The Breakdown Webcast: Writing Ensembles
Only VIP members have access to this exclusive webinar library. Click here to subscribe to a VIP plan.
Webinar hosted by: The Breakdown
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Breakdown Webcast: Writing Ensembles! An ensemble film is different from most lone protagonist-driven movies because it has a lot of main protagonists (some who are depicted as supporting characters though) that have roughly the same amount of "screen time" and importance in the screenplay. During this webcast, we discuss the challenge of giving every character in your ensemble a human turn while placing them in the context of the narrative. We examine some of our favorite projects including PRINCESS BRIDE, PARENTHOOD, "BRIDGERTON", THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and more to see how the characters - and their goals - come together. We also discuss tips on how you can balance all of the characters in your ensemble piece while crafting compelling obstacles for them to overcome (either together or separately). Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Breakdown Webcast: Writing Ensembles! An ensemble film is different from most lone protagonist-driven movies because it has a lot of main protagonists (some who are depicted as supporting characters though) that have roughly the same amount of "screen time" and importance in the screenplay.
During this webcast, we discuss the challenge of giving every character in your ensemble a human turn while placing them in the context of the narrative.
We examine some of our favorite projects including PRINCESS BRIDE, PARENTHOOD, "BRIDGERTON", THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and more to see how the characters - and their goals - come together. We also discuss tips on how you can balance all of the characters in your ensemble piece while crafting compelling obstacles for them to overcome (either together or separately).
About Your Instructor
The Breakdown
FAQs
Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
A: If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Go to Webinar, you will receive an email from Go to Webinar with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. You can also access your webinar link in your purchase history located under settings in the top right-hand corner of your Stage 32 profile.
If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.
Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.
YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN
If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:
- Log into your Stage 32 profile
- Click "Settings" in the top right-hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
- Go to www.stage32.com
- Create a profile using the SAME email address you used to sign up for this webinar. The email addresses must match in order to watch the webinar.
- Once you have your profile set up, you can view the webinar by clicking "Settings" in the top right hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.
Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.9 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live webinar. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer.
Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar or purchase an on demand webinar, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.
Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.
Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.
Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.
Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.
If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.
Testimonials
"That was great info Jason." - Becky B.
"Thanks, Jason! Great webinar! Can see several points to apply to what I'm working on now!" - Martha C.
"Jason, thank you. I am continually impressed by your skills." Tom H.
"Thanks, Jason. You really delve into your topics and your choices of movies to illustrate ensemble casts are brilliant." - Jill H.
Share with friends:
Questions?
Other education that may be of interest to you:
The Breakdown Webcast: Special Summer Series: Developing a Healthy Mindset for Screenwriters with Special Guest Jasmin Bristow, Mindfulness and Emotional Wellness Coaching
We're back in the Writers Room for The Breakdown Webcast: Special Summer Series: Developing a Healthy Mindset for Screenwriters with Special Guest Jasmin Bristow, Mindfulness and Emotional Wellness Coaching. Jasmin's mission as a coach is to rekindle the light inside creators, visionaries, and carers who feel disconnected and burnt-out by utilizing mindfulness, and whole-hearted coaching. She will discuss value oriented goal setting during this hour.
Character Introductions - Star Wars, Fargo, The Good Place, Mad Men, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Arrested Development
Great Characters should have Great Introductions. Join us as we breakdown how characters are introduced in features and TV scripts including Star Wars, Fargo, The Good Place, Mad Men, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Arrested Development.
The Breakdown Webcast: Writing True Stories
Whether musical biopics like Rocketman, historical dramas like Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile or The Irishman from Netflix, or films loosely based on historic events like 1917 or Once Upon a Time in Hollywood... audiences are fascinated by true stories. During this super-sized 90-minute webcast, we explore films and series including Chernobyl, The Social Network, Munich, Molly's Game, Charlie Wilson's War, and more to find out what makes a good script based on true events or real people work.
Creating Worlds & Rules - Game of Thrones, Wind River, Peaky Blinders & Matrix
There's a fine line between introducing a writer to a new world or ruleset and spouting exposition. We’ll break down how writers created the fantasy world of “Game of Thrones”, the frigid winter of WIND RIVER, the digital dystopia of THE MATRIX, and the 1919 England of "Peaky Blinders".
The Breakdown Webcast with Special Guest Paramount Producer & Screenwriter Nick Waters The 8-Sequence Feature Structure
Nick Waters is a Producer and Writer with the horror film, MARGAUX for Paramount Pictures, a comedy with Chloe Grace Moretz and the horror feature SHELTER IN PLACE. Nick will discuss the 8-Sequence Act Structure for Features!
The Breakdown Webcast: Why Can't We Be Friends?
We will be discussing why conflict among your allies is essential! When we typically think of "Conflict" in story it is usually Protagonist vs. Antagonist. But in this Breakdown, using scripts and clips from our favorite films, we will explore conflict between allies and how it can help make your screenplay stronger.
Register / Log In
