Joan Scheckel Filmmaking Labs

UNEARTH THE "MEANING MOTOR" OF YOUR STORY!

For the first time ever, JSFL Alumni are invited to take a deep dive into NUGGET in this Self-Guided Accelerator! Led by Joan Scheckel, Consulting Producer of Transparent and Creator of The Technique™, NUGGET 1 offers the same in-depth work that has previously only been available in private sessions! 

Now, in your own time, in your own mind, you can unpack the concept of NUGGET (AKA theme). Understanding NUGGET is key to The Technique™.  Use it to create meaningful structures for your narrative, doc, podcast, brand, and more.  

In this one profound Lab, you will learn how to:

1. Identify the NUGGET (theme) of the story
2. Create a coherent "motor" for the movie
3. Define the direction for the rewrite
4. Learn what it takes to create the heart of a hit

Day 1: Investigate

The first evening takes you deep into the core of your story. Guided and timed writing exercises from The Technique™ allow you to:

1. Investigate the issues and feelings central to your theme

2. Find the "hot coals" embedded in your timed writings

3. Understand how to use "hot coals" to create the narrative from your inner life

Day 2: Embody

Day 2 reveals how to take meaning out of the cerebral and into the visceral! Learn how to:

1. Hone your timed writings into one key essence
2. Articulate the story Nugget in felt, actionable terms 
3. Put the Nugget on its feet to discern how a theme becomes truly playable

Day 3:  Connect

Day 3 explores the vital connection between action, feeling, and meaning.

1. Explore how the Nugget has been used in hits like Transparent, Little Miss Sunshine, and Beginners
2. Embody the actions that earn dramatic truth. 
3. Apply the concepts to your own work.