John Truby — Story Consultant & Instructor
John Truby is Hollywood's premier screenwriting instructor and story consultant. Over a career spanning more than 25 years, he has developed a rigorous, practical method for mapping plot and building character webs — an approach that draws on writing craft, philosophy, and mythology to help writers construct stories that resonate.
He serves as a story consultant for major studios and production companies, analyzing scripts and guiding projects toward stronger dramatic structure. His principles have been described as the most modern approach to screenwriting developed in a generation.
Truby's sold-out seminars have reached writers across Los Angeles, New York, London, and Chicago. His teaching distills decades of hands-on story analysis into a concentrated curriculum that gives writers the tools to succeed in a fiercely competitive industry.
John Truby's approach to screenwriting instruction is built on the conviction that great stories are not simply assembled from generic plot beats but are instead constructed as organic systems. His method emphasizes the integration of character, theme, and plot into a unified dramatic structure, moving beyond formulaic templates to help writers discover the deep logic that drives memorable narratives. By drawing on philosophy, mythology, and the principles of dramatic craft, Truby provides a framework that challenges writers to think more rigorously about every element of their story. This systematic approach has made his teachings a reference point for both aspiring screenwriters and seasoned professionals seeking to elevate their work beyond conventional storytelling.
Over more than two decades of consulting and teaching, John Truby has developed a reputation for offering one of the most comprehensive and intellectually grounded methods for story construction available today. His work with major studios and production companies involves analyzing scripts at every stage of development, identifying structural weaknesses, and guiding writers toward more cohesive and emotionally resonant narratives. Rather than prescribing rigid formulas, Truby's consulting encourages writers to build stories from the ground up, focusing on character webs, thematic conflict, and the underlying architecture that gives a script its power. His teachings continue to influence a generation of writers committed to mastering their craft.