The Emmy-nominated star and creator of the award-winning HBO series Insecure is here to show you how it’s done. Issa Rae uses her signature do-it-yourself ethos, humor, and voice to offer writers and creators of all types the motivation and tools they’ll need on their journey. Issa shares how she has navigated Hollywood while Black and inspires you to reach your creative dreams and never take no for an answer.
Instructor(s): Issa Rae
Class Length: 14 video lessons (2 hrs 17 min)
Category: Arts & Entertainment
Course Materials: Provided
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Lesson Plan
- Meet Your Instructor: Issa Rae
05:40
With her web series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and her HBO TV show Insecure, Issa Rae tells authentic stories with realistic characters. She shares how she broke into Hollywood by following her own path. - Finding Your Voice & Inspiration
12:19
Your unique voice is essential for storytelling. Issa teaches you how to create what you want to see by getting inspiration from your favorite shows and bringing underrepresented stories to a larger audience. - Developing Your Story
14:55
Issa walks you through the ingredients that every story needs and explains how to test your stories with new audiences. - Insecure Pilot Blueprint: Characters & the Why
12:01
Learn what makes a strong pilot episode and, in particular, Issa’s strategy for creating the pilot for Insecure. - Insecure Pilot Blueprint: Conflict & Series Setup
09:25
Issa continues her breakdown of the Insecure pilot so you can learn how to construct conflict and set up the rest of your series. - Creating Characters Grounded in Reality
11:07
Issa shows you the best ways to start developing characters and dialogue that are relatable and realistic. - Constructing Multidimensional Characters: Insecure
07:18
Awkward Black Girl and Insecure have something key in common: strong and specific characters. Issa delves into some of the most notable characters from her series and the growth they’ve experienced over time. - Interpreting Feedback & Evolving Your Story
12:11
Discover how to present your vision to others, get the most from critical feedback, and find the right partners for your project. - Getting Your Stories Out There
10:37
Issa’s journey proves that distribution doesn’t have to include Hollywood execs. Hear her thoughts on how to get your stories in front of an audience without a TV network. - Resourcefulness Is Everything
08:16
Learn how to develop a writing schedule, embrace imperfection, and find resources in unexpected places. - Collaborating With Like-Minded Creatives
09:57
Issa suggests ways to lean on the expertise of creatives around you, particularly in a writers’ room full of diverse voices and ideas. - Empowering Yourself & Those Around You
07:24
Issa shares personal stories of times when she’s had to trust her gut, feel confident in her voice, and help other creatives gain opportunities in the entertainment industry. - Diversify Your Skills
09:20
As one of the leading multi-hyphenates today, Issa doesn’t believe that it always makes sense to “stay in your lane.” Discover why it’s crucial to expand your skills. - Pep Talk: You Ready to Do This?
07:21
We all need a pep talk once in a while. Issa reveals why a resilient mentality is a must.
Course Content
Masterclass: Issa Rae Teaches Creating Outside the Lines
