Learn how to make your characters stand out from an executive who has worked with Paramount Classics, The Orchard, Showtime, CNN Films, Netflix, IFC, and Samuel Goldwyn Films!

Creating authentic and memorable characters is the key to your next success. And Stage 32 is going to give you the tools and knowledge you need to get the most out of your characters in this in-depth 4-part on-demand class. 

You’ll learn what executives are looking for in great characters as you're guided by Sarah J. Cornelius, a production and development executive at Whitewater Films. Whitewater has produced projects for Paramount Classics, The Orchard, Showtime, CNN Films, Netflix, IFC, and Samuel Goldwyn Films, and received numerous film awards, including Independent Spirit Awards, the Sundance Directing Award, a Primetime Emmy, and audience awards at SXSW and Tribeca Film Festivals.

Whether you have a written screenplay or are setting out to develop your ideas, this in-depth class will show you character-building skills to enrich your story, paying particular attention to what makes a compelling protagonist. When you put in the work to create authentic characters, you create a story with greater odds of nabbing A-list actors and directors who want to tell that story and ensure that your script gets made.

In each session of this course, you’ll receive comprehensive information on how you can develop strong, believable characters. You’ll cover:

• The foundation of a character
• The relationship between characters and the world
• Writing authentic dialogue
• Understanding motivation vs. wants vs. desires
• Knowing internal vs. external barriers
• How to show your character’s physicality and actions
• Getting clear on how character fits within an arc
• And so much more

You will work on all of this across four on-demand sessions in this exclusive Stage 32 course as you immerse yourself in character creation and hone your skills. Don’t underestimate the power of believable, dynamic, and complex characters. 

***Although this class is offered on-demand and homework isn't required, we strongly suggest doing the exercises and assignments throughout to get the most out of this course. 

Praise for Sarah's Stage 32 Teaching

"Just a ton of information from someone that is clearly on the 'inside' of the industry." --Kerry B.

"Sarah was spot on about structure, It aligns with everything else i have learned, seen, experienced." -- David G.

"She was informative and great." -- Lauren F.

In this beginner-intermediate level and intensive 4-session class, Sarah will comprehensively teach you how to develop strong, believable characters. In Session 1 she will provide an overview of the foundation of character. In Session 2 she will focus on relationships and the character’s “world.” Session 3 will delve into writing authentic dialogue. Finally, Session 4 will look at structuring all of the character elements into a screenplay.

Session 1: The Foundation of Character

• Determining motivation
• Identifying the “why”
• Mapping wants and desires
• Understanding conscious vs. unconscious

Q&A with Sarah

Session 2: Relationships to Others and The World

• The key relationships
• Creating conflict and tension
• Understanding internal vs. external barriers
• The importance of physicality
• Defining actions

Q&A with Sarah

Session 3: Writing Authentic Dialogue

• What dialogue says about a person
• When less is more
• Show don’t tell
• Using exposition (or not)

Q&A with Sarah

Session 4: Plugging Character into a Screenplay

• Getting clear on how character fits within an arc
• What are reversals and how to use them
• Course wrap-up

Q&A with Sarah

WHAT TO EXPECT

• This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the elements that go into a writing compelling characters. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• This class will consist of four sessions, each roughly two hours in duration. In addition to the presentation-style lessons where Sarah will be walking you through various elements of character building. 
• This class is now available on-demand and we highly recommend doing all assignments to get the most out of the experience. 

Directors (Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner) interested in writing a character for their next big project.

Writers (Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner) interested in writing a character for their next big project.

Producers looking to understand the process of creating a memorable character.

Actors looking to understand the process of creating a memorable character.