Summary
Learn from powerhouse producer Chisom Ude, a former Lionsgate executive behind over 20 films, including the acclaimed JOY RIDE and major titles like SHADOW FORCE and NOW YOU SEE ME!
PLUS! You’ll receive a script for THE HARDER THEY FALL, offering a valuable reference for working with an ensemble cast!
If you’ve been tracking recent hits like EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, BARBIE, and OPPENHEIMER, you’ve noticed a compelling trend: ensemble casts are taking the spotlight in Hollywood. With stories like KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON and THE COLOR PURPLE captivating audiences through complex character dynamics, now is the time to master this storytelling craft. Ensemble-driven films dominate not just because of their intricate narratives but because they resonate deeply with today's audience demand for layered, interwoven character journeys.
Yet, writing ensemble features is no easy feat. Creatives often struggle with balancing multiple perspectives while keeping the script thematically consistent. Are your characters distinct enough? Are their arcs compelling and interconnected? The challenge lies in managing voice distinction, structuring meaningful scenes, and ensuring characters work in harmony with the plot—all while keeping the project appealing to top-tier actors.
This is where your Stage 32 educator Chisom Ude comes in. As a producer at Suite 06 and former creative executive at Lionsgate, Chisom has honed her expertise on ensemble storytelling with hits like JOY RIDE, lauded for its dynamic cast and earning a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Her experience with high-profile titles like SHADOW FORCE and NOW YOU SEE ME ensures you’ll gain insights for what it takes to craft ensembles that captivate both audiences and talent.
In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, Chisom will guide you through every stage of creating an ensemble script. You’ll learn how to structure multi-dimensional characters, balance primary and secondary roles, and refine arcs through dialogue and pivotal scenes. She’ll also share marketability strategies to ensure your characters shine in the industry spotlight. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or new to the craft, this session will equip you with the tools to write stories that stand out, resonate with audiences, and attract A-list talent. You’ll walk away with actionable techniques to craft ensemble stories that succeed both creatively and commercially. This is your chance to master the art of ensemble storytelling and take your screenwriting skills to the next level!
PLUS! You'll receive this exclusive download:
- A script for THE HARDER THEY FALL, featuring an insightful ensemble cast reference!
“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
What You'll Learn
- Character Ensembles: Why Are They Important?
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What Are Your Goals with Your Project? Character vs. Concept Driven
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Managing Genre Expectations
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Defining Character Purpose
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- Character Structure in the Outline
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Thematic Consistency
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Balanced Perspectives
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Primary vs. Secondary Characters
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Conflict & Relationships (Central Relationship)
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Character Arcs in the Draft
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Defining Arcs through Scenes
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Using Dialogue & Voice Distinction
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Refining Your Characters: What’s Missing?
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Mapping your characters growth with key plot points
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Set Pieces & Key Turns
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Character Driven Plot Twists
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Casting & Packaging
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Character Marketability: Who wants to play your characters?
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The importance of ensemble Chemistry
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Q&A
Who Should Attend
- Screenwriters looking to master ensemble storytelling.
- Filmmakers seeking to develop character-driven narratives.
- Producers aiming to craft marketable scripts that attract top-tier talent.
- Storytellers who want to balance complex character arcs and perspectives.
- Industry professionals interested in creating films that stand out in today’s market (all levels).
Executive
Chisom Ude is an Producer at Suite 06 with an eye for marketable talent and an expertise in creating entertaining material for BIPOC women and non-binary audiences. Chisom was key to the development and production of the wide-release feature comedy, JOY RIDE, rated 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Most recently a Creative Executive in Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, Chisom’s development slate spanned over twenty titles including a NOW YOU SEE ME sequel, as well as a dramedy penned and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (KING RICHARD). In the last two years, she has managed five features in production and post including the action-thriller SHADOW FORCE starring Kerry Washington, and Adele Lim’s directorial debut JOY RIDE starring Ashley Park (Emily in Paris) and Stephanie Hsu (EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE).
Prior to her film career in Los Angeles, Chisom worked in global finance in London and in unscripted television at BET. Chisom’s exposure to various environments has continued to shape her ability to identify concepts that resonate with a wide audience.
Testimonials
“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
Credits
