Only VIP members have access to this exclusive webinar library. Click here to subscribe to a VIP plan.
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Breakdown Webcast: Writing Ensembles! An ensemble film is different from most lone protagonist-driven movies because it has a lot of main protagonists (some who are depicted as supporting characters though) that have roughly the same amount of "screen time" and importance in the screenplay. During this webcast, we discuss the challenge of giving every character in your ensemble a human turn while placing them in the context of the narrative. We examine some of our favorite projects including PRINCESS BRIDE, PARENTHOOD, "BRIDGERTON", THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and more to see how the characters - and their goals - come together. We also discuss tips on how you can balance all of the characters in your ensemble piece while crafting compelling obstacles for them to overcome (either together or separately). Full Bio »
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Breakdown Webcast: Writing Ensembles! An ensemble film is different from most lone protagonist-driven movies because it has a lot of main protagonists (some who are depicted as supporting characters though) that have roughly the same amount of "screen time" and importance in the screenplay.
During this webcast, we discuss the challenge of giving every character in your ensemble a human turn while placing them in the context of the narrative.
We examine some of our favorite projects including PRINCESS BRIDE, PARENTHOOD, "BRIDGERTON", THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and more to see how the characters - and their goals - come together. We also discuss tips on how you can balance all of the characters in your ensemble piece while crafting compelling obstacles for them to overcome (either together or separately).
The Breakdown
Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
A: If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Go to Webinar, you will receive an email from Go to Webinar with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. You can also access your webinar link in your purchase history located under settings in the top right-hand corner of your Stage 32 profile.
If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.
Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.
YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN
If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:
Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.
Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
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 10.9 (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 webinar. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer.
Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar or purchase an on demand webinar, 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! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.
Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.
Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.
Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.
If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.
"That was great info Jason." - Becky B.
"Thanks, Jason! Great webinar! Can see several points to apply to what I'm working on now!" - Martha C.
"Jason, thank you. I am continually impressed by your skills." Tom H.
"Thanks, Jason. You really delve into your topics and your choices of movies to illustrate ensemble casts are brilliant." - Jill H.
We will examine ways in which screenwriters tackle one of the most complex and difficult concepts in narrative storytelling, looking at projects like Edge of Tomorrow to discuss rules that are created, bent, and broken by writers.
We're kicking off the first Writers' Room of 2020 with a deep dive into antiheroes - one of the most difficult character types to write. During this supersized 90 minute webcast, Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch explores the complexities of characters from some of our favorite films and television series including Joker, Kill Bill, The Social Network, The Irishman, "Fleabag", "The Sopranos", "Sherlock" and more to find out what makes them tick...and why we love them. We discuss the how screenwriters craft compelling antiheroes and I will give you specific types of antiheroes to consider when writing as well as tips on how to write them!
Remember that every line of dialogue matters, every image has a purpose, and there are no wasted bullets in the gun! We're kicking off another month of a packed Writers' Room schedule with the Breakdown Webcast: Exposition as Ammunition! Many writers struggle with how to get out critical information and backstory to the audience in an organic way. So during this webcast, we discuss how to get the audience the information they need without a lecture they don't want. During this webcast we'll discuss different ways of getting out information in a way that feels organic to the narrative and the characters. We examine some of the best - and worst - examples from film and television!
We're back in the Writers' Room for the first Breakdown Webcast of 2021! At some point we have heard a note that “your story feels flat" or "your second act is weak" or "this won’t sustain for 100 minutes." If that is the case, there is a good chance that you have an underdeveloped (or perhaps no) B-Stories or Subplots. That is why we will be breaking down story structure to find out exactly what B-Stories and a Subplots are, and how we can incorporate them into our writing. Using clips from INCEPTION, BACK TO THE FUTURE, and DIE HARD, we'll examine how the B-Stories and Subplots of these narratives help drive the second act and create a more impactful story. After the webcast, make sure to head on over to the Private Lounge to discuss your thoughts on the best B-Stories and Subplots.
We're back in the Writers Room this afternoon for The Breakdown Webcast with Film & Television Writer, Ashley Miller!
We're back in the Writers Room this afternoon for The Breakdown Webcast Thunder Levin. Thunder Levin is a feature film and television writer/director. He is probably best known as the creator of the pop culture phenomenon “Sharknado” series of TV movies for Syfy Channel. He has written and directed four feature films: “Mutant Vampire Zombies From The ‘Hood!”, an independent horror/comedy starring C. Thomas Howell; “American Warships” a military action film starring Mario Van Peebles & Carl Weathers for the Syfy Channel; “AE Apocalypse Earth”, a science fiction film starring Adrian Paul & Richard Grieco; and “GeoDisaster” a disaster film released in 2017. He has written over a dozen produced feature films & TV movies, and collaborated on a videogame adaptation of the classic 90's TV series “Xena: Warrior Princess” for Universal’s “Series” mobile app. He is developing several TV series, feature film projects, and a comic book series. He’s a lifelong sailor and car enthusiast who’s recently taken up motorcycle riding and is at work on his first novel. Yes, that’s his real name.