Jody Wheeler.Com
Teaching, Lectures And Workshops
Jody has been teaching writing, storytelling, and film craft for over 25 years — at USC, Pacific Oaks College, UCLA Extension, Valencia College, and beyond. That foundation is what informs the AI work: a deep investment in how humans make meaning, and a strong opinion about what's worth protecting
No BS AI: Workshops & Seminars
The No BS AI series is a set of focused, small-cohort seminars on what AI and large language models actually are, how they work, and how to engage with them without losing your critical thinking — or your voice.
Each session is designed for a specific audience, but the underlying philosophy is the same: clarity over hype, utility over theater, and honest conversation about what these tools can and can't do.
No BS AI for Writers & Other Creatives
For writers, filmmakers, artists, and other creative professionals who want to understand what AI is actually doing when they use it — and how to use it without watering down what makes their work theirs. Covers how LLMs work, how to prompt effectively for creative tasks, how to think about AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement, and what to watch out for.
No BS AI for Educators
For teachers and academics navigating AI in the classroom — not just how to detect it, but how to think about it pedagogically. What does critical thinking look like when students have access to a tool that can approximate it? What do we actually owe our students in terms of AI literacy? What skills still matter, and why?
No BS AI: The General Session
For professionals, organizations, and curious humans who want a grounded, jargon-free orientation to AI and large language models. What they are, how they work, where they're genuinely useful, where they fall short, and how to make informed decisions about adopting them — without the sales pitch.
Sessions are small by design (10–12 people), run approximately two hours, and include Q&A. Upcoming sessions are listed on Eventbrite.
Storytelling and Film
Creativity is important. Screenwriting is so much fun. Making movies is an effort like no other. I still love teaching about it. Below are several classes and lectures I frequently give, on-line or in-person, through schools, extension programs or one-on-one.
Available courses include:
Screenwriting:
Introduction to Screenwriting, Intermediate Screenwriting, Rewriting
Production:
Don't Make a Feature (a practical argument for starting with shorts)
Film & Media:
Introduction to Film, production fundamentals, and short-form storytelling
Critical Thinking:
The Psychology of Critical Thinking
All courses are available in formats ranging from single sessions to multi-week intensives, one-on-one to lecture hall. Contact for availability and custom engagements.
What My Clients Say
Paul Chitlik, Screenwriter. WGA Award Nominee
Whether you are already writing or are thinking about starting to, Jody's ideas, insight, and support will help you immeasurably!