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We're kicking off the final month of 2020 in the Writers' Room with a another member-inspired Breakdown Webcast! This month we will be talking about writing Theme in your feature scripts. Every well-conceived and executed story will have a theme, which is the "controlling idea", underlying essence, or deeper meaning of film script. And yet, because themes are often buried deep within a story’s structure, it can be hard to articulate or even recognize them. That is why we will be breaking down story structure to find out exactly which scenes typically explore theme. As always, we will be utilizing scenes from some of our favorite films to discuss how they handle theme. We pull clips from classics such as Jurassic Park, Shawshank Redemption, The Exorcist, Saving Private Ryan, and more! Full Bio »
We're kicking off the final month of 2020 in the Writers' Room with a another member-inspired Breakdown Webcast! This month we will be talking about writing Theme in your feature scripts.
Every well-conceived and executed story will have a theme, which is the "controlling idea", underlying essence, or deeper meaning of film script. And yet, because themes are often buried deep within a story’s structure, it can be hard to articulate or even recognize them.
That is why we will be breaking down story structure to find out exactly which scenes typically explore theme. As always, we will be utilizing scenes from some of our favorite films to discuss how they handle theme. We pull clips from classics such as Jurassic Park, Shawshank Redemption, The Exorcist, Saving Private Ryan, and more!
The Breakdown
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"Thanks so much, Jason. This was awesome." - Monica M.
"You have so much knowledge, Jason. Thanks for sharing this with us. I think I understand theme better through this webinar." - Jill H.
"This was great! Wicked job Jason!" - Sarah GB
"This was really helpful! Thanks Jason!" - Martha C.
Join us for the SCRIPT BREAKDOWN WEBCAST of the feature film NUREMBERG (2025)with Producer Sandy Shenkman! Sandy is a Los Angeles-based producer with 15 years of experience working across film and television, selling over 25 projects to networks including HBO, HISTORY, FOX, ABC, NBC, TNT, USA, FX, WGN, LIFETIME, AMAZON, CBC, and THE BBC. His producing credits include 715 (BLUESTONE ENTERTAINMENT) as executive producer, DOWN DOG (AMAZON STUDIOS) as development executive, and THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE (WARNER BROS.) as assistant to producer TYLER MITCHELL! Currently, he serves as a consulting producer for BLUESTONE ENTERTAINMENT, where he recently co-produced the upcoming historical drama NUREMBERG (SONY PICTURES CLASSICS) starring Academy Award winners RUSSELL CROWE and RAMI MALEK, scheduled for release in late 2025. Join us for educational fun right here at Stage 32!
Everyone loves a good thrill! In this webcast we will break down what makes Horror, Thriller and other genre scripts so appealing - and why they continue to dominate box offices around the world.
Oscar-nominated POOR THINGS has been taking the award season hype by storm. Written by Tony McNamara and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, it is a bizarre wonder of a film starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Ramy Youssef. This film has captivated audiences and gotten the critics talking. Join us on Wednesday March 6 as our Stage 32 Executive Liaison Nick Phillips breaks down the script of POOR THINGS. We'll learn how this wacky weird movie has entered into pop culture and why the script works so brilliantly.
We're only 15 minutes away from our special webcast event The Breakdown Webcast Special Summer Series-Healthy Mindset for the Screenwriter: Dealing with Rejection with 2xTEDx Speaker & Best Selling Author Darryll Stinson! Through a life-changing experience at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, Darryll got a second chance and came to believe that his life mattered. He began the arduous journey of discovering what was his purpose in life. After five years of research, meditation, workshops, and cross-examination, he found his highest (unique) purpose, and built a life I love waking up to experience each day. He became passionate about helping others, specifically athletes and entrepreneurs change the world by finding their (unique) highest purpose and building thriving careers and businesses. Darryll is an entrepreneur, pastor, and a speaker. He will be speaking with members about why we should not fear rejection, but instead embrace it as a friend.
Writers can't rely on jump-scares and creepy music, so how do screenwriters create tension on the page? We'll take a look at needling suspense of THE BABADOOK, the tension just below the surface in GET OUT, the apocalyptic horror of “The Walking Dead”, and the creeps and chills of IT.
We love to hate them...or hate to love them! We're kicking off another month of a packed Writers' Room schedule with the Breakdown Webcast: Antagonists! During one of our character building webcasts, we noted that many of our examples of great characters, were characters who we traditionally see as antagonists! So let's dig in and really explore what makes these baddies so good. Stories need conflict, certainly, but conflict doesn't have to come at the hands of a cackling, mustache-twirling supervillain. There's more than one way to shape your story's antagonist! During this webcast we'll discuss 4 types of antagonists, 6 ways in which to develop a well-rounded and authentic antagonist, how to intrude your antagonists and explore our favorite antagonists from film and television, and a whole lot more!