Storytelling Masterclasses
Online, on-demand video training.
Welcome to the most advanced understanding of how stories work available anywhere on the planet today.
Storytelling Masterclass for Writers
Story theory in screenwriting, scriptwriting, creative writing and fiction writing for authors and screenwriters.
You will receive essential knowledge for professional screenwriting, scriptwriting, creative writing, books and even marketing with story.
Every author and screenwriter needs to know this. Further material on packaging and selling yourself and your stories to publishers and producers in the book and film industries.
We deep dive into story in twenty video lectures and use clips and short films and book extracts to give you a complete understanding of how stories work.
"Everyone who works with story needs to know what David knows." (Alex Marx - Writer/Director: The Queen of Fashion)
We deep dive into story in twenty video lectures and use clips and short films and book extracts to give you a complete understanding of how stories work.
Joshua Matlack
The theory of storytelling is so much more than what i thought it would be. well worth it.
Lynne Garner
Well presented and packed course. Well worth the investment in time and money.
Anna Thomas
Excellent course—very interesting! This is the best presentation I’ve seen in any course. Thank you for putting this together!
Connor Cameron
The lessons are short and sweet, but they pack a punch. I loved how I could learn something valuable even during a coffee break.
Seyi M
I love how every lecture gets straight to the point. No fluff, just pure knowledge delivered in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Perfect course!
Duke Dion
This course stood out because of the fresh perspective it offered. The examples and case studies were unlike anything I’ve seen before—truly eye-opening!
Collins Fletcher
This course reshaped the way I approach the subject. It’s not just about learning a skill; it’s about transforming how you think. The lessons were engaging, and the instructor made even complex topics approachable.
Samson A
I’ve taken many courses, but this one is a standout. It’s concise, well-organized, and filled with actionable tips that you can implement immediately. Fantastic!
Emmanuel Davidson
Every module was a ‘wow’ moment. It’s rare to find a course where every minute feels valuable.
Jonathan Walker
The instructor has a gift for storytelling, making even the driest concepts feel engaging and memorable.
Andrew Roman
The attention to detail in this course is astounding. It’s clear the instructor poured their heart into every section.
Thiago Axel
The best part? The course keeps you engaged from start to finish. No fluff, no fillers—just solid, actionable content.
Elijah W
This course taught me more in a week than I could have learned on my own in a year. The structure is flawless.
Yusuf A
This course feels like a premium program—way more than what I expected from an online platform. The visuals, materials, and lectures are polished and professional. Truly outstanding!
Some words from my students on Udemy
Eric Ongeri - Writer"The course is amazing! I'm learning so much! Who knew that ignorance, honestly, is not bliss?! I don't know how on earth I would have done my manuscripts any justice if I had sent them out before coming across your teachings. Thank you, David."
Is this right for you?
The principles of knowledge gaps and subtext apply to every story, in every medium, from any time and in any format. All stories.
There are dedicated areas for authors and for scriptwriters, particularly on how to package and present yourself and your work to the industry and get a deal once you have your story finished, but yes, if you work with stories, this course will benefit you.
Applies to all story forms - authors, scriptwriters, playwrights, journalists...
For everyone that has...
An interest in turning your creative ideas into superb stories that sell.
A strong desire to succeed as a writer.
Recognises that to gain success you have to do more than just write.
Mark Halliley Scriptwriter: Hello Joe"We cannot recommend David Baboulene highly enough. His insights and expertise on story creation have been invaluable, helping us get our script to the point where we’ve sold the option and look forward to full production”
Storytelling Masterclass for Writers
Story theory in screenwriting, scriptwriting, creative writing
and fiction writing for authors and screenwriters.
What you'll learn
Story Theory: How stories get their power to grip and engage an audience.
- Working with the substance of every story: Knowledge gaps and subtext.
- The Three Roles in Every Story: Author, Character, Receiver.
- The Story Development Process: how to make the absolute most of your story idea.
- Understand the Industry: How to be sure that your story will sell.
- Pitch Decks and Publication Packs: How to present yourself and your stories to publishers and producers.
Working with a man who is a published author, screenwriter, producer, story consultant and Ph.D. academic of story theory, you will learn how to elevate your writing to exceptional levels in your books, screenplays, blogs, essays, business and marketing copy, through your mastery of story theory.
You will receive essential knowledge for professional screenwriting, scriptwriting, creative writing, books and even marketing with story. Every author and screenwriter needs to know this. Further material on packaging and selling yourself and your stories to publishers and producers in the book and film industries.
We will look at the role of the author where we understand the key question dynamic, Aristotle's principles and what happens when characters make plans. Then onto the ultimate story dynamic, storification. the critical dynamic that makes a story a story. Then the story development process. Once the seeds begin to blossom, you will know how to guide the story threads?
We deep dive into story in twenty video lectures and use clips and short films and book extracts to give you a complete understanding of how stories work.
This course is based on my Ph.D. thesis in story theory, my five best selling books on the subject and the course content I have given live to academic and commercial audiences, charging as much as £2000 for live delivery.
I have used my understanding of story to build a career in books and film. There is nothing stopping you from doing the same.
This course includes:
- 6.5 hours on-demand video
- 4 articles
- Access on mobile and TV
- Full lifetime access
- Certificate of completion
1. Why do stories exist?
We begin with some theory on the psychology of story. Why stories exist, what are stories, how they work, and why they have such a profound impact on us compared to other forms of communication.
2. Knowledge gaps and subtext
How knowledge gaps and subtext are the common denominator for human mental processes AND stories. I will show you how they are the substance of story and how that translates into a toolbox for you to knowledgeably craft your stories to grip and engage your audience.
3. The writer, the character, and the audience…
There are three essential roles in a story, one for each of the participants in every story: The role of the writer; the role of the characters; and the role of the receiver (reader, listener, audience…). Each has a role, and you, as the writer, the God of the story, control them all!
4. The clever bit – storification
When your receiver starts building the story for themselves in their mind, and is getting more than the basic meaning you are giving them, THAT is the subtext working, and that is called storification. It’s so, so powerful, and when you get the hang of continuously creating the conditions for subtext to manifest in your receiver's mind, you are becoming a master of story. Here’s a quick example:
“FOR SALE. BABY’S SHOES. NEVER WORN”
If you ‘received’ a small advertisement for someone selling footwear, then you got the narrative meaning. If you got something to do with death in childbirth, you just got storification.
Absolutely critical, mind-blowing power in every beat, scene, sequence, act, chapter and entire story.
5. After this...
Lots and LOTS of examples and clips from famous films and TV shows, and entire short films and resources to demonstrate the principles, have it all make sense and to turn you into not only a story theory expert, but also to empower you to make your stories from knowledge gaps and subtext. These are the substance of great story. At this point will be amazed to find yourself making stories that absolutely explode with new dimensions.
Kris Mole (Author)"Once you have discovered David's approach, you will find the proof of it in every single story you ever hear, read or watch, ever again, and you will never write in quite the same way again. David’s discoveries are a game changer for writers."
Rachna Malkani - Writer and Business Owner"David has been God sent for me. His sincerity towards your success is beyond anything I have ever come across in this industry. He is all about you and your purpose."
Hannah Stevenson - Producer: In Another Life (2017), Eaten by Lions (2018), Pavement (2020)"The insight that David brought to our project was invaluable. David was able to turn our script that was a compelling story attracting initial interest into a page turner of a screenplay. He is creatively inspiring while maintaining a kind, collaborative humility that should not be underestimated. Thank you so much David."
Become a Story Consultant
I believe EVERY story being made, anywhere in the world, should have a story consultant on the team. I see so many stories get trampled underfoot in the rush to make a movie, it's CRITICAL that someone there is looking after the beating heart that EVERYONE relies on.
Part of this training is for you to become a story consultant, should you wish to do so, or at least serve that purpose if you have another role on the shoot.
When there's a story expert on a film-making project, everyone ends up turning to that person. It's a critical role, and it is knowledge that is recognised and valued by others.
I asked people at my live show to provide anonymous feedback, so they could tell me what they truly think! Here's a few examples.
Anonymous delegate feedback"Thanks for all your work David, this was all really useful. I love your style of presentation and your humour."
CAROLYN GOODYEAR Writer/Producer (ENS; HomeWreckers; Lilly Lemoncello)."David’s love and understanding of story has elevated many of my scripts which have subsequently gone on to be produced and win awards. He’s a fantastic story consultant – encouraging and full of good ideas – I can’t imagine ever writing a script without asking David to read it."
Anonymous delegate feedback"David was clear, fun, insightful and kind. It was really useful to be able to talk to him. He was very approachable and gave everyone really clear feedback."
Anonymous delegate feedback"10/10! I've never deconstructed a story in such a way and he makes it riveting and funny, so kudos, David!
Anonymous delegate feedback“Every session provided another ‘eureka moment’ for me; another sudden insight into ways to improve my stories and find direction for me as a writer.”
"David is The New Aristotle."Craig Hinde: Writer/Producer/Director