Course and Event Registrations Closing Soon!
Jan29
Story Forum Online
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
Harnessing the Power of Virtual Production for Indie Filmmakers
With: Alyssa Boyle and 3 more
Harnessing the Power of Virtual Production for Indie Filmmakers
January 29, 2026
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
With: Alyssa Boyle, Declan Keeney, Jamie Harvey and Niamh Gormley
Virtual production (VP) offers filmmakers a new avenue to achieve high production value on a smaller budget. In this immersive introduction to the technology, attendees will receive a virtual tour of Studio Ulster, one of Europe’s most ambitious VP studios.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
Legal Toolkit for Producers Using AI
With: Elsa Ramo and Erica Elson
Legal Toolkit for Producers Using AI
January 29, 2026
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
With: Elsa Ramo and Erica Elson
As AI tools become more widely available, they also raise questions about ethical boundaries and legal concerns. Led by veteran entertainment attorney Elsa Ramo, this one-hour session will cover important guidelines to follow when using AI in your filmmaking workflow.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
Truth, Reach, and Success: The Future of Documentary Storytelling
With: Sara Bernstein
Truth, Reach, and Success: The Future of Documentary Storytelling
January 29, 2026
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
With: Sara Bernstein
Sara Bernstein, President of Imagine Documentaries, hosts a conversation about the big question facing docs right now: Where's it all going?
Jan29
Story Forum Online
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
The Independent Screenwriter’s Guide to AI Assistance
With: Bryan Hill and 2 more
The Independent Screenwriter’s Guide to AI Assistance
January 29, 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
With: Bryan Hill, Julius Pryor IV and Katherine Street
Find new ways to bring your ideas to life without waiting for a greenlight from the powers-that-be. In this session, you will discover how LLMs (Language Learning Models) can support your creative process in ideation, research, and drafting while maintaining authorship of your work.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
AI for Documentary Filmmakers: Research, Transcripts, and Trust
With: Kristina Budelis and Erica Elson
AI for Documentary Filmmakers: Research, Transcripts, and Trust
January 29, 2026
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
With: Kristina Budelis and Erica Elson
In this session, led by director, producer, and entrepreneur Kristina Budelis, you’ll learn some of the new ways documentary teams are using AI, with a focus on behind-the-scenes use.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
The Poetry of the Prompt: AI Storytelling and the Making of ANCESTRA
With: Eliza McNitt and 2 more
The Poetry of the Prompt: AI Storytelling and the Making of ANCESTRA
January 29, 2026
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
With: Eliza McNitt, Ben Wiley and Soheil Rezayazdi
Emmy-nominated filmmaker Eliza McNitt and Ben Wiley (Creative Director, Google Creative Lab) unpack the creation of ANCESTRA, discussing how the pair blended live action performances with generative AI visuals to tell a deeply personal story.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
Storycraft in the Age of AI: Narratology, Structure and the Human Voice
With: Joseph Couch and 2 more
Storycraft in the Age of AI: Narratology, Structure and the Human Voice
January 29, 2026
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
With: Joseph Couch, Mike S. Ryan and Alicia Van Couvering
This panel explores how narratology (the study of story structure, meaning, and form) can guide human-centered AI tools toward new plot structures for the modern age, beyond inherited templates like the Hero’s Journey.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
Narrative Innovations: Personal Storytelling in the Indie Game Landscape
With: Abhi and 4 more
Narrative Innovations: Personal Storytelling in the Indie Game Landscape
January 29, 2026
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
With: Abhi, Julián Cordero, Tim Dawson, Wren Brier and Erica Elson
In this comprehensive panel featuring the artists behind several innovative indie games, you’ll hear a wide range of perspectives on narrative design, worldbuilding, and what goes into making a great game.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
Tackling the Ethics of AI through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE with Valerie Veatch
With: Samuel Black and 9 more
Tackling the Ethics of AI through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE with Valerie Veatch
January 30, 2026
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
With: Samuel Black, Alix Dunn, Johnathan Flowers, Krystal Kauffman, Richard Mathenge, Milagros Miceli, Thema Monroe-White , Mophat Okinyi, Tiera Tanksley and Valerie Veatch
In this special three-hour session, Valerie Veatch will present a deep-dive into the making of her documentary as well as the technology’s implications with regards to race, gender, data, labor, the climate, and more. Veatch will lead a series of three panel discussions with nine experts who appear in her film.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
Behind the Cut: An Inside Look at the Making of THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR | Presented by Adobe
With: Geeta Gandbhir and 2 more
Behind the Cut: An Inside Look at the Making of THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR | Presented by Adobe
January 30, 2026
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
With: Geeta Gandbhir, Viridiana Lieberman and Meagan Keane
This session highlights the tools, workflows, and editorial decisions that transformed raw material into a cohesive documentary, revealing how structure, iteration, and collaboration bring real-world stories into focus.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
The Future of Storytelling with Charles Melcher
With: Charles Melcher and Erica Elson
The Future of Storytelling with Charles Melcher
January 30, 2026
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
With: Charles Melcher and Erica Elson
Storytelling is shifting from passive observation to immersive, participatory experience. How can creators adapt to this new frontier? Join Charles Melcher as he explores how interactivity and audience engagement are changing the media landscape.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
The AI Landscape: Critical Debates and Creative Pathways for Independent Filmmakers
With: Alex Rivera and Soheil Rezayazdi
The AI Landscape: Critical Debates and Creative Pathways for Independent Filmmakers
January 30, 2026
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
With: Alex Rivera and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this session, Alex Rivera will deliver a presentation on how thoughtful, socially-engaged filmmakers can approach this moment in which AI has become ubiquitous in modern life.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
The Long Game: Rian Johnson and Noah Segan on Storytelling and Collaboration
With: Rian Johnson and 2 more
The Long Game: Rian Johnson and Noah Segan on Storytelling and Collaboration
January 30, 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
With: Rian Johnson, Noah Segan and Katherine Street
Join us for a deep dive into the actor/director relationship with Rian Johnson and Noah Segan, the lessons learned from decades on set, and their take on the future of independent cinema.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
Designing Interactive Worlds Through Immersive Storytelling
With: Alton Glass and Erica Elson
Designing Interactive Worlds Through Immersive Storytelling
January 30, 2026
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
With: Alton Glass and Erica Elson
In this session, you’ll learn how to translate your unique voice across new tools and platforms and gain a greater understanding of how creators can successfully use virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality with intention to empower others.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
The Generative Lens: Gary Hustwit on Storytelling Beyond the Timeline
With: Gary Hustwit and KD Daza
The Generative Lens: Gary Hustwit on Storytelling Beyond the Timeline
January 30, 2026
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
With: Gary Hustwit and KD Daza
In this moderated conversation, Hustwit will discuss how he conceptualized and created the film, the challenges of incorporating bespoke tech into his filmmaking practice, and his predictions on the future intersections of film and technology.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
Reclaiming Storytelling in the Age of Infinite Content
With: Jim Festante and 3 more
Reclaiming Storytelling in the Age of Infinite Content
January 30, 2026
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
With: Jim Festante, Denver Humphrey, Shira Lazar and Justin Trevor Winters
This panel provides insights into how to bridge the gap between content creation and storytelling in the social media landscape.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
No, Generative AI Doesn’t Kill Creativity
With: Henry Daubrez and Erica Elson
No, Generative AI Doesn’t Kill Creativity
January 30, 2026
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
With: Henry Daubrez and Erica Elson
Join us for a grounded exploration of creativity’s new frontier as Henry Daubrez, Resident Filmmaker and Creative Director at Google Labs, discusses why, despite powerful algorithms, the "human touch" remains the defining variable.
The Industry: A Crash Course (Self-paced)
Beginner to Intermediate
With: Tessa Blake and Christina K. Licud
If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move breaking into TV, this four-week course is your roadmap to success. By the end of it, you’ll be well-equipped with the tools, strategies, and confidence to take charge of your career.
Directing Actors
Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Tessa Blake
In just eight weeks, an accomplished director will give you the tools to transform a script into a roadmap that takes your vision from ideas to final cut. In this introductory level self-paced course, you'll explore and experiment with how to approach your collaboration with actors from auditions to working on set.
Self-Paced Course
Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay
Instructor: Deborah Goodwin
Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay
Intermediate
Instructor: Deborah Goodwin
You’ve got a great idea for a movie and fleshed out an outline for your screenplay. Now, it’s time to start writing that script that gets past gatekeepers and grabs your reader’s attention — whether it’s an assistant, an agent, an executive, a financier, or the talent you want on screen. In this course you will move from outline to completing a first draft of your screenplay (90-120 pages).
Recently Added Courses and Events
Creating the Horror in Your Screenplay
Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Owen Egerton
Ready to write a horror screenplay that gets under your audience's skin? Learn to craft truly terrifying and unforgettable horror stories in this comprehensive, self-paced course taught by celebrated horror screenwriter Owen Egerton. In this course, you'll go beyond cheap jump scares to discover the core principles of cinematic horror. Through bite-sized video lessons you can watch at your own pace, Owen will guide you through writing exercises that build your story from the ground up, helping you develop compelling characters, build suspense, and create scares that are both original and deeply unsettling.
Mar11
Advisor Studio
10:00AM - 11:15AM (PDT)
Location Scouting for Independent Film and Television
With: Gerry Kim and Soheil Rezayazdi
Location Scouting for Independent Film and Television
March 11, 2026
10:00AM - 11:15AM (PDT)
10:00AM - 11:15AM (PDT)
With: Gerry Kim and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this Advisor Studio session, veteran producer and location scout Gerry Kim will explore how to scout with both artistry and strategy.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
The Long Game: Rian Johnson and Noah Segan on Storytelling and Collaboration
With: Rian Johnson and 2 more
The Long Game: Rian Johnson and Noah Segan on Storytelling and Collaboration
January 30, 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
With: Rian Johnson, Noah Segan and Katherine Street
Join us for a deep dive into the actor/director relationship with Rian Johnson and Noah Segan, the lessons learned from decades on set, and their take on the future of independent cinema.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
No, Generative AI Doesn’t Kill Creativity
With: Henry Daubrez and Erica Elson
No, Generative AI Doesn’t Kill Creativity
January 30, 2026
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
With: Henry Daubrez and Erica Elson
Join us for a grounded exploration of creativity’s new frontier as Henry Daubrez, Resident Filmmaker and Creative Director at Google Labs, discusses why, despite powerful algorithms, the "human touch" remains the defining variable.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
Reclaiming Storytelling in the Age of Infinite Content
With: Jim Festante and 3 more
Reclaiming Storytelling in the Age of Infinite Content
January 30, 2026
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
With: Jim Festante, Denver Humphrey, Shira Lazar and Justin Trevor Winters
This panel provides insights into how to bridge the gap between content creation and storytelling in the social media landscape.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
The Generative Lens: Gary Hustwit on Storytelling Beyond the Timeline
With: Gary Hustwit and KD Daza
The Generative Lens: Gary Hustwit on Storytelling Beyond the Timeline
January 30, 2026
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
With: Gary Hustwit and KD Daza
In this moderated conversation, Hustwit will discuss how he conceptualized and created the film, the challenges of incorporating bespoke tech into his filmmaking practice, and his predictions on the future intersections of film and technology.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
The AI Landscape: Critical Debates and Creative Pathways for Independent Filmmakers
With: Alex Rivera and Soheil Rezayazdi
The AI Landscape: Critical Debates and Creative Pathways for Independent Filmmakers
January 30, 2026
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
With: Alex Rivera and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this session, Alex Rivera will deliver a presentation on how thoughtful, socially-engaged filmmakers can approach this moment in which AI has become ubiquitous in modern life.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
Tackling the Ethics of AI through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE with Valerie Veatch
With: Samuel Black and 9 more
Tackling the Ethics of AI through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE with Valerie Veatch
January 30, 2026
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
With: Samuel Black, Alix Dunn, Johnathan Flowers, Krystal Kauffman, Richard Mathenge, Milagros Miceli, Thema Monroe-White , Mophat Okinyi, Tiera Tanksley and Valerie Veatch
In this special three-hour session, Valerie Veatch will present a deep-dive into the making of her documentary as well as the technology’s implications with regards to race, gender, data, labor, the climate, and more. Veatch will lead a series of three panel discussions with nine experts who appear in her film.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
Narrative Innovations: Personal Storytelling in the Indie Game Landscape
With: Abhi and 4 more
Narrative Innovations: Personal Storytelling in the Indie Game Landscape
January 29, 2026
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
With: Abhi, Julián Cordero, Tim Dawson, Wren Brier and Erica Elson
In this comprehensive panel featuring the artists behind several innovative indie games, you’ll hear a wide range of perspectives on narrative design, worldbuilding, and what goes into making a great game.
Spotlight
Spotlight: Laura Poitras on Documenting Seymour Hersh in COVER-UP
With: Laura Poitras and Soheil Rezayazdi
Spotlight: Laura Poitras on Documenting Seymour Hersh in COVER-UP
With: Laura Poitras and Soheil Rezayazdi
Jan29
Story Forum Online
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
Storycraft in the Age of AI: Narratology, Structure and the Human Voice
With: Joseph Couch and 2 more
Storycraft in the Age of AI: Narratology, Structure and the Human Voice
January 29, 2026
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
With: Joseph Couch, Mike S. Ryan and Alicia Van Couvering
This panel explores how narratology (the study of story structure, meaning, and form) can guide human-centered AI tools toward new plot structures for the modern age, beyond inherited templates like the Hero’s Journey.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
The Poetry of the Prompt: AI Storytelling and the Making of ANCESTRA
With: Eliza McNitt and 2 more
The Poetry of the Prompt: AI Storytelling and the Making of ANCESTRA
January 29, 2026
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
With: Eliza McNitt, Ben Wiley and Soheil Rezayazdi
Emmy-nominated filmmaker Eliza McNitt and Ben Wiley (Creative Director, Google Creative Lab) unpack the creation of ANCESTRA, discussing how the pair blended live action performances with generative AI visuals to tell a deeply personal story.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
AI for Documentary Filmmakers: Research, Transcripts, and Trust
With: Kristina Budelis and Erica Elson
AI for Documentary Filmmakers: Research, Transcripts, and Trust
January 29, 2026
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
With: Kristina Budelis and Erica Elson
In this session, led by director, producer, and entrepreneur Kristina Budelis, you’ll learn some of the new ways documentary teams are using AI, with a focus on behind-the-scenes use.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
Truth, Reach, and Success: The Future of Documentary Storytelling
With: Sara Bernstein
Truth, Reach, and Success: The Future of Documentary Storytelling
January 29, 2026
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
With: Sara Bernstein
Sara Bernstein, President of Imagine Documentaries, hosts a conversation about the big question facing docs right now: Where's it all going?
Jan29
Story Forum Online
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
The Independent Screenwriter’s Guide to AI Assistance
With: Bryan Hill and 2 more
The Independent Screenwriter’s Guide to AI Assistance
January 29, 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
With: Bryan Hill, Julius Pryor IV and Katherine Street
Find new ways to bring your ideas to life without waiting for a greenlight from the powers-that-be. In this session, you will discover how LLMs (Language Learning Models) can support your creative process in ideation, research, and drafting while maintaining authorship of your work.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
Legal Toolkit for Producers Using AI
With: Elsa Ramo and Erica Elson
Legal Toolkit for Producers Using AI
January 29, 2026
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
With: Elsa Ramo and Erica Elson
As AI tools become more widely available, they also raise questions about ethical boundaries and legal concerns. Led by veteran entertainment attorney Elsa Ramo, this one-hour session will cover important guidelines to follow when using AI in your filmmaking workflow.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
Harnessing the Power of Virtual Production for Indie Filmmakers
With: Alyssa Boyle and 3 more
Harnessing the Power of Virtual Production for Indie Filmmakers
January 29, 2026
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
With: Alyssa Boyle, Declan Keeney, Jamie Harvey and Niamh Gormley
Virtual production (VP) offers filmmakers a new avenue to achieve high production value on a smaller budget. In this immersive introduction to the technology, attendees will receive a virtual tour of Studio Ulster, one of Europe’s most ambitious VP studios.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
Behind the Cut: An Inside Look at the Making of THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR | Presented by Adobe
With: Geeta Gandbhir and 2 more
Behind the Cut: An Inside Look at the Making of THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR | Presented by Adobe
January 30, 2026
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
With: Geeta Gandbhir, Viridiana Lieberman and Meagan Keane
This session highlights the tools, workflows, and editorial decisions that transformed raw material into a cohesive documentary, revealing how structure, iteration, and collaboration bring real-world stories into focus.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
The Future of Storytelling with Charles Melcher
With: Charles Melcher and Erica Elson
The Future of Storytelling with Charles Melcher
January 30, 2026
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
With: Charles Melcher and Erica Elson
Storytelling is shifting from passive observation to immersive, participatory experience. How can creators adapt to this new frontier? Join Charles Melcher as he explores how interactivity and audience engagement are changing the media landscape.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
Designing Interactive Worlds Through Immersive Storytelling
With: Alton Glass and Erica Elson
Designing Interactive Worlds Through Immersive Storytelling
January 30, 2026
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
With: Alton Glass and Erica Elson
In this session, you’ll learn how to translate your unique voice across new tools and platforms and gain a greater understanding of how creators can successfully use virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality with intention to empower others.
Trending Courses and Events
Jan29
Story Forum Online
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
Harnessing the Power of Virtual Production for Indie Filmmakers
With: Alyssa Boyle and 3 more
Harnessing the Power of Virtual Production for Indie Filmmakers
January 29, 2026
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
9:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)
With: Alyssa Boyle, Declan Keeney, Jamie Harvey and Niamh Gormley
Virtual production (VP) offers filmmakers a new avenue to achieve high production value on a smaller budget. In this immersive introduction to the technology, attendees will receive a virtual tour of Studio Ulster, one of Europe’s most ambitious VP studios.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
The Independent Screenwriter’s Guide to AI Assistance
With: Bryan Hill and 2 more
The Independent Screenwriter’s Guide to AI Assistance
January 29, 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
With: Bryan Hill, Julius Pryor IV and Katherine Street
Find new ways to bring your ideas to life without waiting for a greenlight from the powers-that-be. In this session, you will discover how LLMs (Language Learning Models) can support your creative process in ideation, research, and drafting while maintaining authorship of your work.
Feb18
Spotlight
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
Driving Box Office Success with Joseph Kosinski (F1: THE MOVIE)
With: Joseph Kosinski and Erica Elson
Driving Box Office Success with Joseph Kosinski (F1: THE MOVIE)
February 18, 2026
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
With: Joseph Kosinski and Erica Elson
In this hour-long conversation for filmmakers of all levels, you’ll get a chance to ask questions about producing and directing some of Hollywood’s biggest films. Joseph Kosinski will discuss crafting memorable heroes, bringing his unique take to existing IP, and directing thrilling action sequences.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
Truth, Reach, and Success: The Future of Documentary Storytelling
With: Sara Bernstein
Truth, Reach, and Success: The Future of Documentary Storytelling
January 29, 2026
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
With: Sara Bernstein
Sara Bernstein, President of Imagine Documentaries, hosts a conversation about the big question facing docs right now: Where's it all going?
Jan29
Story Forum Online
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
AI for Documentary Filmmakers: Research, Transcripts, and Trust
With: Kristina Budelis and Erica Elson
AI for Documentary Filmmakers: Research, Transcripts, and Trust
January 29, 2026
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
With: Kristina Budelis and Erica Elson
In this session, led by director, producer, and entrepreneur Kristina Budelis, you’ll learn some of the new ways documentary teams are using AI, with a focus on behind-the-scenes use.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
Legal Toolkit for Producers Using AI
With: Elsa Ramo and Erica Elson
Legal Toolkit for Producers Using AI
January 29, 2026
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
With: Elsa Ramo and Erica Elson
As AI tools become more widely available, they also raise questions about ethical boundaries and legal concerns. Led by veteran entertainment attorney Elsa Ramo, this one-hour session will cover important guidelines to follow when using AI in your filmmaking workflow.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
The Future of Storytelling with Charles Melcher
With: Charles Melcher and Erica Elson
The Future of Storytelling with Charles Melcher
January 30, 2026
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
12:00PM - 1:00PM (PST)
With: Charles Melcher and Erica Elson
Storytelling is shifting from passive observation to immersive, participatory experience. How can creators adapt to this new frontier? Join Charles Melcher as he explores how interactivity and audience engagement are changing the media landscape.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
Storycraft in the Age of AI: Narratology, Structure and the Human Voice
With: Joseph Couch and 2 more
Storycraft in the Age of AI: Narratology, Structure and the Human Voice
January 29, 2026
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
With: Joseph Couch, Mike S. Ryan and Alicia Van Couvering
This panel explores how narratology (the study of story structure, meaning, and form) can guide human-centered AI tools toward new plot structures for the modern age, beyond inherited templates like the Hero’s Journey.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
Reclaiming Storytelling in the Age of Infinite Content
With: Jim Festante and 3 more
Reclaiming Storytelling in the Age of Infinite Content
January 30, 2026
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
With: Jim Festante, Denver Humphrey, Shira Lazar and Justin Trevor Winters
This panel provides insights into how to bridge the gap between content creation and storytelling in the social media landscape.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
The AI Landscape: Critical Debates and Creative Pathways for Independent Filmmakers
With: Alex Rivera and Soheil Rezayazdi
The AI Landscape: Critical Debates and Creative Pathways for Independent Filmmakers
January 30, 2026
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
With: Alex Rivera and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this session, Alex Rivera will deliver a presentation on how thoughtful, socially-engaged filmmakers can approach this moment in which AI has become ubiquitous in modern life.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
No, Generative AI Doesn’t Kill Creativity
With: Henry Daubrez and Erica Elson
No, Generative AI Doesn’t Kill Creativity
January 30, 2026
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
With: Henry Daubrez and Erica Elson
Join us for a grounded exploration of creativity’s new frontier as Henry Daubrez, Resident Filmmaker and Creative Director at Google Labs, discusses why, despite powerful algorithms, the "human touch" remains the defining variable.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
The Poetry of the Prompt: AI Storytelling and the Making of ANCESTRA
With: Eliza McNitt and 2 more
The Poetry of the Prompt: AI Storytelling and the Making of ANCESTRA
January 29, 2026
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
With: Eliza McNitt, Ben Wiley and Soheil Rezayazdi
Emmy-nominated filmmaker Eliza McNitt and Ben Wiley (Creative Director, Google Creative Lab) unpack the creation of ANCESTRA, discussing how the pair blended live action performances with generative AI visuals to tell a deeply personal story.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
Designing Interactive Worlds Through Immersive Storytelling
With: Alton Glass and Erica Elson
Designing Interactive Worlds Through Immersive Storytelling
January 30, 2026
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
With: Alton Glass and Erica Elson
In this session, you’ll learn how to translate your unique voice across new tools and platforms and gain a greater understanding of how creators can successfully use virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality with intention to empower others.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
Behind the Cut: An Inside Look at the Making of THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR | Presented by Adobe
With: Geeta Gandbhir and 2 more
Behind the Cut: An Inside Look at the Making of THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR | Presented by Adobe
January 30, 2026
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
With: Geeta Gandbhir, Viridiana Lieberman and Meagan Keane
This session highlights the tools, workflows, and editorial decisions that transformed raw material into a cohesive documentary, revealing how structure, iteration, and collaboration bring real-world stories into focus.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
The Generative Lens: Gary Hustwit on Storytelling Beyond the Timeline
With: Gary Hustwit and KD Daza
The Generative Lens: Gary Hustwit on Storytelling Beyond the Timeline
January 30, 2026
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
With: Gary Hustwit and KD Daza
In this moderated conversation, Hustwit will discuss how he conceptualized and created the film, the challenges of incorporating bespoke tech into his filmmaking practice, and his predictions on the future intersections of film and technology.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
Tackling the Ethics of AI through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE with Valerie Veatch
With: Samuel Black and 9 more
Tackling the Ethics of AI through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE with Valerie Veatch
January 30, 2026
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
9:00AM - 12:00PM (PST)
With: Samuel Black, Alix Dunn, Johnathan Flowers, Krystal Kauffman, Richard Mathenge, Milagros Miceli, Thema Monroe-White , Mophat Okinyi, Tiera Tanksley and Valerie Veatch
In this special three-hour session, Valerie Veatch will present a deep-dive into the making of her documentary as well as the technology’s implications with regards to race, gender, data, labor, the climate, and more. Veatch will lead a series of three panel discussions with nine experts who appear in her film.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
Narrative Innovations: Personal Storytelling in the Indie Game Landscape
With: Abhi and 4 more
Narrative Innovations: Personal Storytelling in the Indie Game Landscape
January 29, 2026
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
8:00PM - 9:00PM (PST)
With: Abhi, Julián Cordero, Tim Dawson, Wren Brier and Erica Elson
In this comprehensive panel featuring the artists behind several innovative indie games, you’ll hear a wide range of perspectives on narrative design, worldbuilding, and what goes into making a great game.
Screenwriting: Core Elements
Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Trey Ellis
Learn the core elements of writing a screenplay for a feature film, with an accomplished screenwriter as your guide. In this self-paced course, you will develop a new script idea into an outline that can be used to write your first draft.
Scripting and Pitching Your Documentary
Beginner to Intermediate
With: Mark Monroe and Xan Aranda
In this four-week course, Mark Monroe reveals the strategic art of shaping hundreds of hours of raw footage into compelling cinema. This course builds upon a previous Sundance Collab Master Class and features exclusive insights and conversations with established documentary storytellers Morgan Neville (Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, Piece By Piece), Geeta Gandbhir (The Perfect Neighbor), and Kavery Kaul (The Bengali).
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