No Other Choice: Plot vs. Structure (And the Secret to Making Us Care)

February 27, 2026 No Comments

Why do we stay emotionally locked into a story even when the plot sounds flat on paper—or morally repellent in practice? In this episode, Jacob Krueger breaks down Park Chan-wook’s darkly hilarious, deeply unsettling No Other Choice to reveal the engine that makes it so powerful: not plot, but structure. Using the film’s escalating moral pressure as a case study, Jake shows how structure is built from choices—how characters deal with what happens—and how theme emerges when you drive a protagonist to the moment where they truly feel they have no other choice.

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On this podcast, rather than reviewing movies and TV shows “two thumbs up, two thumbs down” Award Winning Screenwriter Jacob Krueger shows you what you can learn from them as a screenwriter.
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No Other Choice: Plot vs. Structure (And the Secret to Making Us Care)

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Why do we stay emotionally locked into a story even when the plot sounds flat on paper—or morally repellent in practice? In this episode, Jacob Krueger breaks down Park Chan-wook’s darkly hilarious, deeply unsettling No Other Choice to reveal the engine that makes it so powerful: not plot, but structure. Using the film’s escalating moral pressure as a case study, Jake shows how structure is built from choices—how characters deal with what happens—and how theme emerges when you drive a protagonist to the moment where they truly feel they have no other choice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vAyXWPxijQ

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How to Divorce During the War: 10 Craft Lessons from Sundance 2026

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What does it actually mean to adapt a story- and how can radically different adaptations emerge from the same source material? In this episode, Jacob Krueger looks at the novel and film versions of Hamnet and the ’90s award darling Shakespeare in Love to show how finding the location of your adaptation shapes character, structure, tone, and theme—and why successful adaptations are defined less by fidelity to source material than by the clarity of your intentions

https://youtu.be/kydrSMmbJsg

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VIDEO »

Hamnet vs Shakespeare in Love

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What does it actually mean to adapt a story- and how can radically different adaptations emerge from the same source material? In this episode, Jacob Krueger looks at the novel and film versions of Hamnet and the ’90s award darling Shakespeare in Love to show how finding the location of your adaptation shapes character, structure, tone, and theme—and why successful adaptations are defined less by fidelity to source material than by the clarity of your intentions

https://youtu.be/eYa51PkNGdY

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VIDEO »

5 Steps To Raise The Stakes In Your Screenplay

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What if raising the stakes in your screenplay has nothing to do with explosions, danger, or bigger plot events? In this rerelease of a classic episode, Jake takes on one of the most misunderstood producer notes—raise the stakes—and reframes it from the ground up. Stakes, he explains, don’t begin with what happens on screen. They begin with empathy: our connection to a character, what they want, and how hard it is for them to get it.

https://youtu.be/-uyJU9u39Zo

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VIDEO »

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail: A Writer’s Guide to Lasting Change

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Every year, writers make New Year’s resolutions with the best intentions—only to watch those resolutions crumble under real life. The problem isn’t discipline or willpower, but the same structural mistakes that cause character arcs to collapse in screenplays. Learn how to build 2026 resolutions that actually work by drawing on the same techniques writers use to create journeys of lasting change for their characters.

https://youtu.be/qjDiuKBx3m4

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Eddington vs First Blood: Genre Reimagined

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What happens when a classic modern “Western” like First Blood is reimagined for a world where moral clarity has collapsed? In this episode, Jacob Krueger analyzes Ari Aster’s Eddington in comparison to First Blood to reveal how theme drives character, action, dialogue, and structure when adapting within a genre.

https://youtu.be/mbEL5vczw5M

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This is by far the most insightful and consistently rich-with-advice podcast I’ve found. Krueger has such a surgically clear understanding of what makes a story work on the screen that he’s able to crystallize the problems or successes of a film/show in the most helpful and practical ways.
I listen primarily to film-related podcasts and this is far and away the best one dedicated to the art and craft of screenwriting. Many times I found my options for insight limited to either outdated or just plain nonsensical “rules” of screenwriting gurus or non-specific if not jaded advice from even some of my favorite working writers. This podcast provides honest and nuanced lessons that can be applied to every aspect of the writing process. I can not recommend it highly enough.
Whenever I get stuck, I listen to an episode and I can write again! Thanks to Jacob, I've finished three short screenplays in three months. That's a big leap for me. He offers a lot of amazing techniques and concepts that I've never thought of before but are absolutely useful. Thank you!
Listening to Jacob is like taking a masterclass in screenwriting and having your head cleared in a therapy session at the same time… Next level, consciousness-raising stuff.
For three decades, I've aspired to write screenplays. However, as a single mother and the owner of an agency that books professional speakers, celebrities, and notable presenters (I'm an expert in the industry), along with one challenge after another, life kept getting in the way. Still, I immersed myself in the craft whenever I could. I own practically every book ever written on screenwriting and had a couple of screenplays in the works. Finally, I was able to get serious. In doing so, I recently discovered screenwriting podcasts. Without a doubt, Jacob Krueger's "Write Your Screenplay" podcast is my absolute favorite. Within the last month, I've listened to every single episode. I truly appreciate Jacob's unwavering wisdom, his uncanny ability to dig deep into the psychology of a film, the spiritual way he looks at things, and his infectious voice.
As a wanna-be screenwriter, I find the way the films are broken down in these podcasts gives me great insight for my own writing.
Jacob Krueger is very insightful and truly knows how to break down a film, whether it was good or not and helps you understand the elements that either make or break your script. I also have to say that after listening to his podcasts more and more, I have felt the urge to write more, no matter how bad my writing might be at the beginning. I know the more I write, the closer I’ll get to my best material as well as where I need to go.
I absolutely love this podcast and look forward to every episode. Jacob breaks down films and explains why they worked or why they didn’t work like no other. Each podcast inspires me to keep writing. Even if you are not a writer, this podcast will help you enjoy films more.
I have been listening to Jacob's podcast for a couple years now and finally started taking his classes. I have learned so much and have become a better writer picking his brain. They work with you every step of the way, I would highly recommend this class for anyone who wants to take their writing further.
I'm so grateful to have found Jake and the wonderful community he has built. I recently took his Write Your Screenplay class where he teaches the fundamentals in a highly entertaining way. I'm now enrolled in a Workshop so get the best of both worlds - personal instruction and peer mentors for encouragement. I also highly recommend listening to Jacob's podcast, Write Your Screenplay. It's hours of free, really high quality instruction.
I have been listening to Jacob's podcast for a couple years now and finally started taking his classes. I have learned so much and have become a better writer picking his brain. They work with you every step of the way, I would highly recommend this class for anyone who wants to take their writing further.
I don't have words for how incredibly special this studio is. As a baby writer I was so nervous, and everyone has been nothing short of wonderful and encouraging. I found Jacob through his podcast (which I also HIGHLY recommend) and I have learned so much in the short amount of time I have been in class. Not only the vast knowledge, but Jacob and everyone he has hired care so much about writers and artists and helping you in the way you need along your journey. Part professor, part mentor, part cheerleader...every artist needs a studio like this in their life!
Jacob is giving away gold.

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Participant Agreement

By registering for the Company’s course (the “Course”), you (“You” or “Participant”) are agreeing to the following terms of this Participant Agreement (the “Agreement”), which form a legal contract between you and Jacob Krueger Studio, LLC (“Company”) and governs your attendance at and/or participation in the Course. 

 

  1. Course Participation.

    • Admittance.  Your registration entitles you to admittance to the Course.  Any and all other costs associated with your attendance (including, without limitation, any travel or accommodation expenses) shall be borne solely by you and Company shall not be liable for any such costs.

    • Media.  For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, you grant Company the right to record, film, photograph or capture your likeness in connection with the Course, in any media now available and hereafter developed (“Course Footage”).  You further grant to Company in perpetuity the rights to use, license, edit, copy, distribute, publicly display and make derivative works of the Course Footage, including exploitation for marketing, advertising or merchandising related to the Course, throughout the universe.  You hereby waive any and all approval rights you may have over Company’s use of the Course Footage and acknowledge these rights are granted without any payment, including royalties or residuals, to you.

    • Code of Conduct and Penalties for Noncompliance.  Participants agree to act professionally at all times and further agree that they shall not engage in any unprofessional behavior of any kind, including, but not limited to, harassment, discriminatory speech, spam, unauthorized promotion, or disruptive conduct of any kind both in connection with any Course, or any internet based community (the “Online Student Community”). You acknowledge and agree that Company reserves the right to remove you from the Course and from any accompanying Online Student Community if Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, considers your presence or behavior to create a disruption or to hinder the Course or any Online Student Community or the enjoyment of the Course or Online Student Community by other attendees or speakers. If removed you will lose access to the Course, all Course Materials, and any Online Student Community, but all other of your obligations and promises of this Participation Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. If a Participant is removed, they will not be permitted to register for any other Course unless approval is provided by the Company, such approval being in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company. At its sole discretion, the Company reserves the right to provide a pro-rated or no refund to a removed Participant.

  2. Fee(s).

    • Payment.  The payment of the applicable fee(s) for the Course is due upon registration or per your payment plan.  If such payment is insufficient or declined for any reason, you acknowledge that Company has the right and sole discretion to refuse your admission to the Course.

    • Taxes. The fee(s) may be subject to sales tax, value added tax, or any other taxes and duties which, if applicable, will be charged to you in addition to the fee(s).

    • Refunds will not be offered except in accordance with any of the Company’s refund policies that exist from time to time. 

  3. Intellectual Property. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and patents, in and to the Course, the Course content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Course (together, the “Course Materials”) are owned by Company. You may not use, license, copy, display, or make derivative works of the Course Materials without the prior written permission of Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this agreement shall be deemed to vest in you any legal or beneficial right in or to any trademarks or other intellectual property rights owned or used under license by Company or grant to you any right or license to any other intellectual property rights of Company, all of which shall at all times remain the exclusive property of Company.

  4. Warranties; Limitation of Liability; Disclaimer.

    • Other than to the extent required as a matter of law: (i) neither Company nor its employees, agents or affiliates (together, the “Company Parties”) shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential costs, damages or losses arising directly or indirectly from the Course or other aspect related thereto or in connection with this agreement.  The maximum aggregate liability of Company Parties for any claim in any way connected with this agreement whether in contract, tort (including any negligent act or omission), or otherwise  shall be limited to the amount paid by you to Company under this Agreement.

    • You represent and warrant that you have the full right and authority to grant Company the rights provided in this agreement and that you have made no commitments which conflict with this agreement or the rights granted herein.  You agree that your participation in the Course is entirely at your own risk and accept full responsibility for your decision to participate in the Course.  In no event shall you have the right to enjoin the development, production, exploitation or use of the Course and/or your contributions to it. 

    • The Company cannot and does not guarantee any specific outcomes, career advancement, or success from participation in the Course or Program.

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  5. Governing Law and Venue.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.  The parties hereto agree to submit to personal and subject matter jurisdiction in the federal or state courts located in the City and State of New York, United States of America.

  6. Dispute Resolution.  All claims and disputes arising under or relating to this agreement are to be settled by binding arbitration in the state of New York or another location mutually agreeable to the parties, including virtually on an agreed-upon platform; provided that nothing herein shall require arbitration of a claim or charge which, by law, cannot be the subject of a compulsory arbitration agreement.  The arbitration shall be conducted confidentially and pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator, and not any federal or state court, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, and/or formation of this Participation Agreement, including any dispute as to whether a particular claim is subject to arbitration hereunder. The arbitral award shall be in writing, shall state the reasons for the award, shall provide an explanation for all conclusions of law and fact, and shall be final and binding on the Parties. In agreeing to arbitrate their claims hereunder, the Parties hereby recognize and agree that they are waiving their right to a trial in court and/or by a jury. An award of arbitration may be confirmed in a court of competent jurisdiction.

  7. Miscellaneous.  Company may transfer and assign this Agreement or all or any of its rights or privileges hereunder to any entity or individual without restriction.  This Agreement shall be binding on all of your successors-in-interest, heirs and assigns.  This Agreement, and any other agreements that it is incorporated into, sets forth the entire understanding and agreement between you and the Company in relation to the Course and the matters addressed in the Agreement, and you acknowledge that in entering into it, you are not relying upon any promises or statements made by anyone about the nature of the Course or your contributions or the identity of any other participants or persons involved with the Course.  This agreement may not be altered or amended except in writing signed by both parties.

  8. Prevention of “Zoom-Bomber” Disruptions; Unauthorized Publication of Class Videos. Company will record each class session, including your participation in the session, entitled “The Videos”. To prevent disruptions by “zoom-bombers” and provide Company and participants the legal standing to remove unauthorized content from platforms such as YouTube and social media sites, you agree that
    (1) you are prohibited from recording any portion of the Course;
    (2) in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the Course, you assign to Company your verbal contributions to the session discussions.
    To be clear, you assign to the Company only your oral statements during recorded Course sessions. You retain all copyright to any and all written materials you submit to the class and the right to use them in any way you choose without permission from or compensation to the Company.

 

 

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 2:00 PM EST

Participant Agreement

By registering for the course, you are agreeing to the following terms, which form a legal contract between you and Jacob Krueger Studio, LLC (“Company”) and govern your attendance at and/or participation in Company’s course (the “Course”). 

  1. Course Participation.
    1. Admittance.  Your registration entitles you to admittance to the Course.  Any and all other costs associated with your attendance (including, without limitation, any travel or accommodation expenses) shall be borne solely by you and Company shall not be liable for any such costs.
    2. Media.  For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, you grant Company the right to record, film, photograph or capture your likeness in connection with the Course, in any media now available and hereafter developed (“Course Footage”).  You further grant to Company in perpetuity the rights to use, license, edit, copy, distribute, publicly display and make derivative works of the Course Footage, including exploitation for marketing, advertising or merchandising related to the Course, throughout the universe.  You hereby waive any and all approval rights you may have over Company’s use of the Course Footage and acknowledge these rights are granted without any payment, including royalties or residuals, to you.
    3. Conduct.  You acknowledge that Company reserves the right to request your removal from the Course if Company, in its sole discretion, considers your presence or behavior to create a disruption or to hinder the Course or the enjoyment of the Course by other attendees or speakers.
  2. Fee(s).
    • Payment.  The payment of the applicable fee(s) for the Course is due upon registration or per your payment plan.  If such payment is insufficient or declined for any reason, you acknowledge that Company has the right and sole discretion to refuse your admission to the Course.
    •  
    • Taxes. The fee(s) may be subject sales tax, value added tax, or any other taxes and duties which, if applicable, will be charged to you in addition to the fee(s).
  3. Intellectual Property. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and patents, in and to the Course, the Course content and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Course (the “Course Materials”) are owned by Company. You may not use, license, copy, display, or make derivative works of the Course Materials without the prior written permission of Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this agreement shall be deemed to vest in you any legal or beneficial right in or to any trademarks or other intellectual property rights owned or used under license by Company or grant to you any right or license to any other intellectual property rights of Company, all of which shall at all times remain the exclusive property of Company.
  4. Warranties; Limitation of Liability.
    • Other than to the extent required as a matter of law: (i) neither Company nor its employees, agents or affiliates (“Company Parties”) shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential costs, damages or losses arising directly or indirectly from the Course or other aspect related thereto or in connection with this agreement.  The maximum aggregate liability of Company Parties for any claim in any way connected with therewith or this agreement whether in contract, tort or otherwise (including any negligent act or omission) shall be limited to the amount paid by you to Company under this agreement to attend the Course.
    • You represent and warrant that you have the full right and authority to grant Company the rights provided in this agreement and that you have made no commitments which conflict with this agreement or the rights granted herein.  You agree that your participation in the Course is entirely at your own risk and accept full responsibility for your decision to participate in the Course.  In no event shall you have the right to enjoin the development, production, exploitation or use of the Course and/or your Contributions to it. 
  5. Governing Law and Venue.  This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.  The parties hereto agree to submit to personal and subject matter jurisdiction in the federal or state courts located in the City and State of New York, United States of America.
  6. Dispute Resolution.  All claims and disputes arising under or relating to this agreement are to be settled by binding arbitration in the state of New York or another location mutually agreeable to the parties.  The arbitration shall be conducted on a confidential basis pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.  Any decision or award as a result of any such arbitration proceeding shall be in writing and shall provide an explanation for all conclusions of law and fact and shall include the assessment of costs, expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees by the winner against the loser.  Any such arbitration shall include a written record of the arbitration hearing.  An award of arbitration may be confirmed in a court of competent jurisdiction.
  7. Miscellaneous.  Company may transfer and assign this agreement or all or any of its rights or privileges hereunder to any entity or individual without restriction.  This agreement shall be binding on all of your successors-in-interest, heirs and assigns.  This agreement sets forth the entire agreement between you and the Company in relation to the Course, and you acknowledge that in entering into it, you are not relying upon any promises or statements made by anyone about the nature of the Course or your Contributions or the identity of any other participants or persons involved with the Course.  This agreement may not be altered or amended except in writing signed by both parties.

  8. Prevention of “Zoom-Bomber” Disruptions; Unauthorized Publication of Class Videos. Company will record each class session, including your participation in the session, entitled “The Videos”. To prevent disruptions by “zoom-bombers” and provide Company and

    participants the legal standing to remove unauthorized content from platforms such as YouTube and social media sites, you agree that

    (1) you are prohibited from recording any portion of the Course;

    (2) in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the Course, you assign to Company your verbal contributions to the session discussions.

    To be clear, you assign to Company only your oral statements during recorded Course sessions. You retain all copyright to any and all written materials you submit to the class and the right to use them in any way you choose without permission from or compensation to the Company.

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