Karel FG Segers

Karel Segers wrote his first produced screenplay at age 17. Today he is a story analyst with experience in acquisition, development and production. He has trained students worldwide, and worked with half a dozen Academy Award nominees. Karel speaks more European languages than he has fingers on his left hand, which he is still trying to find a use for in his hometown of Sydney, Australia. The languages, not the fingers. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Interview: Kaplan on Comedy (2)

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Last year James Nicholas attended Steve Kaplan’s session at the Screenwriting Expo. Afterwards he wrote here on The Story Department, “Kaplan is to comedy and commedia dell’arte what Vogler is to the Hero’s journey and Campbell. (Continued from Part 1) Karel: What is Commedia Dell‘Arte and what can we learn from it? Steve: The Commedia … Read more

The Judges: Week 1

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In 2011, each week our 10 judges will review two short synopses from films that are currently in development. The objective is to all  (that includes us judges) learn from the exercise. Please comment on our comments! photo credit: swanksalot If you have an opinion on any of these synopses or the feedback from the … Read more

Three or Four?

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A properly structured screenplay must have three acts… Or four? I have said before that the model you use to improve your screenwriting is your own choice. At the end of the day it is all academic. Whatever works for you. The Dept Revisited – A rerun of the best of the Story Dept. A … Read more

(No Need To) Know Thyself

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Some teachers make screenwriters feel like they need psycho-analysis before they can write anything worthwhile. I used to agree. Now I’m confused. In any case, claiming that no quality writing can happen without deep introspection seems wrong. It was Joss Whedon who got me thinking about this. During his talk at the Sydney Opera House … Read more