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How To Create Compelling Characters For a Blockbuster Film
How To Create Compelling Characters For a Blockbuster Film
Taught by Aimee Rivera
VP of Motion Picture Development
On Demand
$49.00
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Summary

Learn from the VP of Motion Picture Production at Skydance Entertainment (TOP GUN: MAVERICK, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT, THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD) 

Plus! You'll receive the screenplays to TITANIC, LEGALLY BLONDE and TERMINATOR.

Isn't it amazing how much we care about the characters in big blockbuster movies? Will Maverick save the day and find a love he deserves? Will Wonder Woman conquer evil while coming of age as a woman exploring all of life's complications?

But writing compelling characters the audience can relate to, want to root for and want to follow into sequel after sequel is not easy. In fact, it requires a massive amount of nuance. For every compelling character we see in a major blockbuster, we can point to hundreds where the lead and supporting characters just don’t work.

So how can we assure that we’re not undermining our high concept blockbuster idea by writing lead and supporting characters who are underwhelming?

We’ve got you covered!

Aimee Rivera is the Vice President of Motion Picture Production at blockbuster film factory, Skydance Entertainment. Aimee was instrumental in the success of Skydance's Oscar-nominated and billion-dollar box office hit, TOP GUN: MAVERICK, and oversees Skydance's robust slate of major motion pictures. Skydance is known for its big stories in film and television having recently released THE FAMILY PLAN on Apple+ (breaking their all time record as the most viewed movie in Apple TV+ history!), HEART OF STONE on Netflix, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING, and TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS.

Aimee works with the top writers in the industry who know how to marry tentpole action with emotionally driven character development and she is she is here to guide you through the intricacies of character development in movies of this scale so you can approach your own scripts with this knowledge.

Big blockbusters have always been woven into the fabric of the movie industry. In fact, some executives say that it's easier for them to buy a big blockbuster spec script than it is to buy a smaller more indie style script. Now, with more movies being made that at any time in the history of cinema, buyers are looking for that next iconic character to hit the big screen. 

In this 90-minute, information-packed Stage 32 webinar, you will gain unprecedented access to the insights of a top executive shaping the films that the world adores and you uncover the methodologies behind the development of creating compelling characters in your blockbuster film. You will even have a Q&A with Aimee to ask her questions about your own projects, your craft and your career. 

Don't miss out on this chance to learn from one of the top executives working at one of the most successful companies in the film industry today!

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to scripts to help you in your own writing. Downloads include the scripts for:

  • LEGALLY BLONDE
  • TERMINATOR 
  • TITANIC

Praise for Aimee's Previous Stage 32 Education:

The webinar was great and so was Aimee! She's extremely knowledgeable about the movie industry and writing screenplays and provided excellent examples of strong female characters in action movies.

-Lyle D.

This was great - a lot of information talked about very succinctly, with tips and discussions on the different facets and difficulties that can present themselves. Very enjoyable!

-Dawn P.

A great theme about female characters. Needed this very for my story. I like the simplicity of the elements taught with the details of what's needed for films nowadays.

-Mary M.

What You'll Learn

  • Introduction to Character Development in Blockbuster Films
    • Importance of strong characters in storytelling
    • Impact of memorable characters on audience engagement
    • Overview of the webinar's goals and objectives
    • Characters driving action scenes
    • When character experiences transfer of energy
  • Understanding the Basics of Characterization
    • Defining character traits and motivations
    • Differentiating between protagonist and antagonist
    • Exploring the role of supporting characters
  • Psychology of Characters
    • Delving into character psychology
    • Creating relatable characters
    • Analyzing character arcs and development
  • Crafting Compelling Backstories
    • Importance of character history
    • Techniques for developing character backstories
    • Integrating backstories into the narrative
  • Dialogue and Character Voice
    • Writing authentic dialogue for characters
    • Establishing unique character voices
    • Using dialogue to reveal personality and relationships
  • Hero's Journey
    • Character arc in blockbuster films
  • Conflict and Resolution
    • Introducing conflict for character growth
    • Strategies for resolving character conflicts
    • Balancing internal and external conflicts
  • Character Relationships and Dynamics
    • Building strong connections between characters
    • Exploring various relationship dynamics
    • Utilizing relationships to drive the plot
  • Q&A with Aimee

Who Should Attend

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to develop compelling characters in their blockbuster movies.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn from a top Hollywood executive.

All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to develop compelling characters in their blockbuster movies.

All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to develop compelling characters in their blockbuster movies.

Actors who want to learn about how compelling characters are created for blockbuster movies. 

Executive

Aimee Rivera
Aimee Rivera
VP of Motion Picture Development at Skydance Entertainment (Mission Impossible: Fallout, The Hitman's Bodyguard)

Aimee Rivera is the VP of Motion Pictures Production at Skydance Media. Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison to create high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. Recent Skydance productions include TOP GUN: MAVERICK and the new hit film HEART OF STONE starring Gal Gadot, which premiered at #1 on Netflix.

Skydance has previously released a number of major motion pictures including most recently: Netflix's 6 UNDERGROUND, directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds, ANNIHILATION, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT, TERMINATOR: DARK FATE, and WORLD WAR Z.

Skydance Television's current slate includes Emmy-nominated shows on networks including: Netflix, Amazon, and Apple +. Skydance Interactive creates and publishes original and IP-based virtual reality experience and video games and debuted its first original title, ARCHANGEL.

Prior to joining Skydance, Aimee worked at notable companies such as: Columbia Pictures and Amazon Studios.

Testimonials

Praise for Aimee's Previous Stage 32 Education:

The webinar was great and so was Aimee! She's extremely knowledgeable about the movie industry and writing screenplays and provided excellent examples of strong female characters in action movies.

-Lyle D.

This was great - a lot of information talked about very succinctly, with tips and discussions on the different facets and difficulties that can present themselves. Very enjoyable!

-Dawn P.

A great theme about female characters. Needed this very for my story. I like the simplicity of the elements taught with the details of what's needed for films nowadays.

-Mary M.

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