Teaches Creating Outside the Lines

Issa Rae

Issa Rae Teaches Creating Outside the Lines

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.

1. Meet Your Instructor: Issa Rae

Meet Your Instructor: Issa Rae

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.

2. Finding Your Voice & Inspiration

Finding Your Voice & Inspiration

Issa walks you through the ingredients that every story needs and explains how to test your stories with new audiences.

3. Developing Your Story

Developing Your Story

Learn what makes a strong pilot episode and, in particular, Issa’s strategy for creating the pilot for Insecure.

4. Insecure Pilot Blueprint: Characters & the Why

Insecure Pilot Blueprint: Characters & the Why

Issa continues her breakdown of the Insecure pilot so you can learn how to construct conflict and set up the rest of your series.

5. Insecure Pilot Blueprint: Conflict & Series Setup

Insecure Pilot Blueprint: Conflict & Series Setup

Issa shows you the best ways to start developing characters and dialogue that are relatable and realistic.

6. Creating Characters Grounded in Reality

Creating Characters Grounded in Reality

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.

7. Constructing Multidimensional Characters: Insecure

Constructing Multidimensional Characters: Insecure

Discover how to present your vision to others, get the most from critical feedback, and find the right partners for your project.

8. Interpreting Feedback & Evolving Your Story

Interpreting Feedback & Evolving Your Story

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.

9. Getting Your Stories Out There

Getting Your Stories Out There

Learn how to develop a writing schedule, embrace imperfection, and find resources in unexpected places.

10. Resourcefulness Is Everything

Resourcefulness Is Everything

Issa suggests ways to lean on the expertise of creatives around you, particularly in a writers' room full of diverse voices and ideas.

11. Collaborating With Like-Minded Creatives

Collaborating With Like-Minded Creatives

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.

12. Empowering Yourself & Those Around You

Empowering Yourself & Those Around You

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.

13. Diversify Your Skills

Diversify Your Skills

We all need a pep talk once in a while. Issa reveals why a resilient mentality is a must.

Menu

Sitemap

Home > Film & TV > Issa Rae Teaches Creating Outside the Lines