedback
Individual recordings
Lecture Type
Pre-recorded
Assignment
Due each week. Expect to spend 8-10 hrs/wk viewing lectures, Q&A, and time on assignments.
PREREQUISITES
None
MATERIALS
None
The more you know, the better.
Week #1
Overview of Course, Steps, and Goals: the Need for Intellectual Property
Intro to story: What is it? Why do we love it? How do we make it? | Selection and creative thinking process techniques; how to effectively select what to spend your time on: from doodle to passion project
Week #2
Brainstorming Tips and Tricks
An Introduction to Building Strong, Relatable Characters | Lecture and Scene Analysis on Powerful Character Introductions and First Impressions | Using contemporary and classic film and TV | Flexing and Applying Your Critical Eye to Introducing Characters
Week #3
Writing What You Know
Writing What You know | Heroes and Villains | Cliche vs Archetype | Caricature vs Character | One dimensional vs multi-dimensional | Writing Character bios (becoming experts on your char) | Defining Char needs, wants, behavior | Character contrast and supporting cast
Week #4
World Building: Small Scale and Large Scale
Building your story: from stick man to final render | Story vs. plot / what vs. how: what happens and how to show it | Image systems and motif; the seduction of pretty pictures | Serialized vs. episodic
Week #5
Story and Structure
Classical and contemporary models for story | Three-act structure and other lies | A, B, and C plots | Deciding what works best for you
Week #6
Putting It All Together
Deciding which story to tell; the Star Wars model | Building your story, then writing it: note cards, outlining, sculpting; writing inside out vs. outside in; just like drawing | Weaving character and story: how to build theme; where to find it and when; controlling ideas and keeping it simple
Week #7
Building Loglines and Descriptions
The elevator pitch: how to take your creative research and pare it down to bare essentials | Workshopping with peers: collecting constructive criticism
Week #8
How to Schedule and Strategize Your Creative Project
Now what? Planning for next steps: intro to TV, feature, and comic strips; writing novels/prose | Pitching/selling vs. controlling your I.P.
PRICING SCHEDULE
Even though our courses are the most affordable for the quality of education, these finance options allow you to focus on your goals instead of the barriers that keep you from reaching them.
3x Payments
$233
2x Payments
$349.50
Full payment
$699
Summer TERM REGISTRATION
Apr 29, 2024 -
Jul 15, 2024
What makes this learning experience unique?
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
Receive personalized feedback on all assignments from the industry’s top professionals.
LIFETIME ACCESS
Enjoy lifetime access to the spectrum of course content, including lectures, live Q&As, and feedback sessions.
CERTIFICATION
Show off your Certification of Completion when you turn in 80% of course assignments.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Learn anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace with flexible, online course scheduling.
Need guidance? We’re Here to Help.
We can help with admissions questions, portfolio review/course recommendations!
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