Learn how to supercharge your screenplays by properly using your "inciting incidents" from a writer/producer who has worked with HBO, Universal, Fox, CBS, and more!

PLUS! You will receive exclusive handouts to help you in crafting your own inciting incidents to take your screenwriting to the next level!

We all know that moment in our favorite films that hooks us in - the moment the status quo drastically changes for our main characters and propels our protagonists into the heart of the story. This moment is called the “inciting incident” and is arguably the most critical moment in any screenplay. When legendary filmmaker Billy Wilder said about screenwriting "if you have a problem with the third the real problem is in the first act" he was referring to a screenplay's inciting incident. 

However, many writers don't maximize the effect of their "inciting incident" properly leading to other issues throughout their scripts. 

So what constitutes an inciting incident that supercharges your screenplay and what differentiates it from other major plot points in your story? How can you create a powerful, meaningful and properly placed inciting incident in your story that will set your script apart from the rest and truly engage your reader?

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll also learn how to craft a compelling inciting incident for your story that will set your script up for success.

Teaching you this key screenwriting fundamental is veteran film and television writer and producer Brian Herskowitz. Brian has worked on over 2 dozen films and television shows (HBO, FOX, CBS, NBC, UNIVERSAL and more) and he's bringing his experience to the Stage 32 community to help you improve your craft! 

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you in creating your inciting incident. Downloads include:

• Definition of terms
• Copies of examples from various scripts, including Avatar and Hereditary.
• Excerpts from the book PROCESS TO PRODUCT: From Concept to Script: A Practical Guide for the Screenwriter.

Brian will teach you how to define, set, and make the most of your inciting incident by giving you tools, exercises, and examples to put your script and protagonists on the right path. This webinar will help you take your screenwriting to the next level. 

Testimonials for Brian's Teaching and Stage 32 Education

“As a collaborator with Brian and a guest in his class, I am hugely impressed with his screenwriting knowledge. I heartily recommend him and his course.” -- Jason Alexander (Seinfeld, Pretty Woman, Listen Up)

"I have a master's degree and a doctorate, Brian is by far the most caring and best teacher I have ever had." -- Alan J.

"The course was everything I needed and then some. An excellent course." -- Katie R.

"Mr. Herskowitz is very knowledgeable, patient, and superb at discerning problems and helping us solve them." -- Sandra O.

"A solid course in which I felt I had learned a LOT by the time it was over." -- Peter L.

• What Is The Inciting Incident?
  • Structural elements
    • Examples: Romeo and Juliet, Avatar
  • Context – how the Inciting Incident leads the story to the first act break
    • Example: Hereditary
  • Connection to Character – How does the inciting incident relate to your main character?
    • Direct or indirect?

• How To Create The Inciting Incident
  • Brainstorm and imagination
  • Motivating the arbitrary
  • Tips and tricks

• Q&A with Brian

All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how the inciting incident sets the tone for the entire story and influences the overall narrative arc.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to sharpen their storytelling skills and understand the importance of a strong inciting incident in a screenplay would benefit from this class.

Producers who want to better understand how to understand the impact of a strong inciting incident on the success of a project.

Actors who want to take control of their careers by learning how to develop a screenplay.