How to Keep the Stakes High in Your Script

4 part class taught by Nate Matteson, literary manager named one of “Hollywood's New Leaders” by Variety Magazine. No matter if you write comedy, drama, horror or sci fi, every page has to count. It's easy for an executive to get distracted or lose focus if a script doesn't have high enough stakes for the protagonist, and/or the antagonist and secondary characters. One of the biggest reasons for passing we hear from executives are lack of clear or tangible stakes. Learn what it takes to keep the stakes high and keep the executive reading!

Stage 32 Happy Writers is excited to bring you the previously-recorded 4 part class:How to Keep the Stakes High in Your Script - Keeping An Executive and Audience Engaged taught by Nate Matteson, literary manager at Gotham Group. Learn straight from the source on what he teaches his clients to keep them working!

Purchasing gives you access to the previously recorded live class.
Although Nate is no longer reviewing the assignments, we still encourage all listeners to participate!

Part 1 - Introduction: Macro vs Micro-view Stakes

Nate discusses what defines "stakes" and why they are important. He follows with a thorough examination of macro-view stakes versus micro-view. Nate also delves into common traps writers fall into and how to avoid them.

Q&A with Nate

Part 2 - Finding the Balance: Internal vs External Stakes

Nate explores script structure and where the stakes should start and end. He continues with a discussion about how antagonists should create stakes, and how to find the balance between internal and external stakes. He also explains stakes on an episode vs. season vs. overall series level, using Breaking Bad as an example.

Q&A with Nate

Part 3 - Stakes and a Character's Arc

Nate goes over a "hypothetical sequel" scenario with the previously recorded live class. He further explains the importance of stakes and how they should directly affect a character's arc. He answers the question, "can you ever have too many stakes?" He also gives pitching advice on how to properly present the stakes in a writer's story.

Q&A with Nate

Part 4 - How to Add Stakes Without a Rewrite

Nate gives advice on how a writer could check their work to make sure the stakes are escalating the story. If a script is done and the writer has to incorporate more stakes, how can they do so and avoid having to rewrite their entire script? Nate goes over a series of scripts he has come across in his own career that he has altered to inject more stakes. Lastly, he will also discuss what supporting characters could be used to raise the stakes.

Q&A with Nate

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to create a strong and efficient script. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• This class will consist of 4 sessions, each roughly three to four hours in duration.

All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to grasp the technique of creating a strong and efficient script.

All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to grasp the technique of creating a strong and efficient script.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to grasp the technique of creating a strong and efficient script.

Actors looking to grasp the technique of creating a strong and efficient script.