Private, interactive 8-week lab on Zoom with Top Producer & Executive Whitney Davis

Develop Your Feature Film Script Rooted in Your Voice, Truth & Authenticity

3 Spots remain -  Only 10 spots available!

Payment plans available at checkout or email edu@stage32.com for more info!

Your voice matters — and so does the story only you can tell. In a time when audiences are craving truth and connection, writing authentically isn’t just an artistic choice — it’s an act of courage. This 8-week feature writing lab is your chance to tune out the noise of “what’s selling” and focus on what really counts: your story, your truth, and your creative power. Whether your feature is a comedy, a drama, or something in between, this lab will help you write from the soul and craft work that feels deeply personal, grounded, and alive.

Let’s be honest — being a writer right now can feel overwhelming. The industry is shifting, trends are changing overnight, and it’s easy to lose sight of why you started writing in the first place. Maybe you’ve struggled to find the balance between authenticity and marketability. Maybe you’re unsure how to write stories that feel specific to you while still connecting with a broader audience. In this inclusive, intentional space, you’ll learn how to build multidimensional characters, stay true to your lived experience, and strengthen your narrative craft week by week. You’ll also have the chance to share your pages, receive feedback, and grow alongside a supportive community of storytellers who value honesty, representation, and truth.

Leading this transformative lab is Whitney Davis, Co-Executive Producer of MIKE for Hulu and TRUE LIES for CBS. With two decades of experience in both unscripted and scripted entertainment, Whitney has developed and sold projects to Disney, FX, Hulu, and Onyx Collective, working alongside Emmy-winning director Anthony Hemingway and Bassett Vance Productions. Through her work as a producer and creative executive, Whitney has built a career championing bold, authentic voices and helping writers shape personal experiences into powerful, resonant stories that stand out in today’s industry.

Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll develop your feature from concept to completed draft through a guided mix of workshops, one-on-one consultations, and peer feedback. You’ll learn to strengthen your voice, deepen your characters, and infuse your story with emotional truth and purpose. By the end of this lab, you’ll not only have a feature that reflects who you are as a writer — you’ll walk away with the confidence and creative clarity to keep telling stories that matter.

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

Testimonial from Whitney Davis:

“I’m hyped to team up with Stage 32 for this lab — it’s all about unlocking the stories only you can tell. Real storytelling changes the game, and your voice has that kind of power. Over these eight weeks, we’re going deep — finding your truth, breaking rules, and building a feature that’s bold, grounded, and real as hell.”

WEEK 1 - Building from Truth: Story, Voice, and World

We’ll introduce the class, share goals, and discuss what it means to tell an authentic story — one that reflects the world we live in and expands who gets to be seen. Writers will explore the core of their feature: what’s it really about, why it matters, and what makes it unique.
We’ll explore the intersection of voice, perspective, and lived experience, and how to translate those into narrative and tone. We’ll discuss research and world-building, tone, and the ways genre influences how truth is expressed.

• Write a one-page feature concept summary

• Write a half-page statement about why you need to tell this story

• Identify 2–3 comps for your feature (films that feel are spiritual cousins to your idea)

• Q&A with Whitney

Assignment - Develop a logline and an outline of your film. Focusing on key plot points and characters. 

WEEK 2 –  Meet the Characters

This week focuses on character development. We’ll discuss creating rich, multidimensional characters that reflect the breadth of human experience and marginalized perspectives. We’ll explore internal and external conflict, character arcs, relationships, and how every character MUST propel your story forward. 

• Write detailed profiles for your main characters, including goals, fears, contradictions, and relationships.

• Write a short scene or monologue introducing your protagonist through action and voice.

• Q&A with Whitney

Assignment: Revise your outline as needed. Draft your first 10–20 pages, focusing on opening, establishing your characters

WEEK 3 – Act Two: Heart of the Story (The Fuckery) - PT. 1

Act Two is the heart of your feature — the part where your characters are tested, the stakes rise, and your story world comes alive. This week, we’ll focus on staying true to the authenticity and nuance of your characters and the world they inhabit. We’ll explore how to deepen relationships, escalate conflict, and develop subplots, all while keeping the story grounded in lived experience and honest emotional beats. You’ll learn how to sustain tension, challenge your characters meaningfully, and ensure every scene reflects the truth of who they are and the communities they represent.

• We’re going back to film school! Bring in some of your favorite characters on screen. Let’s discuss some memorable characters!

• Q&A with Whitney

Assignment: Write another 20–30 pages, building toward the midpoint. Focus on further character development and escalating tension. 

WEEK 4 – One-on-Ones

Submit your material for a one-on-one consultation. We’ll review your progress, address challenges, and refine your script’s first half. This is our time to connect and vibe over your story. Bring passion for your storytelling. I’ll get even more excited and hype for you if you’re passionate about your work!

Assignment: Make sure you’ve completed 45-50 pages of your script, implementing any major story notes.

WEEK 5 - Act Two Con’t: You Won’t Break My Soul!

You’ll learn how to sustain tension, challenge your characters meaningfully, and ensure every scene reflects the truth of who they are and the communities they represent. Let’s consider raising the stakes, who doesn’t love a red herring or a twist–I live for them! We’ve got to make sure we’re avoiding clichés while delivering on genre expectations. 

• You’ll cast a Zoom reading from a scene in your screenplay and get feedback from two peers–it’s great to hear our work read aloud!

• Q&A with Whitney
•  

WEEK 6 - Act Three Pt. 1: The Rise 

The story starts its final ascent. We’ll focus on ramping up stakes, deepening tension, and keeping characters’ actions true to their arcs and the world you’ve built. This is the point where everything starts moving toward resolution and every choice should feel earned and authentic. You got this!

• Q&A with Whitney

Assignment: Complete 70–80 pages, focusing on the final turning point and resolution setup. You should be at least halfway through Act 3. 

WEEK 7 - Act Three Pt. 2: Stick the Landing 

We’ll cover tying up arcs, delivering emotional impact, and leaving a lasting impression. Writers will learn how to craft endings that are truthful, satisfying, and reflective of their characters’ journeys and communities. 

• Discuss producibility of projects. 

• Share surprising and satisfying discoveries while writing feature and in workshop

• Open Q&A and final advice for next steps

Assignment: Write your final 10-15 pages and celebrate—your first draft is complete!

Make sure to resolve character arcs and conclude the central plot. 

WEEK 8 – Take a Bow: One on Ones

Final consultations on your full draft. Reflect on the journey, get notes for revision, and discuss next steps for development.

• Anyone ready to complete a first draft of their feature script with guidance, structure, and confidence

• Screenwriters developing a feature film who are ready to take their draft or outline to the next level

• Creatives who want to strengthen their storytelling voice and write from truth rather than trends

• Filmmakers who want to create multidimensional characters and worlds that feel real and emotionally grounded

• Writers seeking professional feedback, mentorship, and accountability from a seasoned producer and executive

December 6, 2025 - Session 1
December 13, 2025 - Session 2
December 20, 2025 - Session 3
January 3, 2026 - Session 4 - one on one. no class
January 10, 2026 - Session 5
January 17, 2026 - Session 6
January 24, 2026 - Session 7
January 31, 2026 - Session 8 - one on one. no class

Testimonial from Whitney Davis:

“I’m hyped to team up with Stage 32 for this lab — it’s all about unlocking the stories only you can tell. Real storytelling changes the game, and your voice has that kind of power. Over these eight weeks, we’re going deep — finding your truth, breaking rules, and building a feature that’s bold, grounded, and real as hell.”