How To Write Your Animation Film: From Idea to Execution + Get The TOY STORY Screenplay

Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details
Taught by Alec Sokolow

$399
Class Schedule (4 sessions):
Thursday, Mar 30TH 1 - 3PM PDT
Tuesday, Apr 4TH 1 - 3PM PDT
Tuesday, Apr 11TH 1 - 3PM PDT
Tuesday, Apr 18TH 1 - 3PM PDT
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Class hosted by: Alec Sokolow

Oscar Nominated Screenwriter of TOY STORY, (GARFIELD, GARFIELD: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES)

Alec Sokolow is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, storyteller, and character creator who specializes in global branding and franchise creation. Alec regularly works as a screenwriter for all the major studios and various global independent producers. His feature film credits include "Toy Story," "Cheaper By the Dozen," "Garfield," "Garfield: A Tale Of Two Kitties," "Money Talks," "Evan Almighty," "Goodbye Lover," and "Daddy Day Camp." Alec has also written the meta video game storyline and user interface for Activision's billion-dollar franchise "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure" and "Skylanders: Giants." He has also produced feature documentaries, directed animation shorts, and written children's books. Alec’s storytelling has created global receipts of over $2 billion. Full Bio »

Summary

Join The Oscar Nominated Writer Of TOY STORY, EVAN ALMIGHTY, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, GARFIELD, and more as He Teaches You How To Develop and Write Your Hit Animation Movie

Plus! You'll receive Alec's screenplay for TOY STORY

Limited Spots Available - Register Now

 

What makes a great animated feature film screenplay?

In this exclusive, interactive Stage 32 4-session class, you will explore and celebrate screenwriting for animated films with the Oscar nominated writer of TOY STORY, Alec Sokolow. 

Alec is a screenwriter, storyteller, and character creator who specializes in global branding and franchise creation. Alec regularly works as a screenwriter for all the major studios and various global independent producers. His feature film credits also include CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, GARFIELD, GARFIELD: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES, MONEY TALKS, EVAN ALMIGHTY, DADDY DAY CAMP and more. Alec has also written the meta video game storyline and user interface for Activision's billion-dollar franchise SKYLANDERS: SPYRO'S ADVENTURE and SKYLANDERS: GIANTS. Alec’s storytelling has created global receipts of over $2 billion.

Do you have an idea for an animated movie? A unique world you wish to explore, or a unique point of view in our world, that you believe can be truly realized with animation?

Then it's time to develop your idea into a feature length animated screenplay that connects with the intended audience (i.e., a producer, a pitch representative, a network, a studio, a streamer, etc).

If you attend the sessions live you'll be able to ask Alec your questions and you'll have direct access to Alec on email for the duration of the class. If you cannot attend any sessions live, recordings of each session will be emailed to you 24-hours after the session so you can keep up. 

You'll walk away from this class with the tools and vision you need to write your animated feature at the highest level. 

If you are looking to create an animated script that imbues your authentic voice with a style of storytelling that evokes emotions, then this is the class for you.

 

PRAISE FOR ALEC'S PREVIOUS STAGE 32 EDUCATION:

 

"Alec is not only an incredible educator, but extremely knowledgeable and down to earth. I can't thank Alec enough for his guidance!" - Leo S.

 

What You'll Learn

Session 1 – DEVELOPING YOUR ANIMATED FILM CONCEPT

TOY STORY? DEPLOY STORY!

Everything begins with an idea. A spark. A point of view. In this session we will discuss the brainstorming and ideation for the animated writing process. How to take that spark and develop it into a feature length screenplay worthy of a read. We will work through the steps and techniques to mold you idea and reveal the story you will commit to telling.

  • Loglines. Telling your movie in one sentence.
  • Key Steps for analyzing your structural signposts
  • Understanding the marketplace in shaping your story
  • Animated Film conventions and how to make them work for you
  • Q&A with Alec

Session 2 – DEVELOPING YOUR CHARACTERS

INSIDE OUT: Building Your Character's Inner Life

Character. Character. Character. Everything begins and ends with your characters. What they want? What is their perspective? In this session we will explore and implement a method used to draw out and create the characters that will populate your animated film. We will look at tone, mood, motivations, and questions of characters in your story.

  • Creating a character’s motivations and “Freuds.”
  • Naming your characters.
  • Shaping your character’s identity and voice.
  • Tying your supporting characters to the main story line.
  • Setting character themes; setting, dialogue, and introductory descriptions.
  • Creating arcs for your character
  • Q&A with Alec

Session 3 – DEVELOPING YOUR WORLD

THE LION KING: The Rules Of Your Jungle

Once you have your world and your characters, you will need to create stakes and goals that test and reveal your character. You will need to test them and bring them to the very precipice of losing everything they most desire. So, how do you realize this?

  • Creating storylines.
  • Building stakes.
  • Incorporating misdirections that reveal bigger themes.
  • Set pieces and sequences.
  • The journey within.
  • Q&A with Alec

Session 4 –EXECUTING ON YOUR IDEA

FANTASIA: Turning Dreams Into Reality

Animation filmmaking has its own unique process from ideas through production. It requires visual assets, world building, character creation and, of course, an animation studio. The more you know about this world of animation, the easier it will be for you to realize your ideas and navigate your entire process.

  • A Guide to navigating the animation world
  • Understanding how your screenplay will be marketed and sold.
  • Branding your characters.
  • Ensuring your Characters connect with the audience
  • Q&A with Alec

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an executive and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

  • This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the skills necessary to develop and write an animated feature film. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
  • This class will consist of four sessions, each roughly two hours in duration and spaced one week apart from one another. In addition to the presentation-style lessons, you will have the opportunity to ask questions during each session.
  • Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the process.
  • **Alec will be available on email during the 4 sessions to answer any questions you have about the class.**

Payment plans are available - please contact edu@stage32.com for more information.

About Your Instructor

Alec Sokolow is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, storyteller, and character creator who specializes in global branding and franchise creation. Alec regularly works as a screenwriter for all the major studios and various global independent producers. His feature film credits include "Toy Story," "Cheaper By the Dozen," "Garfield," "Garfield: A Tale Of Two Kitties," "Money Talks," "Evan Almighty," "Goodbye Lover," and "Daddy Day Camp."

Alec has also written the meta video game storyline and user interface for Activision's billion-dollar franchise "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure" and "Skylanders: Giants." He has also produced feature documentaries, directed animation shorts, and written children's books. Alec’s storytelling has created global receipts of over $2 billion.

Schedule

Thursday March 30th 1pm-3pm PT

Tuesday April 4th 1pm-3pm PT

Tuesday April 11th 1pm-3pm PT

Tuesday April 18th 1pm-3pm PT

FAQs

Q: What is the format of a class?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.

Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer

Q: What if I cannot attend the live class?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar and purchase an On-Demand class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.

Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of a live or On-Demand class, you will have on-demand access to the recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like for a whole year!

 

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Questions?

If you have a generic question about Stage 32 education you can take a look at our frequently asked questions section on our help page, or feel free to contact support with any other inquiries you might have.

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