Current Workshops

Most of the workshops below can be presented in time slots ranging between 40 minutes and two hours, and in either lecture or interactive workshop formats.

Character Arc:
Fact and Fiction

Realistic characters grow and develop in stories, but not all characters are transformed. Using examples from current and classic films, we will explore five fundamental character dramatics that hold the key to understanding the essence of "character arc." Learn how to make them work for you in your own stories.

Writing Action-Packed and
Character-Driven Stories

Explore the Eight Essential Questions of Character and Plot. Does your main character change his essential nature or stay the course? How do characters grow? What brings your story to a climax? Does your story end in tragedy, triumph, or somewhere in between? Find out the answer to these questions and more.

Heroes, Villains, and
Dramatica Archetypes

Stories are populated with heroes, villains, sidekicks and more. Find out what makes them tick and how to use them in your stories. We’ll explore the basics then go beyond simple character archetypes and create far more interesting, complex characters.

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Pitchable, Sellable, Marketable: Make Your Stories Work For You

Discover four key story points that can make or break your story. We explore the four throughlines every story needs to make it pitchable, sellable, writeable, and marketable. Dozens of current and classic film examples are used and audience interaction is encouraged.

Relationships: 
Give Your Story Heart

At the heart of every great story is a powerful relationship. Whether it is between lovers, friends, family, co-workers, or even rivals, that key relationship should be the emotional center of all stories. This workshop explores how to identify and develop the relationship throughline, and what happens when it’s missing.

Plot: More Than Just Beginning, Middle, and End

Discover how plot really works. We explore three and four act structures and show what goes on in the "second act." We also examine "static" plot points such the story goal, consequence, costs, dividends, forewarnings, and more.

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How to get an Audience into your Main Character's Shoes

Whether your Main Character is a hero, a villain, a sidekick, or a one-of-a-kind original, empathizing with a Main Character is essential if you want your audience to experience your story at a personal level. Even the meanest Main Character is sympathetic when you get inside his head. This workshop gives you several surefire, practical techniques to get your audience squarely involved in your Main Character's personal issues.

Creating
Unforgettable Villains

Learn why the best villains are always the most interesting characters in their stories. Why create two-dimensional, unbeatable, unbelievable bad guys and gals when you can develop them into real, breathing, fully dimensional villains? This how-to panel gives you practical techniques for crafting memorable rogues, heavies, and other nasties.

More to Come...

Chris frequently adds new workshops to his repertoire, including new topics on request.