Private, interactive 8-Part Lab on Zoom with Chisom Ude, Executive Producer on NOW YOU SEE ME 3, and JOYLAND

You'll have a completed script in 8 sessions!

Only 10 spots available

Payment plans available at checkout through Shop Pay

Ensemble cast films are capturing the cultural moment like never before. From blockbusters like BARBIE and OPPENHEIMER to genre-defining hits like EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, these stories showcase the power of dynamic character interactions and layered narratives. With hits like GAME NIGHT, KNIVES OUT, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON and THE COLOR PURPLE, it’s clear Hollywood is leaning heavily into the ensemble format. If you’ve been inspired by these groundbreaking films, you’re not alone—ensemble storytelling is more relevant than ever.

But creating a successful ensemble cast script isn’t easy. Balancing multiple characters and storylines can feel overwhelming, and many writers struggle with issues like giving each character a meaningful arc, avoiding predictable tropes, or maintaining cohesion in the story. How do you ensure each character has a distinct voice while still contributing to the overall narrative? How do you craft subplots that enhance the main storyline rather than detract from it? These challenges often derail even the most passionate writers, leaving them frustrated and unsure how to move forward.

That’s where Chisom Ude comes in. As a producer with a proven track record of developing hit ensemble films like JOY RIDE, Chisom has a deep understanding of what it takes to bring these stories to life. With years of experience at Lionsgate, where she worked on projects like a sequel to NOW YOU SEE ME and Adele Lim’s directorial debut, Chisom has cultivated a keen eye for what makes ensemble stories marketable and memorable. Her industry expertise and creative insight make her the perfect mentor to guide you through this process.

In this eight-week screenwriting lab, you’ll learn everything you need to know to write a compelling ensemble feature. From mastering story structure and character dynamics to balancing multiple arcs in a cohesive narrative, Chisom will provide personalized guidance every step of the way. You’ll leave with a polished first draft, a deeper understanding of what producers and studios look for, and the confidence to take your project to the next level. If you’re ready to elevate your writing and tackle this exciting storytelling format, this lab is for you.

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

“Stage 32 provides such a rich and important education platform to the community and I am very excited to share my industry knowledge with its members!” 

-your Stage 32 educator, Chisom Ude

Session #1 – Introduction to Ensemble Films + Story Structure 

We’ll kick off the lab by reviewing the syllabus, course goals, and what makes ensemble films uniquely compelling. Through examples, we’ll break down the three-act structure and explore how to interweave subplots and character dynamics. We’ll also discuss marketability—what makes a script sellable—and how this impacts your writing. 

• Lab overview and expectations 
• The magic of ensemble films 
•  What makes for a great cast in an ensemble film 
• Three-act structure: inciting incident, turning points, and payoffs 
• Character elements: goals, and relationship dynamics 
• Weaving interconnected storylines 
• Balancing multiple character arcs across a cohesive plot 
• Going from outline to draft 
• Writing sellable scripts 
• Q&A with Chisom
• Sharing stories 

Assignment: Develop a high-concept logline and a first-draft outline of your ensemble film. Focus on your characters’ dynamics and how subplots enhance the main story. In this outline, do your best to focus on character dynamics.

Session #2 – Character Development + Act I 

This week, we will dive into crafting distinct, memorable characters whose dynamics drive the story. Explore how their arcs align with the central theme and create meaningful conflict. How do we ensure that each character is necessary? We’ll also discuss dialogue, tone, and how to set the stage in Act I. 

• Creating engaging characters with clear goals 
• Character dynamics: elevating tension and relationships 
• Using subtext to reveal character motivations and relationships (e.g. witty banter) ● Writing distinct voices through dialogue 
• Establishing tone, theme, setting, and world-building 
• Leveraging set pieces to support character arcs 
• Strong vs. weak beginnings: capturing your audience early 
• Q&A with Chisom

Assignment: Revise your outline as needed. Draft your first 10–20 pages, focusing on introductions, conflict setup, and relationships. 

Session #3 – Act II, Part 1: Rising Action to Midpoint 

We’ll focus on escalating conflict and delivering on the promise of your premise as your characters face challenges that reveal their motivations. Explore the “fun and games” section of Act II, leading to a strong midpoint. We will also cover how the interpersonal conflicts within the ensemble continue to move the story forward. 

• The importance of tracking your story and character arcs 
• Plotting rising action (e.g., GAME NIGHT’s group tensions fueling humor and action) ● Heightening stakes: ticking clocks, subtext, and twists 
• Avoiding stagnation with escalating complications 
• What makes a good midpoint: using the midpoint to shake up the ensemble and reframe the story’s stakes 
• Delivering on the premise while evolving character relationships 
• Q&A with Chisom

Assignment: Write another 20–30 pages, building toward the midpoint. Focus on further character development and escalating tension. 

Session #4 – No Class - Individual Consultations with Chisom (Consultation #1) 

Submit your material for a one-on-one consultation. We’ll review your progress, address challenges, and refine your script’s first half. 

Assignment: Make sure you’ve completed 45-50 pages of your script, implementing any major story notes.

Ensemble Cast Feature Film 

Session #5 – Act II, Part 2: The Chaos Escalates 

As Act II progresses, things get crazier. The pace increases, the plan starts to break down, and things feel most chaotic at this point. This is often the hardest part to write, because you need to top previous points of the film. We’ll discuss pacing, plot twists, and character payoffs, ensuring the narrative momentum builds toward the “all is lost” moment. 

• Raising stakes and chaos (e.g., shifting alliances in KNIVES OUT) 
• Creating set pieces that reveal character and propel the story 
• Balancing internal/external conflict and new revelations 
• Avoiding predictable twists while keeping the audience engaged 
• Examples of insane set pieces 
• Revealing new information 

Assignment: Continue writing, aiming for 60–70 pages here. 

Session #6 – Act III: Building to the Climax 

This week, we will build to our climax. Once your story rounds the final turning point, we should be hyper focused on finding a dynamic and satisfying resolution. This is also the time where you can make payoffs that you have earned throughout the film. This is where things are finally building to the high note. The first half of Act Three ties up loose ends and sets the stage for the final confrontation. Similar to your break into Act 2, but we are getting into the highest stakes of the story. This is the one last time that the stakes are raised. We will discuss how to tie up plot threads, deliver character payoffs, and ensure the central theme resonates. 

What makes a great third act 

• What does it mean to have an Act 3 problem 
•  Character arcs and antagonistic plot turns 
• Building to the climax: stakes, reveals, and set pieces 
• Balancing emotional and tangible payoffs 
• Surprising but inevitable resolutions 
• Delivering on the central theme 
• Q&A with Chisom

Assignment: Complete 70–80 pages, focusing on the final turning point and resolution setup. We should be at least halfway through Act 3. 

Session #7 – Sticking the Landing + Revisions 

Sticking the landing is critical. We’ll analyze scripts that nailed (or missed) the mark, discuss revisions, and address lingering questions. Now that our audience has sat with your storytelling for almost 90 minutes, the adrenalin is steadily rising, and now it’s time to deliver a narrative resolution. In a cast ensemble, this usually involves bringing all of the characters together in a big moment and paying off each of their arcs. It also usually involves our anchor protagonist getting their final due. Here we want to meet and surpass our audience’s expectations. 

• Surprising and satisfying final turns and resolutions 
• The five-part finale: pacing and stakes 
• Final character arcs and tying up loose ends 
• Difference between a tangible and emotional payoff 
• Polishing: dialogue, character depth, and pacing 
• Q&A with Chisom

Assignment: You have 10-15 pages to go and you are DONE! Make sure to resolve character arcs and conclude the central plot. 

Session #8 – Final Consultation 

Submit your completed draft for review. Discuss your script one-on-one with Chisom. We’ll evaluate the shape and potential of your draft. Are you satisfied with the execution of your story outline? What do you like and dislike about this version? 

Assignment: Incorporate feedback, revise your script, and celebrate your accomplishment!

Saturday, January 4th 9am-11am PT

Saturday, January 11th 9am-11am PT

Saturday, January 18th 9am-11am PT

Saturday, January 25th No Class, One on One Meetings with Chisom

Saturday, January 30th 9am-11am PT

Saturday, February 8th 9am-11am PT

Saturday, February 15th 9am-11am PT

Saturday, February 22nd No Class, One on One Meetings with Chisom