Stories from the Screen: Exploring Need and Want with Paloma Valenzuela

Behind the beats of a film's plot, how do we communicate the subtextual, metaphorical core of what the story is about? Behind the end of a character's arc, in which they succeed or fail to reach the external goal they were seeking, what is the emotional ending for that character? How do they change? What internal need is fulfilled or figured out? 

Join writer, director & GrubStreet instructor Paloma Valenzuela for a short film screening and a seminar on character development in film. In this session, we will watch the short film El Niño by Venezuelan director Valeria Valentina Bolivar, and discuss how to develop the story arc for your character, both for short and feature-length films, by identifying the character’s need and want. Expect a fun, in-depth discussion of how need and want function in Bolivar's film, and some writing exercises that will get you started on your own film ideas!

About Stories from the Screen

Great writing doesn't just live on the page! In GrubStreet's Stories From the Screen, explore storytelling from a visual medium through deep dives into short films, TV episodes, and more. Each screening will be accompanied by an interactive talk about the art of storytelling from a GrubStreet instructor.

Whether you're a screenwriter looking to strengthen your craft, a writer interested in deepening your understanding of narrative structure, or just a film lover excited about learning what makes your favorite films and TV shows tick, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how we tell stories and what we can learn from film.

Program Format

This program will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.

Covid-19 Update

GrubStreet's space will be mask optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in-person.