Story Planning: Getting “The Big Idea” From Inspiration to the Final Pitch will focus on creating story plans that work— every time— to create compelling stories that deliver powerful themes. The end result of this work is a simple, yet strong blueprint that clearly outlines the “What Happened to who, and why”. A well crafted story plan keeps a story on track, concisely shares the idea with prospective investors, and creates a strong foundation for more in-depth development. Solid plots start with a well-vetted plan.
This class answers the questions:
And speaks to the following concerns:
This class will NOT cover: (Please see other course offerings for these topics)
—Traditional plotting structures or beats
—In-depth, workshopping on how to pitch to an investor, agent, or publisher
—Detailed character development or arch’s
—Review or workshopping of works in progress
Story Planning will be taught by writer R. Lyon Bergh, held weekly for 6 weeks, starting next May 1st, 2023, 3:30-5:45 pm (NO class May 15 or May 29). A great compliment or follow-up to any of our other writing classes, this course is targeted to filmmakers and narrative writers of all mediums (novels, screenplays, creative nonfiction, etc). We are offering this valuable Series for $375 ($300 for ALUMNI). Advance registration (below) is required, along with payment in full, or a $50 Deposit (with balance due prior to class).
This class answers the questions:
- When starting a new story, where should I begin?
- What is a theme, and why do I need one?
- How do I know if my story is interesting or unique?
- I have a compelling character/world/moment/message. How do I make it into a story?
- How do I find new story ideas?
- How do I find the story among the facts in a documentary or “true-life” account?
- How do I craft a strong and effective “elevator pitch”?
And speaks to the following concerns:
- I don’t really know what my story is about, so it keeps changing in my mind.
- I have a message that’s important to me, but I don’t want to sound ‘preachy’.
- I like to free-write (no outlining), but sometimes I get stuck or my story wanders.
- I have trouble knowing where to start.
- I get overwhelmed when outlining and can’t tell what’s actually important.
- I tend to over-write and create worlds and stories that lack focus or direction.
- I worry my ideas are not unique enough.
- When people ask what my story is about, I don’t know how to describe it easily.
- I’m good at writing shorts, but struggle with full-length works.
This class will NOT cover: (Please see other course offerings for these topics)
—Traditional plotting structures or beats
—In-depth, workshopping on how to pitch to an investor, agent, or publisher
—Detailed character development or arch’s
—Review or workshopping of works in progress
Story Planning will be taught by writer R. Lyon Bergh, held weekly for 6 weeks, starting next May 1st, 2023, 3:30-5:45 pm (NO class May 15 or May 29). A great compliment or follow-up to any of our other writing classes, this course is targeted to filmmakers and narrative writers of all mediums (novels, screenplays, creative nonfiction, etc). We are offering this valuable Series for $375 ($300 for ALUMNI). Advance registration (below) is required, along with payment in full, or a $50 Deposit (with balance due prior to class).
