Hosted by a producer who's budgeted over 100 films! 

Break down the script, story structure, and visual language of a modern horror masterpiece!

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 webinar is now available to watch on-demand and no longer live.

The Oscar-nominated THE SUBSTANCE is more than just a horror film—it’s a bold, thought-provoking reflection on identity, self-worth, and society’s obsession with youth. Using body horror and psychological thriller elements, Coralie Fargeat crafts a dark fairytale that viscerally explores modern anxieties. By breaking down the film’s themes, structure, and symbolism, you’ll gain valuable insight into how genre storytelling can be both commercially successful and deeply meaningful.

This webinar will break down how Coralie Fargeat crafts a dark fairytale with minimal dialogue, using sensory storytelling, symbols, and color to drive the narrative. You’ll explore the film’s unique structure, multiple protagonists, and immersive visual and auditory techniques that heighten emotion and meaning. We’ll also tackle key challenges filmmakers face—translating complex themes, using symbolism effectively, and weaving multiple perspectives into a cohesive story—by analyzing how THE SUBSTANCE masterfully navigates these elements.

Michael Wormser is a powerhouse producer with credits spanning feature films, series, and branded content for Netflix, Legendary, Hulu, and Lakeshore Entertainment. His notable projects include REAL BROS OF SIMI VALLEY, THE THINNING franchise, INTERNET FAMOUS (Netflix), and the indie drama FUNNY STORY, which premiered at Slamdance. As the former Head of Production at Maker Studios, he helped grow monthly viewership from 40M to 250M. Currently, Michael is in pre-production on multiple projects, including the true-crime thriller THE LEADER and the horror film HEARTLESS.

By the end of Michael's webinar, you'll have a deeper understanding of what makes THE SUBSTANCE so powerful—and how to apply its storytelling techniques to your own work. You'll break down how the film uses striking visuals and sound to craft its narrative with minimal dialogue. You'll explore how THE SUBSTANCE builds tension through color, symbolism, and sensory storytelling while dissecting its unique structure, protagonist’s journey, and the deeper themes of self-worth and transformation.

Praise For Michael's Teaching on Stage 32:

"I'm so glad I got to work with Michael. I thought I knew everything there was before making my first film but boy was I wrong. He really helped me get my production in shape before we started shooting. Thank you!" -- Caroline R.

"Michael's expertise and knowledge really comes out in his class. If only all producers can be as resourceful as him!" -- Mark H.

"I really needed something to level up my filmmaking and producing game and learning from Michael was just the right thing. he's super knowledgeable, cares about his students, and wants everyone to succeed in their endeavors!" -- Logan F.

I. Setting Up The World Through Sensorial Experiences

A. Colors & Visual Aesthetic:
-The film’s color palette
-Set Design and Costume Choices
-Muted tones in contrast to vibrant hues—how these shifts align with the protagonist’s journey.

B. Sound Design & Score:
-How sound is used to create unease or immersion.
-The impact of silence and distorted soundscapes.
-The role of the score in enhancing emotional beats and dread.

C. Images As Expressions Of Ideas & Intentions:

-Key visual motifs and how they reinforce the film’s deeper meaning.
-The influence of fairy tales and mythology in crafting the film’s world.

II. Understanding The Protagonist:

A. Fear Of Relevancy
-How the protagonist struggles with aging and the fear of becoming obsolete.
-The industry’s demand for eternal youth and its psychological toll.

B. Self-Criticism & Inner Conflict:
-How the film externalizes self-doubt and self-destruction.
-The protagonist as both hero and antagonist in their own story.

C. Many People Inside Us – The Expression Of Identity On Screen:

-The protagonist’s split identity and its cinematic representation.
-Doppelgängers, clones, and the concept of “the other” within.
-Psychological horror as a vehicle to explore internal fragmentation.

III. Deconstructing The Script:

-An exploration of the film’s narrative structure and its unique approach to storytelling.

A. Fairytale Storyline:
-How The Substance follows a dark fairytale structure.
-Archetypal elements: transformation, curses, moral dilemmas.
-Parallels to classic fairy tales (Snow White, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Ugly Duckling).

B. Multiple Protagonists:

-The film’s approach to having shifting perspectives within the same character.
-Who is the “real” protagonist, and how does the film challenge this idea?
-How horror films often use this technique to unsettle audiences.

C. Three-Act Structure & Plot Development:

-Act 1: Introducing the protagonist and their world – establishing fears and desires.
Act 2: The descent into transformation – consequences of the choice.
Act 3: The confrontation and resolution – acceptance or destruction.

IV. Closing Thoughts & Q&A

-Final reflections on the film’s impact.
-How it uses genre storytelling to explore universal fears.
-Audience questions and discussion.

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 webinar is now available to watch on-demand and no longer live.

This webinar is for screenwriters, filmmakers, producers, directors, and creatives at all stages looking to explore genre storytelling, symbolism, and psychological horror.

Praise For Michael's Teaching on Stage 32:

"I'm so glad I got to work with Michael. I thought I knew everything there was before making my first film but boy was I wrong. He really helped me get my production in shape before we started shooting. Thank you!" -- Caroline R.

"Michael's expertise and knowledge really comes out in his class. If only all producers can be as resourceful as him!" -- Mark H.

"I really needed something to level up my filmmaking and producing game and learning from Michael was just the right thing. he's super knowledgeable, cares about his students, and wants everyone to succeed in their endeavors!" -- Logan F.