A STORYMAKING SEMINAR and WORKSHOP/RETREAT
Sunday, May 24th through Saturday, May 30th
and
Sunday, September 13th through September 19th
Whether you are a professional or novice writer or filmmaker, this intensive state-of-the-art story seminar and workshop/retreat by the author of ‘Stealing Fire From the Gods” will take you beyond Classical Story Structure, The Hero’s Journey, conflict and turning points to a more complete understanding of the fundamentals you need to create your own significant and successful stories and story films.
James Bonnet’s Storymaking Seminar
The first two days will be devoted to the acclaimed seminar that James Bonnet has been teaching in Los Angeles since 1999.
This revised and expanded seminar, includes important new revelations concerning the ultimate source of unity, the structures of the whole story passage, the anti-hero’s journey, the high concept great idea, the creative unconscious, the creative process, and the secrets of charismatic characters. After a review of basic concepts and important story patterns, James Bonnet will guide you through a step-by-step journey from the fascination to the final draft, including a thorough analysis of many of today’s most powerful and successful stories and films.
The Workshop/Retreat
In this workshop/retreat, you will spend the next five days in an idyllic setting working on your own story for several hours each day one-on-one with James Bonnet. He will show you how to apply the principles and patterns that drive all great stories and films to your project, while sharing insights into metaphor, genre, the entertainment dimensions, great dialogue and the creation of unforgettable characters.
Each evening we will gather together again to watch an important film which we'll then analyze and discuss it over wine and dinner.
Since the seminar begins at 10:00 on Sunday morning, all participants should plan on arriving in Nans Sous Sainte Anne no later than the Saturday evening before the first class -- hopefully in time for a wine and cheese get-together where you will meet Jim Bonnet and the other participants and get your first taste of Nans Sous Sainte Anne.
To help maximize the experience, students will be invited to submit the project or a summary of the idea they plan to work on, so that Jim can incorporate the necessary special guidance in his teaching and mentoring.
Please note that a copy of the second edition “Stealing Fire from the Gods” will be sent to you upon registering for the class.
Space is limited to four students, and must be on a first come, first serve basis, so don’t delay in signing up for this special opportunity.
"Unlocking the secrets of story reveals the secrets of the mind and awakens the power of story within you. Work with that power and you can steal fire from the gods. Master that power and you can create stories that will live forever."
James Bonnet
What others have said:
“Anyone who is interested in structuring feelings and thoughts into words and story will find Stealing Fire stimulating and worthwhile. I recommend it."
Elliott Gould, Actor, Academy Award nominee
“My advice to aspiring writers is simple: Read this book. Go to this seminar. There are some real pearls here.”
Billy Ray, Screenwriter of "Flight Plan," "Shattered Glass," "Hart’s War"
“Employing psychological theory and his own hard-won insights, James Bonnet demystifies the magic of creative storytelling. Stealing Fire from the Gods is intelligent and fascinating.”
Robert Crais, New York Times Best-Selling Novelist
“James Bonnet has drawn on his vast experience as a writer and knowledge of story-telling to create a bold, insightful journey into the creative process.”
William R. Ewing, Writer and Producer of "End of the Spear"
“James Bonnet's tools will jump-start and intrigue you. Your connection to your craft will deepen, and your horizons will expand.”
Raymond Singer, Screenwriter of Disney’s "Mulan"
“Challenging and provocative. Bonnet is a thoughtful and highly intelligent writer whose lifetime of experience has led him to an intriguing theory about how great stories are written.”
David W. Rintels, Emmy, Writer’s Guild, and Peabody Award-winning Writer, Producer
“Stealing Fire from the Gods is like a rediscovered, ancient remedy for the ailing creative soul. Jim has tapped into a wellspring of lost knowledge that goes to the very core of the creative unconscious, unlocking the natural storyteller that is encoded in each and every one of us.”
Bob Camp, Artist, Writer, Director, Co-Creator of "The Ren and Stimpy Show"
“Stealing Fire from the Gods is a book that needs to read and reread and a seminar of great value to all writers.”
Gene Hines, original Writer, Producer of "Cliffhanger"
For fees, registration and accomadations, click on the side bar under Seminar and Retreat in France.
