John Truby, Christopher Vogler & Dara Marks | Storytelling Masters Roundtable (FULL)
What happens when five of the world’s top story experts—John Truby, Christopher Vogler, Dara Marks, Corey Mandell, and David S. Freeman—sit down for the first time together? You get the most explosive, insightful, and inspiring conversation on story you’ve ever heard. Moderated by Derek Christopher from Story Expo, the Masters of Story Roundtable is a 90-minute deep dive tackling what makes stories truly matter: plot vs. character, the rise of female myth, Breaking Bad, Fleabag, to the death of formula and how to actually break in as a professional writer today.
They also get into deep philosophical questions about memory and meaning to practical insight into structure, plot complexity, emotional impact, and industry shifts.
This conversation is a masterclass in narrative craft.
✨ Topics covered include:
What is the most important element of storytelling?
The shift from industry 1.0 to 2.0
Are genres dead—or more vital than ever?
Why most writers fail (and how not to)
The rebirth of the female myth
Why storytelling is essential to how we live and understand life
The evolution of TV and film: from comfort food to emotional engagement
The rise of genre hybrids and complex plotting
Authenticity vs. chasing trends in the marketplace
The mysterious “miracles” of great storytelling and emotional resonance
How to create stories that connect, endure, and transform
📌 Whether you’re a screenwriter, novelist, or content creator, this is your masterclass.
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📌 The Speakers:
CHRIS VOGLER – www.chrisvogler.wordpress.com
DARA MARKS – www.goinsidestory.com
COREY MANDELL – www.coreymandell.net
DAVID S. FREEMAN – www.beyondstructure.com/David_Freeman.pdf
JOHN TRUBY – www.truby.com
DEREK CHRISTOPHER (Moderator) - Creator of the STORY EXPO conference that ran for 13 years (through 2024). Managed speaking tours and engagements for Robert McKee, Syd Field, John Truby and many others. Produced hundreds of events for more than 100,000 writers worldwide.
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Don’t miss this rare and intimate gathering of story legends as they break down the art, science, and soul of storytelling.
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Story Expo ran for an incredible 11 years (2013–2024), culminating in one final, unforgettable event in Los Angeles the weekend of September 27–29, 2024.
Over the years, Story Expo became a landmark gathering for storytellers of all kinds, welcoming legends like Robert McKee, Syd Field, John Truby, Chris Vogler, and hundreds of other top-tier speakers, lecturers, and instructors. From Oscar and Emmy-winning writers to bestselling authors and celebrated showrunners, the conference drew nearly 10,000 attendees from around the world during its run.
In the end, shifting economic realities in both the entertainment and conference industries led to the decision to bring the event to a close. But Story Expo didn’t go quietly — it ended on a high note, featuring what many consider its most acclaimed and impactful lineup to date, including John Truby, Chris Vogler, Dara Marks, David Freeman, Corey Mandell, Troy DeVolld, Pam Douglas, and Mark Litwak.
We’re deeply grateful to the passionate community of writers who made the journey for one last celebration of the art and craft of storytelling. Your presence helped make the final Story Expo a powerful, inspiring sendoff — and a tribute to the enduring power of story.
Most importantly, we are honored to have been a part of your writing lives and careers for 11 years with Story Expo, and for 25 years with McKee, Truby, Field, the Screenwriters' Summits and more.
Derek Christopher
STORY EXPO
2013-2024
www.storyexpo.com
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