3 DVD set Includes

Advanced Story Techniques

• If you've learned the three act structure, you may be ready to try variations on the basics & simply create scripts that are more focused, with more momentum. What are other ways that the three-act structure can be used? How does a writer learn to juggle the difficult elements in non-traditional structures? This program discusses the three-act structure in scenes and scene sequences. It discusses how to use structure to give you stronger turning points (surprising reveals, twists, turns, scene transitions) and non-traditional structural forms that have created such great films as Pulp Fiction, Crash, Ordinary People, Before the Rain & Sleepless in Seattle. - 30 minutes

Deepening the Theme

• The theme or central idea of a script deepens the story and connects the audience with the film by conveying the truth about the human condition. What are common themes used in successful films? How do you clarify your theme and convey your theme without getting preachy? This program discusses the identity theme and its many variations, including methods of expressing the theme and how to convey the theme through cinematic images and image systems - 30 minutes

Broadening the Characters

• Actors, directors, and producers want to see dimensional characters, capable of winning Academy Awards. They want breadth, depth, focus and direction to their characters, but they also want dimensionality - characters that are original and act-able. This program shows how to deepen characters through layering, creating subtext, how to transform characters & how to use dialogue to further add breadth and depth - 30 minutes