As a longtime fan of Emmanuel Oberg’s Screenwriting Unchained book, taking the online course was a game-changer for me. Diving deeper into tools like Story-Type and Genre, the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs, and the fractal nature of story structure made complex concepts practical and actionable. What stood out most was applying these tools directly to my current project. Concepts like managing conflict, crafting a satisfying ending, and the nuanced use of planting and payoff started to click in new ways, yielding immediate results.

The hands-on approach transformed my creative process, and I’m already seeing how these techniques elevate my storytelling. I can’t wait for the Hands-On Rewrite Workshop next week to refine it further.

Emmanuel possesses a remarkable ability to make complex concepts comprehensible and digestible. Beginning your first screenplay can be intimidating, and navigating the murkiness of a rewrite can often seem impossible. However, his process transforms these challenges into an approachable and even invigorating journey. After much procrastination, I am genuinely inspired and eager to dive in and bring my story to life.

This course was a huge eye opener for me. Emmanuel approaches the development process with a whole new perspective that allows writers to either re-write existing projects or take a whole new idea through the Story Type method and develop it to a screenplay. The use of Maslow to explain parts of the process as well as the “Fractal” aspect of storytelling were both immensely interesting and useful to me. Do yourself a favour, do the course, you won’t regret it!!

An excellent communicator and educator – Emmanuel cuts through the theory with candour and simplicity. The course fuels a drive to get back to the keyboard with confidence, knowing his tangible tools will act as a guiding light.

Advanced Development is the second course I have done with Emmanuel, and as with Writing a Successful TV Series, it was focused, sharp, and relevant.

Emmanuel structures his courses so there’s no time wasted, and if you’re serious about progressing your project and career, you’ll want to put the same commitment into it. You’ll come away with an understanding of industry expectations, the tools to apply high standards, and the confidence to meet the challenge.

I’m already looking forward to the next course.

Emmanuel’s Story Type Method has been eye-opening, confidence-building, and truly inspirational. It has given me a toolbox packed to the brim with ideas and processes to assess and develop scripts in a bespoke manner for each script and scriptwriter. Often, when working on my own work or with other writers, I need to try multiple entry points before cracking the right way to start work on a project. This method cuts through so much of the trial and error by identifying specific types of stories, and how to best harness their unique qualities to bring out the writer’s voice, talent, and preferred way of working. I feel like I’ve only just begun with this work and can’t wait to continue learning and applying it. The course itself is delivered in a way that is very easy to understand, entertaining, and fun and I look forward to the next one.

The course was perfect for me. It made me really think about plot development and the character’s journey. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to advance their script to be the best it can be. A huge thanks to Emmanuel for his wise and considered teaching. It was a pleasure.

I found training with Emmanuel invaluable and invigorating. He was so generous and enthusiastic. It was a real joy to be part of. A must do for not just writers/script editors, but for anybody wishing to produce content.

“Our workshop with Emmanuel brought writers, producers and distributors together in a very successful way, leaving us inspired and eager to develop content together. The story type method gives us all a tool and a language that brings the various disciplines in the industry a way of talking about development we have been missing. As a producer and academic, I can honestly say this is the best investment in our personnel we have ever made. Storm Films will continue to use the Story-type method in its development work. We will continue using and developing the “tribal language” we created during the workshop between writers, producers, sales and execs.”

True value for money. Well-suited for advancing and advanced screenwriters, including successful ones and those who think they have heard or read it all before. Don’t expect a gospel from a preacher or a showman. Oberg is a modest man who clearly resists becoming the next screenplay guru. Yet he delivers an amazing, almost complete and very thorough understanding of the inner workings of our craft, guaranteed to spark fresh thoughts that will benefit your next project, no matter how experienced you are. And there is a big bonus. The screenplay business is a fickle mistress that can often leave you frustrated. Oberg makes you remember why you fell in love with her in the first place and he makes you fall in love all over again. [Advanced Development Workshop for the Netherlands Film Fund]

“Emmanuel’s advanced development workshop was really an eye opener on how to read scripts, and how, as a distributor, to give good and concrete feedback”

I took the Screenwriting Unchained-course as a live course at the Swedish Film Institute a few years ago. It was a great (and intense 3-day) experience. Not to say a revelation. After the Hero’s Journey, Truby and McKee with 9, 12 or 20-whatever steps (not bad at all and very useful – but still) it was very liberating.
The TV Series-course takes the same thoughts and applies them on ideas and stories (and storylines) that are meant to last for a whole season (or in some cases several seasons). So far I haven’t come across a take on story structure that has been as helpful and useful as this one. (Ok, Aristotle, but that’s where we all start.)

The workshop was so well-structured, easy to follow and it felt like the focus was put on just the right things. Even when you hear about the stuff you already know about, like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, you see it in a different light and it gets you to think about your own projects immediately. I would definitely recommend it! [Advanced TV Development Workshop for NEM Zagreb]

One of the best workshops regarding script structure I’ve attended. It really makes you review and research what you know about books like Mckee, Field etc. The books that I’ve been related to at my studies. Really enjoyed it and will try to convey it to my work with films I produce and students I tutor. Very inspiring and thoughtful. Thank you Emmanuel! [Advanced Development Workshop (ACE 26)]

I cannot thank you enough for such an extraordinary course full of so much wisdom mixed with a rare humility and delivered with real passion. The practical tools will be tremendously useful and the resources a huge bonus. [Advanced Development Workshop for Screen West Midlands]

Emmanuel is the right kind of teacher for inherently creative people. He does not instruct, or impose, or prescribe. He displays and explains a box of first-class tools, and encourages the writer to use the ones that suit the work in hand. In this way the work is improved, and the writer gains confidence at the same time, which in turn leads to even better work. Emmanuel is very tall, but he never talks down to you. [Advanced Development Workshop for Cologne Intl Film School]

Many, many thanks for such a stimulating and inspiring course. The tools are already coming in extremely useful and I hope will transform my approach to any new project from now on. [Advanced Development Workshop for Ealing Studios]

Emmanuel’s Advanced Development Workshop for Ealing Studios was very useful and stimulating. I’m a big fan of Emmanuel’s teaching style because it’s non prescriptive and flexible – tools not rules as he always reminds us. All the feedback I’ve had from the writers who attended was extremely positive, I think they responded particularly well to the collaborative atmosphere and interactive sessions. [Advanced Development Course for Ealing Studios]

In his deconstruction of the story development process, Emmanuel Oberg provided fresh insight into the craft and artistry that combine to create an engaging story.
The Story Type method as pioneered by Oberg is a particularly useful diagnostic tool and has helped me identify key structural flaws and weaknesses in my screenplays while equipping me with new tools and strategies to problem-solve. Would highly recommend this workshop to both budding and established screenwriters or indeed anyone engaged in the script development process. [Advanced Development Workshop for Screen Skills Ireland]

Emmanuel Oberg’s workshop was very inspiring and eye opening. Three days with an intensive focus on storytelling in the broadest sense where existing models of structuring a screenplay were questioned.
Emmanuel’s wider perspective is at the same time very detailed. Both the workshop and the book provides useful tools and makes you reflect on what can be the best path for your story to flourish. It’s also an encouragement to an analytical but flexible approach of your story without being dogmatic. [Advanced Development Workshop for the Netherlands Film Fund]

As a writer I was able to immediately put into practice what I learnt from this extremely informative course, presented with passion, humour and verve by a man of great generosity at the top of his game and an accomplished speaker of great clarity. [Advanced Development Workshop for Screen Skills Ireland]

Emmanuel’s enthusiasm and knowledge were incredible. What an excellent facilitator and a lovely man too. I’ve always had loads of ideas for screenplays but was never quite sure about where to begin the script writing process. Over the three days, I gained an amazing amount of knowledge on story types and structuring, what does and doesn’t work and why it’s ok to not always live by the rules (lead with your passion). Thanks Emmanuel, I feel that I’ve unlocked the start of a new writing chapter in my life. [Advanced Development Workshop for Screen Skills Ireland]

The most encouraging workshop I have ever attended.
I am a big fan of the book [Screenwriting Unchained] and I highly recommend it to anyone working in the industry. Emmanuel is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I cannot thank him enough for sharing his methods with us. The workshop is definitely a game changer and brought my writing skills to the next level. Many thanks. [Advanced Development Workshop for Creative Europe Galway]

Every once in a while, we need an update; whether it’s a software update for our phones or laptops, or an attempt to re-paint the kitchen cabinets.

This is the update for story on screen. If you are a writer, an editor, a producer or a commissioner, you need to do this course. Every project you work on will be better – fact!

I’ve been writing and editing for ten years, and I’ve done lots of different courses over the last decade, but this has completely revolutionized the way I think about my writing and the structure of story.

Not only is the Story Type Method enlightening, it’s as creative and fluid as the writing process itself. And it puts the audience at the heart of the discussion. Not in a slavish way that suggests pandering to the market or duplicating previously successful formulas, but in showing the best way to make the story you want to tell enjoyable for the different audiences that are out there.

I found this course inspiring and encouraging. Gone is the sense of dread that can accompany sitting down to tackle a scene or a treatment – I’m itching to write. I can think of no higher praise. [Advanced Development Workshop for Creative Europe Galway]

What a fantastic three-day workshop. Emmanuel Oberg explored the mechanics of writing good drama, and provided us with a toolbox to help turn it into great drama. Inspiring stuff! [Advanced Development Workshop for Screen Skills Ireland]

I found the 3-day advanced workshop very inspiring. Emmanuel has no dogmas unlike other scriptwriting gurus. He is an ego-less gentle open-minded teacher, who does not place himself above his students. He is very intelligent, but also emotional, spiritual and funny. Above all very positive. His tools are practical, but do not interfere with your writing flow. It’s all about the balance between knowing and not knowing, combining heart and head. I would advise every screenwriter to do this workshop, especially when you want to (re)discover your originality and talent. [Advanced Development Workshop for the Netherlands Film Fund].

I had the pleasure to attend two of Emmanuel’s workshops. His knowledge about the different screenwriting approaches is impressive and enables him to recombine and rethink them to a new approach. I highly appreciate his work no matter if you already know a lot about screenplays or not. [Advanced Development Workshop (ACE 27)]

Without doubt the most inspiring developing session I have ever taken part in. Emmanuel is not only a very good speaker – but manages to use practical examples and group discussion to give the participants a very clear understanding of his thoughts on drama. Less dogmatic than McKee and Field he aims at giving the creative a tool box of dramatic elements rather than a formula for success. I strongly recommend this workshop to both writers, producers and funding bodies. Well done! [Advanced Development Workshop (ACE 26)]

Thank you so much for the workshop at Filmlab in Norway a couple of weeks ago! As a producer I found it extremely inspiring and very very useful for my future collaborations and my work in creative processes. I have now got more tools when analyzing projects, guiding my directors/scriptwriters or just to discuss the projects. For my particular team that participated we also now have a common vocabulary to talk about our project, which feels really great. I’m also impressed with the structure of the lesson and your lecturing – kept me concentrated and interested the whole way. Thank you so much! [Advanced Development Workshop for Filmlab Norway]

I truly enjoyed Emmanuel’s three-day insightful workshop on The Story-Type Method! Full of vital and resourceful tools to use in the development process. Emmanuel is enthusiastic with no fixed screenwriting rules – only great tools he skillfully shared with us. I highly recommend his workshop to anyone who works in the film industry. Thank you so much! [Advanced Development Workshop for FilmLab Norway]

The story-type method is a refreshing and liberating way of looking at story and structure. Emmanuel is full of enthusiasm, and his passion for good storytelling makes the workshops engaging and the method fun (yes, really!) to apply. I’ve gotten some solid new tools, as well as the bonus of a new surge of inspiration and energy into the development process. Thank you! [Advanced Development Workshop for FilmLab Norway]

Intense but incredibly useful workshop that has helped take our script to the next level. Emmanuel is very friendly and doesn’t force you to conform to any fixed methods. Instead he gives you the tools to explore your own ideas better. [Advanced Development Workshop for iFeatures]

Thanks for a really useful and inspiring seminar – I have attended a number of development training courses in the past, so wasn’t sure whether I would learn very much that was new. As it happens, I learned a huge amount and feel much more confident about going back into the development process with a brand new toolbox. [Advanced Development Workshop (ACE 24)]

I have learnt more on this workshop than any previous development course that I have attended. It’s as if up to now I have been looking in through a window and now the door has been opened. I came away not just with an effective set of diagnostic tools but the confidence to approach script development in an enthusiastic and positive way. [Advanced Development Workshop for Screen West Midlands]