THE DEVELOPMENT IN
DISCOVERY COURSE
This course is a special package of 6 one-on-one sessions designed to take any storyteller, novice or veteran, and walk them through the process of building a story from a singular message. At the end of the course, each client will have developed enough information to write the first episode of a streaming or literary series.
SESSION BREAKDOWN
Each session is a one hour discussion about the fundamentals of storytelling (message, character, conflict, and action). At the close of each session, clients will receive worksheets and study guides that will help them apply the concepts to a current project of their choice. The sessions are 7 to 14 days apart. Client is expected to prepare a written application of said concept for his or her project by the beginning of the next session. Online content is available to reinforce the biweekly sessions.
SESSION 1 - GUIDING PRINCIPLES
A discussion of the meaning of story and its role in teaching values to every generation. Session focus will be centered on a clear and brief statement of the project’s theme, message, purpose, expectation and logline. Clients will receive the GUIDING PRINCIPLES WORKBOOK and be directed to online content about Guiding Principles.
SESSION 2 - CHARACTER RELATION-SHIPS: PART ONE
A discussion of the purpose of character roles within a story and how to apply those roles from the audience point of view. Session focus will be centered on audience perspective and marketing conceits like, genre and demographic. Clients will receive the PIVOTAL CHARACTER TEMPLATE to begin construction of their story’s protagonist and be directed to online content for the subject matter.
SESSION 3 - CHARACTER RELATION-SHIPS: PART TWO
A discussion of the long range goal planning’s impact on a character’s short term goals within a story. Session focus will be centered on a character’s internal motivations and shortcomings in an effort to model “realistic” interactions with other characters and story circumstances. Clients will receive the CREDIBLE LIFE PLAN worksheet to complete construction of their story’s protagonist and be directed to online content for the subject matter.
SESSION 4 - ANTAGONIST COOKBOOK
A discussion of the antagonist’s role within a story. Session focus will be centered on the development of a competing philosophy as a solid foundation for a character that represents “realist” opposition to the ideas of the protagonist. Clients will receive an additional PIVOTAL CHARACTER TEMPLATE and CREDIBLE LIFE PLAN worksheet to construct their story’s antagonist and be directed to online content for the subject matter.
SESSION 5 - ACTION
A discussion of the role of emotional growth as the catalyst for dynamic action and change in the lives of characters. Session focus will be centered on the emotional blueprint for characters and the associated consequences for the world of the story. Clients will receive a TWO PERSON SCENE worksheet and be directed to online content for the subject matter.
SESSION 6 - EPIC STORY CREATION
A discussion of how to apply the information is the previous five sessions to construct a “franchise”. Session focus will be centered on how to manage the emotional growth of teams of characters. Secondary or minor characters will have more opportunity to reveal their full emotional arc to the audience. Clients will receive the C.O.D.E. worksheet and be directed to online content for the subject matter.