Summary
Bonus! You will receive a download of the TOY STORY script, written by your host, Alec!
The biggest global streaming services and movie studios are actively looking for family-friendly blockbusters to fill out their upcoming slates. Why? Because G and PG-rated projects are among some of the highest-grossing films in theaters and these films attract this profitable family demographic to their streaming services. So what are the key points a writer needs to know to craft a blockbuster family film?
In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, acclaimed screenwriter and Academy Award-nominee for TOY STORY, Alec Sokolow, will give writers and filmmakers an overview of what a family-friendly blockbuster script needs to sell. Using his screenplay for the first TOY STORY movie as a hands-on guide, Alec will walk attendees through the writing process with a look at the project’s background, plot points, character development, and tone.
Next, he’ll delve into what choices he made when writing the original film and most importantly why these creative decisions were made.
Writing a family-friendly blockbuster with global appeal is more difficult than it seems but Alec will break down the structure and setting to help any writer feel more confident working in this extremely popular genre.
A writer must be able to create imaginative, relatable, and specific characters set in a vibrant world but now, more than ever, must make their scripts feel universal with a global appeal.
Writers often get caught up in thinking about the success of their script or of their big plot idea but they really need to focus on the dynamics and success of their characters. Everything is character-driven. If you get the characters and their dynamics right then all of the action falls into place and the characters, themselves, drive the plot. Once you have that concept mastered, your scripts will all feel bigger and more universal, leading to the success you want.
What You'll Learn
What are the specific elements that set a family-friendly script apart from other genres?
- Unifying principles
- The Four quadrant appeal
- Universality
Developing your Story
- Telling story through character
- The art of World invention
- Creating intriguing Plot stakes and story
Tricks Of The Trade
- Understanding and implementing Sequential thinking
- Utilizing the Hero’s Journey
- Writing with your star talent in mind
Common Mistakes When Writing a Family Film and How to Avoid Them
- Writing down to the audience
- The fine line between familiar and cliche
- When your characters get ahead of the storytelling
Final Thoughts
Q&A With Alec
Who Should Attend
All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking for a overview of what a family-friendly blockbuster script needs to sell.
All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking for a overview of what a family-friendly blockbuster script needs to sell.
Producers looking for a overview of what a family-friendly blockbuster script needs to sell.
Actors looking for a overview of what a family-friendly blockbuster script needs to sell.
Executive
Alec Sokolow is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, storyteller and character creator who specializes in global branding and franchise creation, which has resulted in over $2 Billion at the box office. Alec regularly works as a screenwriter for all the major studios and various global independent producers. His feature film credits include TOY STORY, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, GARFIELD, GARFIELD: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES, MONEY TALKS, EVAN ALMIGHTY, GOODBYE LOVER and DADDY DAY CAMP.
Alec has also written the Meta video game storyline and user interface for Activision's billion dollar franchise "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure" and "Skylanders: Giants"
Alec’s character creation and naming includes Buzz Lightyear (and his catch phrase “To Infinity & Beyond”) and Woody.
He has also produced feature documentaries, directed animation shorts and written children's books.
Credits
