Today is an exciting day for us: We’ve launched two self-led online courses that are, for the first time, accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world!
No selection process, no geographical limitation and an affordable price, especially during this launch.
Unlike our workshops, these online courses don’t include a live element (Q&A sessions, group work, one-to-one meetings on projects) as standard, but these options are available for groups or teams of five participants or more, along with cohort enrolment. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this.
To make the most of the online delivery, we’re using a bespoke learning platform offering advanced online presentation tools to deliver a unique, engaging experience:
- Training content clearly organised into separate modules, each one divided into short topics.
- English subtitles and transcripts for each training video to make them more accessible to a wider audience.
- Intuitive course player with options to change the speed of the videos and their resolution.
- Interactive quizzes with instant feedback to find out how you’re doing and which topic you might want to revisit.
- Optional game for those who find a bit of competitive fun motivating and entertaining!
‘Screenwriting Unchained – Advanced Development‘ closely follows Emmanuel Oberg‘s book and Advanced Development Workshop. The first three modules of this course, released today, offer an introduction to the Story-Type Method.
This introduction on its own offers a lively presentation of the core aspects of the method. It also works well for those who attended the Advanced Development Workshop or read “” a while ago and need a refresher before an add-on workshop or course, such as the one on TV Series.
It costs $297 and requires no preparation. We’re offering 50% off during this launch (discount code SPRING2021), until the 16th of April 2021. This is when the Spring intake for this course closes. The course itself will run from the 17th of April to the 30th of April.
The second course released today, “Writing a Successful TV Series“, is an adaptation of Emmanuel’s workshop and upcoming book on TV Series.
It includes over ten hours of training content organised in eight training modules and offers an optional “Writers’ Room Game” that tracks the progression of a writer in a virtual writers’ room, from writers’ PA to showrunner.
It costs $997 and requires at least two weeks of preparation. This is an add-on course, so participants are expected to have either attended the Advanced Development Workshop or read ““. To help with preparation, the first three modules of the course “Screenwriting Unchained – Advanced Development Course” is currently included at no extra cost with “Writing a Successful TV Series“.
We’re also offering 50% off during this launch (discount code SPRING2021), until the 16th of April 2021. This is when the Spring intake for this course closes. The course itself will run from the 1st of May to the 14th of May 2021.
What People Say
We’ve been running these courses for closed groups over the last few months both with and without a live element and the feedback has been phenomenal!
The course had more jaw-dropping moments than Game of Thrones.
To sum it up in one word, INSPIRING! When I get stuck at a certain point, be it treatment or bible, I search high and low for a spark or key to unlock the issue so that I can move on. I now feel like the janitor walking about with a master key, no longer intimidated by the daunting task of holistically bringing everything together in a single document.
To sum it up in one word, INSPIRING! The content was on point and helped make it easy for me to categorize and break down a story that I was struggling to tell. When I get stuck at a certain point, be it treatment or bible, I search high and low for a spark or key to unlock the issue so that I can move on. I now feel like the janitor walking about with a master key, no longer intimidated by the daunting task of holistically bringing everything together in a single document. That’s a powerful tool to have in anyone’s arsenal.
Danny McCafferty
Very thorough understanding of the inner workings of our craft.
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.
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]
Mike van Diem
Meticulously designed to make every bit of information comprehensible and enjoyable!
I am blown away by the attention to detail and care that was shown by Emmanuel in constructing this course. I have never been on a writing course that is so meticulously designed to make every bit of information comprehensible and enjoyable. […] I can’t wait to get stuck into my TV pilot knowing I have all the tools and material I need to make a compelling show.
I am blown away by the attention to detail and care that was shown by Emmanuel in constructing this course. I have never been on a writing course that is so meticulously designed to make every bit of information comprehensible and enjoyable. It took one week with Emmanuel for me to understand story design, character and structure at an in-depth level I didn’t think was possible to attain in such a short time. I can’t wait to get stuck into my TV pilot knowing I have all the tools and material I need to make a compelling show.
Tania Notaro
A liberating revelation
So far I haven’t come across a take on story structure that has been as helpful and useful as this one.
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 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.)
Håkan Östlundh
Oberg has certainly shared some nifty moves
Emmanuel Oberg has certainly shared some nifty moves (NB tools, not rules) that I am sure will offer, if not “true ease in writing” then certainly a better understanding of the craft.
Alexander Pope wrote:
“True ease in writing comes from art, not chance,
As those move easiest who have learn’d to dance.”
It remains to be seen if I will be a good writer after this course, but Emmanuel Oberg has certainly shared some nifty moves (NB tools, not rules) that I am sure will offer, if not “true ease in writing” then certainly a better understanding of the craft.
Thank you.
“True ease in writing comes from art, not chance,
As those move easiest who have learn’d to dance.”
It remains to be seen if I will be a good writer after this course, but Emmanuel Oberg has certainly shared some nifty moves (NB tools, not rules) that I am sure will offer, if not “true ease in writing” then certainly a better understanding of the craft.
Thank you.
Roger Childs
RTÉ
Inspiring and educational course
I read the book Screenwriting Unchained and I found the title very appropriate as it unshackled me from the logistical dramatic approach that I always found restricting. The follow up course [on TV Series] was intense and demanding but rewarding and more than worth the effort.
I read the book Screenwriting Unchained and I found the title very appropriate as it unshackled me from the logistical dramatic approach that I always found restricting. The follow up course [on TV Series] was intense and demanding but rewarding and more than worth the effort. Thank you Emmanuel and looking forward to the course in early May in Galway. Mícheál Ó Meallaigh
Mícheál Ó Meallaigh
NA
Helping me to understand and appreciate the stories I want to tell.
Emmanuel’s passion for storytelling throughout the course was infectious from the get go. Having such an engaging tutor was a huge help to me in bringing my own stories to life.
Sign up for his course today; you won’t regret it.
Sign up for his course today; you won’t regret it.
Emmanuel’s passion for storytelling throughout the course was infectious from the get go. Having such an engaging tutor was a huge help to me in bringing my own stories to life.
Sign up for his course today; you won’t regret it.
Sign up for his course today; you won’t regret it.
Paddy C. Courtney
Fantastic and in-depth course on the fundamentals of story and structure
I really enjoyed this course and think it will change forever how I approach writing and watching TV and film. I’ve read a lot of screenwriting books and almost all point to a narrow and often contrived approach to writing which never really sat right with me. Now, I understand why.
I really enjoyed this course and think it will change forever how I approach writing and watching TV and film. I’ve read a lot of screenwriting books and almost all point to a narrow and often contrived approach to writing which never really sat right with me. Now, I understand why. There’s a lot to unpack and I’ll be digesting the information for a long time to come, but overall I am coming away with permission to be more creative, while meeting the constraints required for screenwriting production. Thank you!
Nicola Cassidy
Thought provoking and practical
I found the ‘Writing a Successful TV Series’ hugely informative, thought provoking and practical in terms of giving you an additional ‘toolset’ for the development of stories. The case studies are excellent, and feature a forensic level of analysis of dramatic structure in hit TV serials. Highly recommended!
I found the ‘Writing a Successful TV Series’ hugely informative, thought provoking and practical in terms of giving you an additional ‘toolset’ for the development of stories. The case studies are excellent, and feature a forensic level of analysis of dramatic structure in hit TV serials. Highly recommended!
Bob Jackson
Great!
I did this course online and loved it from start to finish. I think it gives writers a very clear understanding of some really useful tools which can be used to design a story/storylines or to diagnose why a story might not be working and how to fix it. […] I think I will come back again and again to all I’ve learned here.
I did this course online and loved it from start to finish. I think it gives writers a very clear understanding of some really useful tools which can be used to design a story/storylines or to diagnose why a story might not be working and how to fix it. I loved having the ability to pause and rewind and take notes at my own pace. I also found the quizzes at the end of each module and the feedback on right/wrong answers super useful. I think I will come back again and again to all I’ve learned here.
Fiona Diver
Writer
A deep dive into story structure
“Emmanuel’s course is like a deep dive into story structure. You think you’ve got it mastered and then you realise how much more there is to learn. I feel so much more equipped as a screenwriter and script reader after this course.”
“Emmanuel’s course is like a deep dive into story structure. You think you’ve got it mastered and then you realise how much more there is to learn. I feel so much more equipped as a screenwriter and script reader after this course.”
Niamh O'Connor
Creating a common toolbox for writers working together
TV Series is a wonderful aid for writers and producers working together. […] Emmanuel’s methods put the audience at the heart, helping the writer to amplify their message and maximise the chances of getting their story out into the world.
TV Series is a wonderful aid for writers and producers working together. Since completing the ADW in 2018, and the TV Series course in 2020, I’ve come back again and again to Emmanuel’s methods when troubleshooting my own work or steering others in development. Recently, along a group of writers I’m working with, I completed the latest online TV Series course. It has created a common language with which to discuss story issues and character development that has been invaluable in shortcutting how we communicate. The course is thorough and well presented, with clips and case studies that make it easier to put these gems of writing wisdom into practice. Emmanuel’s methods put the audience at the heart, helping the writer to amplify their message and maximise the chances of getting their story out into the world.
Bláthnaid de Róiste
Danú Media Teoranta
A brilliant and comprehensive one stop shop
This course helped to focus my ideas and give them direction, steering me away from wasting my time. It’s a brilliant and comprehensive one stop shop that cuts through all the excess and illuminates the path to writing your best script.
I was a novice writer coming into this course with a head busting full of ideas. This course helped to focus my ideas and give them direction, steering me away from wasting my time. It’s a brilliant and comprehensive one stop shop that cuts through all the excess and illuminates the path to writing your best script. Emmanuel is very easy to listen to and makes the journey of learning that good bit more enjoyable. Cúrsa den scoth! Nár laga Dia a lámh.
JJ Ó Dochartaigh
Losta Plot
An engaging masterclass in storytelling
Emmanuel was engaging throughout and his passion for storytelling has definitely encouraged me to put pen to paper.
With a background in documentary and podcast making for the BBC, I have always wanted to take some of the skills I have acquired over the years and learn how they might translate into visual storytelling. But I didn’t know where to begin. Then I did Emmanuel’s course and that soon changed. This course provides focus around the practical matters of how to go about developing your ideas for the screen; the different trends when it comes to writing a TV series, the importance of a strong bible, how to identify the type of story you have and what that means for how you go about telling your story. No stone is left unturned. The use of samples such as Stranger Things and Big Little Lies to further detail the points he was making was fantastic. I love the tone Emmanuel has by not coming across preachy but that he really wants your stories to be the best they can be. Emmanuel was engaging throughout and his passion for storytelling has definitely encouraged me to put pen to paper.
Proinsias Ó Coinn
A wonderful opportunity!
Emmanuel Oberg organised for our FAMU production students an amazing short session from his workshop. An introduction to his method, including a group work, “What’s Your Type?” was great and followed with personal Q&A afterwards that gave our students a wonderful opportunity to dig into the subject.
Emmanuel Oberg organised for our FAMU production students an amazing short session from his workshop. An introduction to his method, including a group work, “What’s Your Type?” was great and followed with personal Q&A afterwards that gave our students a wonderful opportunity to dig into the subject. We decided to buy a few copies of Emmanuel’s books for our department as students are interested to know more after this experience. Thank you, dear Emmanuel, for making it happen for us within the limitations we had! [Introduction to the Story-Type Method Online Course, November 2020]
Karla Stojakova
An insightful, clarifying and fun workshop!
Emmanuel Oberg’s workshop offers an insightful and comprehensive way to approach tv series narrative and structure. […] It is also fun and I really enjoyed taking it. I can say that I feel much better equipped now to face the development of my series project.
Emmanuel Oberg’s workshop offers an insightful and comprehensive way to approach tv series narrative and structure. His method is simple but very clarifying, a useful tool when dealing with episodes, pilots, bibles, strands, seasons, cliffhangers, franchise and all sorts of often confusing concepts even for the experienced film producer. It is also fun and I really enjoyed taking it. I can say that I feel much better equipped now to face the development of my series project.
Cristina Zumarraga
Thanks, Emmanuel!
Of all the many international workshops I have done, I have rarely experienced one that offered such a steep learning curve. Thanks, Emmanuel.
Of all the many international workshops I have done, I have rarely experienced one that offered such a steep learning curve. Thanks, Emmanuel.
Ivan Madeo
This is the way to go!
If you want to dig deep and even deeper: this is the way to go. It is explained well, every step of the way, so you can apply what is thought.
If you want to dig deep and even deeper: this is the way to go. It is explained well, every step of the way, so you can apply what is thought.
Helen Perquy
Impressive knowledge!
Emmanuel’s knowledge about the different screenwriting approaches is impressive.
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.
Arash T. Riahi
An extraordinary course!
The practical tools will be tremendously useful and the resources a huge bonus.
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]
Natasha Carlish
Producer, Dreamfinder
The right kind of teacher for inherently creative people.
Emmanuel 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.
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]
Simon Perry
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.
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]
Smita Bhide
I’m itching to write. I can think of no higher praise.
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!
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]
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]
Blathnaid De Roiste