• We are experts at understanding how stories are built, written and retooled.
• We are award-winning UCLA Extension teachers who have been honored as “Teacher of the Year.”
• We have read and analyzed over 5000 screenplays for companies like Imagine Entertainment, Participant Productions, Walden Films, CBS, HBO and many, many more.
• We love storytelling, writers and helping writers grow.
• We teach you the patterns and devices of nine different genres to help you write original stories that still work within the marketplace.

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“Guys, I thought you would be pleased to know (as my Obi Wan) that yours truly will have two feature comedies produced this winter, both with major Russian studios with A-list cast. I’m kicking some major ass over there! And I must give you credit for giving me tools for writing that one script in just three days and then rewriting in another three, setting a new record among local screenwriters. Thank you guys!”

Vladimir Nagorny, screenwriter, December, 2011

“The best teacher I have ever had (not only at UCLA, but yes, even compared to France).”

Vincent Blin, French filmmaker, January, 2012

“Peter Russell is brilliant. The Einstein of teachers, if you will.” UCLA Student, December, 2011

“Peter Russell is the most amazing, wonderful teacher! He really makes you understand just how to create vivid, original Hollywood film story.  Talk to any of Peter’s students and you’ll hear this — he makes you excited and passionate about the art form (and it IS an art form) of the Hollywood hit, and, what’s so important, he makes you see how you can write a story.  He gives you an incredible insight into what will make or break a story across all genres of film.  I absolutely defy anyone to come out of this class without having revolutionized their writing skills.”  Georgina Hutchinson, Writer

“There are only a very few times in one’s life when a “light bulb” comes on — and a complete grasp of a subject is obtained.  Peter Russell has the extraordinary knack for conveying the principles and elements behind hit Hollywood movies in a way that makes obvious, deep sense – and which gives you the perfect tools to deeply grasp what makes a story good or bad for a film or TV project.  I feel extremely well versed and confident in my ability to produce and to help create Hollywood story after taking Peter’s class. I strongly recommend that anyone serious about making a mark in the film industry study Peter’s Storymaker approach.”  Carron Allen,  Executive, CAA

GENRE CLASSES – StoryMaker 101

We teach classes that reveal the underlying patterns of  nine main Hollywood genres.

Audiences don’t go to movies to see “plots.”  They gravitate toward a feeling.  Comedies make you laugh.  Horror films make you scared.  Mysteries surprise you with their twists and shocking discoveries.

Genres deliver the FEELINGS audiences desire. Once you understand the patterns of a particular genre, you can more strongly deliver the feelings an audience expects.  You can make them start feeling the movie from the very first page.

WRITING CLASSES

We also offer classes in writing fast treatments through our StoryMaker process, mastering character, action and dialogue in our Scene Writing Seminars, and a 12-Week Screenwriting Class designed to help you finish a first draft in less than 3 months.  Finally, we offer Storymaker 201 for advanced students who wish to complete their script (by invitation only, and must complete Storymaker 101).

STORY COACHING & SCRIPT CONSULTING

For writers, directors and producers, we offer script and story consulting to help deliver camera-ready, audience-generating projects.  Consulting is offered in-person, via Skype or on the phone.