Learn how to write a TV Drama Pilot from a TV executive who has worked at CBS, ABC, Starz and more.

Interested in a Payment Plan? Email edu@stage32.com

In today's booming television industry, the demand for original, high-quality content has never been higher. The competition for getting your script noticed by managers, producers, and executives is fierce, making it crucial for writers to develop pilots that are not only compelling but also market-ready. Understanding the elements that make a successful TV pilot—from character development to narrative structure—is essential for any writer looking to break into the industry. This 12-week lab, led by industry veteran Anna Henry, offers the perfect opportunity to refine your skills and create a pilot that stands out in a crowded marketplace.

Many aspiring TV writers struggle with the foundational aspects of pilot writing, often getting stuck in the early stages of concept development or failing to properly structure their scripts. Common missteps include underdeveloped characters, weak story engines, and inconsistent tone—all of which can derail a project before it even begins. Without a clear understanding of how to craft a pilot that engages viewers and sets up a series, many writers find their scripts falling flat. This course addresses these challenges head-on, providing you with the tools and guidance needed to avoid these pitfalls and create a polished, professional script.

Anna Henry, with over 20 years of experience in the television industry, is uniquely qualified to guide you through this process. Having read thousands of scripts and worked with hundreds of writers, Anna has a deep understanding of what it takes to craft a successful pilot. Her extensive background includes collaborations with top networks and streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Starz, and ABC. She is also an instructor for Netflix & Stage 32 Creating Content for a Global Marketplace Program.

Throughout this 12-week lab, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the TV pilot writing process. You'll learn the essential elements of a TV series, including narrative structure, character creation, and tone, as well as pilot structure, story mapping, and transitioning from concept to outline. You will then dive deep into crafting effective scenes, dialogue, and the overall plotting process, with one-on-one consultations to fine-tune your work before you focus on Acts IV and V, polishing your script and preparing for your second draft. Finally, you will learn how to create a pitch bible, a critical tool for selling your show and have a one-on-one consultation to review your finished script. By the end of the lab, you'll have a fully developed, market-ready pilot script and the knowledge to pitch it confidently.

PLUS – Anna will give you guidance on writing a pitch bible so you can bring your finished pilot to market!

Praise for Anna:

This was my first Stage 32 webinar, and it exceeded my expectations, both in terms of quality (and quantity) of information and overall value. Anna was personable, knowledgeable, and organized. The slide deck was helpful, and her overall presentation hit all the key topics. Anna and Stage32 delivered the goods.
- John R.

What a thoughtful, thorough and inspiring webinar. It's clear that Anna Henry put an enormous amount of work into this presentation. Not only was the content there, but the structure was also superb. I feel educated and inspired to go back to my own work and do better than what I thought was my best. What could possibly be better than that! Thank you Anna for your genius and your generosity.
- Crispin L.

"Comprehensive, insightful. Combined a lot of material I had heard snippets of on character, world dev, etc. but artfully stitched together in one presentation."
-James F.

"It was amazing, enlightening - completely. I learned soooo much - especially as a feature writer who's been asked to turn a feature script into a pilot!! Thank you soooooo much."
-Kristin G.

WEEK 1 – Introduction, Elements of a TV Series

This week we will cover the syllabus, your goals for this lab and what elements you have to create for a successful show.

Topics: types of television series, researching your world and characters, finding the narrative structure and story engine for your show, how tone, themes and point-of-view affect your story, creating compelling characters and complex relationships, and finding and using “template” shows.

This week you will write a description of the concept of the pilot you intend to write using the concept worksheet handout, write a detailed description (around half a page) for each of your series regular characters using the character description elements handout, and find a template for your pilot.

WEEK 2 – Pilot Structure and Story Mapping

This week we will go over the key elements of pilot structure and mapping out your story. 

Topics: essential pilot format and structure, differences between pilots for episodic vs. serialized shows, A / B / C stories, act breaks, pacing, and using character and conflict to build stakes. 

This week you will use the Story Grid handout to begin to construct your pilot.

WEEK 3 – Concept and Characters Consultations (one on one)

This week will consist of one-on-one consultations on your show concept and character descriptions. Each writer will send in their materials in advance and will have a phone consultation to discuss what works and what doesn’t.

This week you will address notes on the concept and character descriptions as needed and continue working on the story grid.

WEEK 4 – Concept to Outline

This week we will discuss the function and elements of an outline.

Topics: recap of essential pilot format and structure, “and so” vs. “and then” construction, character-driven story logic and emotional logic, types of obstacles, conflict – decision – consequence, using narrative devices, as well as budget and production considerations.

This week you will write a beat outline for your pilot using examples provided.

Week 5 - Act I - Character Introductions, Exposition and Setting Tone

This week we will go over all the necessary story beats that exist in Act I – the most important part of your pilot.

Topics: effective teasers, establishing and introducing characters, types of character moments, challenges of writing exposition, world-building, setting up the “rules of the universe,” setting tone, incorporating themes, creating an effective launch point for your pilot, and ways to bring the audience into your show.

This week you will complete your outline and work on Act I of your pilot.

WEEK 6 – Pilot Outline Consultations (one on one)

This week will consist of one-on-one consultations on your outline. Each writer will send in their outline in advance and will have a phone consultation to discuss what works and what doesn’t.

This week you will address any notes given on the outline and continue writing Act I.

WEEK 7 - Acts II and III & Process of Plotting

This week we will go over all the necessary story beats that exist in Acts II & III.

Topics: focusing on conflict and building stakes, increasing layers and complexity with subplots, suspense & surprise, scene order, causation and intercutting storylines, types of plot points, making sure every character has a place in the puzzle and begins an arc. 

This week you will continue writing the first half of your pilot. You will also be given a list of assigned sample scenes with commentary which you are encouraged to watch.

WEEK 8 – Writing Effective Scenes & Dialogue

This week we will discuss how to craft dense, efficient scenes and dialogue tips.

Topics: structure of a scene, multi-function scenes that move plot forward & reveal character & build the world, avoiding “dead” scenes, how to enter and leave scenes, scene linking, writing visually, nuanced dialogue and the value of subtext, and the trick to writing emotional scenes. 

This week you will continue writing your pilot and use the scene planning worksheet provided to plan out key scenes.

WEEK 9 -   Acts I and II (first half) Consultations (one on one)

This week will consist of one-on-one consultations regarding the first half of your pilot. Each writer will send in their draft in advance and will have a phone consultation to discuss what works and what doesn’t.

This week you will address any notes given and continue writing.

WEEK 10 - Acts IV and V & Writing the Second Draft

This week we will go over all the necessary story beats that exist in Acts IV & V, especially launching your series. We will also cover techniques to improve in your second draft and polish your writing.

Topics: creating a series launch at the end of your pilot that clearly establishes the series engine, embedding larger themes, checking consistency in tone, using lists of common pilot problems and scene problems to improve your second draft.

This week you will continue writing the first draft of your pilot.

WEEK 11 - Writing a Pitch Bible

This week we will go over how to write a pitch bible for your show using some of the elements you wrote at the start of this lab and what you learned while writing the pilot.

Topics: structure of a pitch bible, using your concept, world and character descriptions, mapping out your seasons, writing about tone, and verbal pitching. 

This week you will complete the first draft of the entire pilot.

WEEK 12 - Finished Script Consultations (one on one)

This week will consist of one-on-one consultations on your first draft. Each writer will send in their first draft in advance and will have a phone consultation to go over notes.

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 15 writers and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an executive and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

• This class is designed for screenwriters, producers, filmmakers and directors interested in learning how to structure, write, and pitch a TV Pilot

• This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class roughly 2 hours in duration for each session with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.

• If you can't make a Zoom session live, don't worry! It will be recorded and you can watch it on demand at your convenience. 

• **Anna will be available to you on email during the 12 sessions to answer any questions you have about your craft, career or project.**

• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.

• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the lab.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to write their TV Pilot.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to add a marketable TV Pilot screenplay to their portfolio.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the craft of television pilot screenplay writing from a world-renowned executive who has sold many projects in the marketplace.

Producers who want to better understand the television genre and what represents a marketable feature film script.

Actors who want to take control of their careers by writing a TV Pilot.

Producers interested in delving into the TV Drama genre.

Actors interested in delving into the TV Drama genre.

Sunday, September 29th, 10:00 AM PST

Sunday, October 6th, 10:00 AM PST

Sunday, October 13th, 10:00 AM PST (One-on-Ones)

Sunday, October 20th, 10:00 AM PST

Sunday, October 7th, 10:00 AM PST

Sunday, November 3rd, 10:00 AM PST  (One-on-Ones)

Sunday, November 10th, 10:00 AM PST

Sunday, November 17th, 10:00 AM PST

Sunday, November 24th, 10:00 AM PST  (One-on-Ones)

Sunday, December 1st, 10:00 AM PST

Sunday, December 8th, 10:00 AM PST

Sunday, December 15th, 10:00 AM PST  (One-on-Ones)

This was my first Stage 32 webinar, and it exceeded my expectations, both in terms of quality (and quantity) of information and overall value. Anna was personable, knowledgeable, and organized. The slide deck was helpful, and her overall presentation hit all the key topics. Anna and Stage32 delivered the goods.
- John R.

What a thoughtful, thorough and inspiring webinar. It's clear that Anna Henry put an enormous amount of work into this presentation. Not only was the content there, but the structure was also superb. I feel educated and inspired to go back to my own work and do better than what I thought was my best. What could possibly be better than that! Thank you Anna for your genius and your generosity.
- Crispin L.

"Comprehensive, insightful. Combined a lot of material I had heard snippets of on character, world dev, etc. but artfully stitched together in one presentation."
-James F.

"It was amazing, enlightening - completely. I learned soooo much - especially as a feature writer who's been asked to turn a feature script into a pilot!! Thank you soooooo much."
-Kristin G.