Creating A Story-IP

Introduction

Facilitators: Brett Neal & Ashley Grant

Unlock the secrets of storytelling for film and learn how to craft original, marketable IP in this dynamic workshop. Led by industry professionals Brett Neal and Ashley Grant, this session dives into the creative process of world-building, character development, and narrative structure. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned creator, you’ll gain practical tools and expert insights to bring your ideas to life.

Workshop Description

Storytelling is the foundation of every great film, and creating original intellectual property (IP) is key to standing out in the entertainment industry. In this hands-on, interactive workshop, facilitators Brett Neal and Ashley Grant will guide participants through the core principles of storytelling, helping them transform raw ideas into structured, compelling narratives. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a writer, or a creative looking to develop unique, marketable stories, this session provides essential storytelling techniques and industry insights to set you on the right path.

Over the course of 2-3 hours, participants will explore the fundamentals of storytelling for film, learning how to conceptualize, refine, and structure their ideas for visual storytelling. The workshop begins with idea generation techniques, where attendees will discover effective brainstorming methods and learn how to identify themes and narratives that resonate with audiences. From there, we’ll delve into building a strong narrative framework, covering the essential elements of character development, plot progression, and immersive world-building—all crucial for crafting stories that captivate viewers.

Once a foundation is established, participants will move into story refinement, learning how to incorporate feedback, make iterative improvements, and align their ideas with industry trends to increase the marketability of their work. The session will conclude with a practical exercise, where attendees will draft their own short story outline and engage in group discussions and feedback sessions to enhance their narratives. This collaborative learning approach ensures that each participant leaves with a stronger understanding of storytelling techniques and a concrete idea they can continue developing.

This workshop is designed for beginner to intermediate-level creatives, whether you’re a writer, filmmaker, or storyteller looking to create original IP. No prior experience is required—just a passion for storytelling and a desire to bring ideas to life. By the end of the session, attendees will have a structured framework for developing compelling stories, setting them on the path to creating the next great film, television series, or multimedia project.

Module 1

The foundation of every great story begins with a powerful idea. In this module, participants will explore techniques for brainstorming unique and compelling concepts that serve as the backbone of their storytelling journey. Through guided exercises, attendees will learn how to tap into their creativity, overcome writer’s block, and generate original ideas that have the potential to evolve into fully realized narratives.

A key focus of this session is identifying themes and narratives that resonate with audiences. Participants will examine how personal experiences, cultural influences, and industry trends can shape impactful storytelling. By analyzing successful films and original intellectual properties (IP), they will gain a deeper understanding of what makes an idea not just intriguing but also commercially viable and emotionally engaging.

Through interactive discussions and creative prompts, attendees will refine their initial concepts, ensuring they align with strong narrative foundations. By the end of this module, participants will have a clear direction for their story, setting the stage for the next step in the storytelling process—building a structured and visually compelling framework.

Module 2

Once a strong idea has been generated, the next step is to build a solid storytelling framework. In this module, participants will dive into the core elements that shape a compelling narrative—characters, plot, and setting. These three pillars work together to create an engaging and immersive experience for audiences, and understanding how to develop them effectively is essential for crafting a successful story.

Participants will explore character development, focusing on how to create protagonists and antagonists with depth, motivation, and emotional resonance. They will learn how to craft realistic dialogue, distinct personalities, and character arcs that drive the story forward. The session will also cover plot structure, breaking down the essentials of story progression, conflict, and resolution, ensuring that narratives maintain momentum and captivate audiences.

In addition, the importance of world-building and setting will be emphasized, demonstrating how an environment can serve as more than just a backdrop but as an integral part of the storytelling experience. Through guided exercises, participants will practice structuring their stories visually, learning how to translate ideas into dynamic cinematic narratives. By the end of this module, attendees will have a well-defined story foundation, ready to be refined and brought to life in the next stages of the creative process.

Module 3

With a strong foundation in place, the next crucial step is refining and strengthening the story to ensure it resonates with audiences and meets industry standards. In this module, participants will explore the importance of feedback and iterative development, learning how to analyze their work critically and make necessary improvements. A well-crafted story evolves through multiple drafts, and understanding how to embrace constructive feedback is key to elevating a concept from good to exceptional.

Participants will engage in peer discussions and guided review sessions, where they will receive insights on how to enhance their narratives. They will learn techniques for identifying weak points in structure, character development, and pacing, while also discovering how to maintain the emotional and thematic integrity of their story. Facilitators will provide expert strategies for ensuring each element—whether dialogue, conflict, or resolution—functions cohesively within the overall narrative.

In addition to strengthening individual stories, participants will gain insight into industry trends and how they can align their projects with current market demands. The session will explore what types of stories are gaining traction in film and media, the impact of genre preferences, and how emerging storytelling formats (such as streaming content and interactive narratives) influence audience engagement. By the end of this module, attendees will have the tools and knowledge to refine their stories into polished, compelling, and industry-ready narratives that have the potential to make a lasting impact.

Module 4

The final stage of the workshop is an interactive hands-on session where participants will put everything they’ve learned into practice. In this module, attendees will draft their own short story outline, applying the principles of idea generation, narrative structure, and refinement to bring their creative vision to life. This exercise is designed to help solidify storytelling techniques by encouraging participants to structure their ideas into a compelling, cohesive framework.

Once initial outlines are drafted, participants will engage in a group feedback session, where they will present their concepts and receive constructive critique from both facilitators and fellow attendees. This collaborative approach allows for a dynamic exchange of insights, helping writers identify areas for improvement, strengthen their storytelling choices, and refine their creative instincts. Facilitators will provide professional guidance on how to sharpen character arcs, enhance plot tension, and create stronger emotional impact.

By the end of this session, participants will leave with a refined story outline that serves as the blueprint for further development. They will gain not only practical storytelling experience but also valuable feedback and industry-aligned perspectives to help shape their work into something truly compelling. This module ensures that every participant walks away with tangible progress on their story, along with the confidence and skills to continue developing their ideas beyond the workshop.

What Should Students Bring?

Notebook & Pens/Pencils – For jotting down ideas, taking notes, and sketching story structures.
Laptop or Tablet (Optional) – Useful for typing outlines, researching references, or organizing notes digitally.
Printed or Digital Story Ideas (If Available) – If students have existing ideas or drafts, they can bring them for discussion and feedback.
Reference Material (Optional) – Any books, scripts, or articles that inspire their storytelling approach.
Open Mind & Creativity – A willingness to brainstorm, collaborate, and receive constructive feedback.
Water & Snacks (Optional) – To stay refreshed and focused throughout the session.