With John Truby
Is there a magic formula for writing a good story ?
No, of course not. A good story is above all a gigantic work of the imagination. And then some experience and some talent. A lot of reflection and self-sacrifice… And yet many other things.
Everyone agrees today, however, there are certain keys, tools that can help move you forward on the long and tortuous path to writing a successful screenplay.
Since 1985, John Truby seeks to dissect and analyze the mechanisms of the drama. Based on his experience of script-doctor and consultant for the most important American studios (see biography), he will teach you in three days the result of its experience and reflection.
Since 1997 John Truby has presented his dynamic classes at Raindance in London. You’ll discover a unique and unprecedented approach to the major principles of drama. This approach puts special emphasis on questions of structure, emotional and moral development of characters and the importance of genres.
Truby’s 22-Step Story Structure paradigm for instance, is the most modern, exciting approach to storytelling to be developed this generation. This approach is flexible and dynamic, and enhances stories that have been written for the 21st century.
John Truby’s tools for writing are considered in America to be the most advanced and the easiest to understand. No screenwriting instructor works with more established writer.
I think of them all Truby’s the best. for my taste, his stuff cuts the deepest, and allows you to develop the most detailed structure and outline.
Larry Wilson, screenwriter Beetlejuice, The Adams Family
DAY ONE – Creating A Dynamic Structure
9.30 am to 6.15 pm – 1 hour break for lunch
- How to find the perfect structure
- 3 Confusions that hurt writers
- Uncovering the myth of 3-act story structure
- 7 Steps to deep structure
- Creating the single driving force
- Three variations to classic story structure
- Key weaknesses of myth, fairy tale, and drama
- Seven steps to a great premise
- Building the hero from the ground up
- How the character web works
- True character change and how to write it
- 5 Major character changes
- Keys to the perfect opponent
- Sequencing the moral elements of the story
My pleasure to let you know an agent has picked up three of my screenplays. All were written by the guidlines of John Truby.
James Russell, screenwriter
DAY TWO – Creating A Dynamic Story
9.30 am to 6.15 pm – 1 hour break for lunch
- The 22 building blocks of every great script
- Pacing by character growth, not page number
- Creating the visual world
- Using the subplot
- Setting the tag line
- Building the reveals
- Choosing the right story shape
- Creating the strong middle
- The trick to scene sequencing
- How to write 3-track dialogue
- Secrets of building the scene
- Dialogue that increases the conflict
I’m not exaggerating: Truby’s 22 Step Story Structure revolutionised how I work. It’s the simplest way I’ve ever found to build structure, character and theme
Laurence Dworet, screenwriter Outbreak
DAY THREE – Understanding genres
9.30 am to 6.15 pm – 1 hour break for lunch
Secrets of Action, Comedy, Crime, Detective, Fantasy, Horror, Love, Masterpiece, Myth, Science Fiction, Thriller and Mixed Genre
- What each genre really means
- The central theme of each form
- 3 ways to handle genre and which one is best
- Key structure points for each genre
- Mixing genres: the best strategy for blockbusters
- Bending the genre rules for originality
*** Take this 3rd day on it’s own for £145.00 + VAT
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Articles by John Truby
Why 3 Act Story Structure Will Kill Your Writing
10 Story Techniques That Sell Scripts
