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Dara Marks
Faculty
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Biography
Dara Marks, Ph.D. is a leading international script consultant, seminar leader, and author of one of the top selling books on screenwriting, Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc. Dara has specialized in the analysis of the modern screenplay for the past two decades, and Creative Screenwriting Magazine has consistently rated her the number one script consultant in the business: "Dara Marks is in a class by herself." She has worked for most major Hollywood studios and her advice has been sought on a variety of films and television programs. Dara has a doctorate degree in Mythological Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, focusing her thesis on The Transformative Function of Story. Her groundbreaking work in this field continues to help writers engage more deeply and effectively in the creative process.
Screenwriting Symposium Events
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Mentor Lab
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Dara Marks' Transformational Arc Lab
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In the process of developing plot and character, writers often lose track of what is important and meaningful. Understanding how to utilize the Transformational Arc greatly expands a writer's ability to identify and stay focused on unifying principles that link plot and character to the thematic, emotional and even spiritual dimensions of a story. Inside Story is an innovative approach to screenwriting that illuminates the inner journey of the character, enabling writers to build an internal structure that forms the transformational arc.
Knowing how to utilize the power of the arc will enhance your ability to move beyond traditional story structure and construct scripts that are more powerful, meaningful and marketable.
DAY 1: Re-Visioning Story Structure - From the Inside Out
* Why traditional story structure only tells us half the story
* Developing powerful and gripping conflict
* Creating subplots that expose the internal struggle
* Designing a memorable and forceful protagonist
* Digging into our own shadowy depths to design compelling antagonists
* Employing archetypal elements to the development of character
Day Two - Theme - Understanding What You're Really Writing About
*How to write what you mean?and mean what you write
*Learning to write with focused intention
*Turning theme into plot and character development
*Identifying the Fatal Flaw of Character - the most potent force in a great story
*Capturing the humanity of the protagonist
Day Three - Traversing the Transformational Arc of Character - Employing the transformational arc to deepen and enhance the dramatic tension
*Developing powerful imagery and strong, honest dialogue
*Putting a new spin on the inciting incident, the call to action and turning points
*Learning to love the "dreaded" 2nd act
*Embracing the death experience, the great descent and the rough road to redemption
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Seminar
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Harnessing the Power of Myth in the Movies
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Seminar Description:
Archetypes are universal patterns of human behavior that we all consciously or unconsciously recognize. There is enormous power when a story taps into archetypal characters or situations because they enable the audience to identify with the story on the deepest possible levels. In particular, mythic stories have survived only because they are constantly revealing to every new generation the patterning of human life. This seminar focuses on helping writers access and utilize their own internal, creative vision to make stronger and more powerful story choices.
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Panel Description:
Our Mentors convene for a lively discussion on the pros and cons, ins and outs, and ups and downs of showbiz as it relates to screenwriters. SCSFe Staff and Faculty member Darren Foster will moderate. The panel will discuss their POV about the art and craft of screenwriting and will take questions from the audience.
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