Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Fantasy TV Series Pilot in 8 Weeks
Other education that may be of interest to you:
How To Create a Binge-Worthy Fantasy TV Series
Learn how to create your hit fantasy TV series from Erin Conley, a writer on the Netflix's fantasy series SHADOW AND BONE and SIX OF CROWS PLUS! You'll receive a fantasy series world-building checklist and multiple scripts of pilot episodes for fantasy TV series to help you when creating your fantasy series. Did BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER make you want to write television? Are you still dissecting the ending of GAME OF THRONES? Have you thought about what gives fantasy TV shows like this such staying power, both in the minds of the audience and in the cultural zeitgeist? Creating a marketable television series concept is hard enough, but creating a fantasy series and building a world from the ground up is its own challenge entirely. Since GAME OF THRONES took the world by storm, fantasy television has become a global phenomenon. The opportunity for large casts and jaw-dropping visuals is endless, and genre elements can provide a rich context in which to explore and deepen character relationships. Fantasy series like THE WITCHER, THE WHEEL OF TIME, and THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER are adapted from existing books or movies. But how do you create your own world, establish enough of it in a pilot script, and create a product that is marketable as a fantasy television series? In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn how to create your own marketable fantasy TV series with Erin Conley, a writer on Netflix's hit fantasy series SHADOW AND BONE and SIX OF CROWS. Erin worked on SHADOW AND BONE from day one, assisting showrunner and Oscar nominee Eric Heisserer on the first season as he navigated adapting the international phenomenon young adult book series by Leigh Bardugo. She went on to co-write the season 2 finale with Heisserer and served as a staff writer in a pre-greenlight writers’ room for the SIX OF CROWS spinoff. Previously, Erin worked in the writers’ room on Fox’s SLEEPY HOLLOW and Marvel’s IRON FIST. A longtime fan of genre content, Erin will break down the elements that make a fantasy TV series stand out so you can create your fantasy series that resonates with audiences across the globe! In this information-packed webinar, you will learn the difference between primary world and secondary world fantasy, explore how to create the rules for your fantasy universe, and determine how to choose the right protagonist through which to introduce the audience to the world. You will walk away from this webinar with the tools you need to effectively create a fantasy series that will get the attention of buyers and distributors, so you can bring your vision to life! PLUS! Erin will provide you with exclusive handouts to help you develop your fantasy series idea. Downloads include: Multiple pilot scripts for existing and past fantasy T V series A Fantasy Series World-building Checklist "I am excited to connect with the Stage 32 community and share a bit of what I've learned in my time in the industry. In this tumultuous year for the writing profession, staying motivated and connected with fellow writers is crucial, and I'm grateful to have this platform." - Erin Conley
Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Multi-Cam Comedy Pilot Script In 8 Weeks
"I am thrilled to be part of this vibrant stage 32 community! I have every confidence that my multi-cam interactive writing lab will prove more valuable to your life than food, water, and perhaps even air." - your Stage 32 educator, Eric Zimmerman Private lab - work one on one with a mentor to complete your script Limited spots - 5 out of 10 remain Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details It's 2024 and multi-cam sitcoms are everywhere, with shows like LOPEZ VS LOPEZ, THE CONNERS, NIGHT COURT, THE NEIGHBORHOOD and THAT 90'S SHOW all anchoring program schedules for their respective networks/streamers. And with streamers making advertising supported content more available, the continued development of traditional formats like multi-cam comedies is expected well into the future. This is your time to write your multi-cam comedy pilot script with expert guidance. In this exclusive Stage 32 8-part screenwriting lab, you will work one-on-one with a top multi-cam comedy writer to write your own pilot episode for your multi-cam series. You will not only write your pilot episode but you will learn the fundamentals of writing a multi-cam series and how to create a successful series that can go on for multiple seasons. Guiding you step-by-step through writing your very own multi-cam pilot is Eric Zimmerman, a top television comedy writer who has written on all 100 episodes of Freeform’s multi-cam hit BABY DADDY. Eric most recently served as a Co-Executive Producer on Disney’s multi-cam SYDNEY TO THE MAX. He has also sold several multi-cam projects to Disney and Netflix, as well as worked on multi-cam network pilots. But most importantly, Eric wasn’t always a multi-cam writer. He got his start writing on single camera and animated series, including the Emmy-nominated DAN VS. But once he started writing multi-cams, he quickly fell in love with the genre. Eric latest script just made the prestigious 2023 Black List which features the best unproduced screenplays of the year! Over 8 interactive sessions, you will work in a virtual classroom setting and work one-on-one with Eric. He will break down the creative process of developing your multi-cam comedy series, covering all the crucial topics that will get you from your original concept to delivering a draft of your own multi-cam pilot. Plus! you will have direct access to Eric on email to ask him for the duration of the lab any questions about your project, your craft or your career. By the end of screenwriting lab, you will have a completed draft of your multi-cam pilot script in hand that has been vetted by an industry professional and that will serve as an effective writing sample to help you find that rep, get staffed on a TV show or successfully sell your own comedy series! ***Flexible Learning: if you cannot attend any of the sessions live don't worry - you will be sent the links to the recordings of each session within 48 hours of the live session and you will have direct access to Eric on email to ask him any questions so you can keep up at your own pace and schedule.***
A World of Opportunities - Navigating the International Film & TV Marketplace to Further Your Projects and Career
Let's get one thing out of the way immediately: It's not just Hollywood anymore. Actually, let's take it one step further, it's not just the United States either. If you're a filmmaker, screenwriter or producer seeking to sell and/or distribute your content, looking to work on a consistent basis and, hopeful in building a long lasting career in the industry, you must be paying attention to what's happening around the world. The international entertainment industry now contributes to over 70% of the theatrical releases and box office receipts across the globe. And many estimate that number will grow over the coming years. But it's not just film that has seen this global expansion, television and digital content has exploded outside of the U.S. as well. Not to mention, many of the streaming platforms are now looking for film, television and other short form content that will play with a U.S. audience, but will be especially popular in specific regions overseas. So where do you begin to look where others aren't, expand your prospects and give yourself a competitive advantage? Well, right here, of course! For many, navigating the international market presents a black hole. Where can one find producers, financiers, representatives and development execs who serve these markets? How do you know what the trends are and how you may best serve them? How do you know the mandates of streamers, distributors and sales agents? Do you have a story already in hand that can be tweaked to serve an international audience? You may be surprised. We could fill 20 paragraphs with what Alexia Melocchi has achieved in her 25 year career in the entertainment business. Alexia is an accomplished entertainment industry professional with a long proven track record of success within both the domestic and international arenas. A vital contributor to the LITTLE STUDIO FILMS brand, Alexia Melocchi's expertise and footing in the entertainment industry began in the international marketplace, as both a sales agent and buyer’s representative for eleven territories, giving her diverse exposure to all types of films and functions in the entertainment industry. As a consultant she currently uses her professional relationships and expertise by providing screenplay development, packaging films, securing co- productions and arranging for US and international distribution for her clients. A regular participant at most major film and television markets as well as festivals around the world, Alexia Melocchi still pursues international acquisitions and uses a global film marketing approach for the projects of her clients as well as the films she has and is producing under the Little Studio Films banner. During her tenure as a sales agent she sold more than 50 movies to profit on behalf of her producer clients, and acquired more than 100 major studio and independent films on behalf of the Distributors she has ongoing relationships with in Italy, Greece, Latin America, Spain, France, Germany, Japan and Scandinavia. She recently handled territorial sales for Unstaged, the Duran Duran live concert film directed by David Lynch, the Italian American film American Fango directed by Gabriele Altobelli and the Australian feature Bathing Frankie directed by Owen Elliott. Alexia will teach you everything you need to know about the international marketplace and how to use your English speaking talents to get paid as a director, writer or author by international companies. She will give you an overview of the global film business including trends and how to tell global stories for a global audience. She will take away the fear and anxiety and the time suck of figuring out how to find, meet and engage international producers and financiers. She will explain the film markets and explain which ones to attend and which to skip. She will teach you the proper cultural etiquette when dealing with international decision makers. Of monumental importance, she will show you how to pitch yourself and your projects to the international marketplace and how your pitch may differ from U.S. targets. Plus, you will get a handout of resources and links for foreign resources Alexia goes over in her webinar! This is a comprehensive look at the international market and how to navigate the landscape toward opening up the world for new possibilities as a filmmaker, screenwriter, author or producer. PRAISE FOR ALEXIA'S TEACHINGS: "Great information. She covered a lot of ground and it was one of the most informative Stage 32 webinars I've attended. Thank you!!" - Debbi M. "Concise and to the point, great information on international markets, I will apply this knowledge to my debut film's development." - Francisco C. "Great advice. She really demystified a lot of what's involved. Thank you Alexia!" - S.J. "A lot of great info, but also a new way of thinking, a fresh perspective to help advance my career! Thank you!" - John E. "Great energy and to the point info. Loved it." - Sebastian T.
Writers: How to Tackle an Ambiguous Ending in your Screenplay
Sometimes your story just can't be wrapped up in a neat bow with a perfect Hollywood ending. As a writer, you may weave a unique narrative and the idea of tying up all your loose ends into a neat resolution just doesn't seem right. Or, if you're a producer or filmmaker you might want to set your project up for a sequel, so you may want to have your characters riding off into the sunset once you get to the end. If wrapping up your story in perfect fashion doesn't appeal to you, why don’t you consider an Ambiguous Ending? Ask yourself: Is there an artful exit from your story that defies predictions and is both thought-provoking and exasperating in equal measure? Can you work your way towards an ending that people will argue about in the bar immediately afterwards and for months (even years) online? The Ambiguous Ending is a great storytelling trick to pull off, but it’s not easy. If you mess it up, you’re left with a confusing final reel that audiences are likely to dislike— and they’ll carry their loathing out of the theater with them. This webinar explores the possibilities and guides you past the pitfalls. The Ambiguous Ending can present major challenges for you as a storyteller: How do you lay a trail of plot breadcrumbs for your audience that seem to lead them in two directions at once? How do you develop characters who are simultaneously engaging while possibly lying through their teeth about the reality of the situation they’re in? How do you set up the rules of your narrative world so that one reality can peel off from another? How much misdirection is OK? This type of ending requires you as the storyteller to deploy a sophisticated toolkit out of the gate. Luckily, we have a story expert who served as the in-house story consultant for IM Global for nearly a decade and worked on developing films for Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks and Emma Watson. In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level webinar Karina Wilson will look at some of the tricks and techniques you can use to create delicious doubt about the ending of your script in everyone but yourself. Praise from Karina's previous Stage 32 webinar: "Her presentation was well organized, her slides contained the right amount of information to digest and takes notes from. Her delivery was excellent." - Martha C. "I was so impressed!" - Loretta C. Karina is engaging, reassuring and inspiring. - Helen W. Karina is passionate about horror and has a lifetime of great experiences and information! - Cooke Q. I was so impressed! - Loretta C.
The Executive Hour with Jonathan Kite
Jonathan is known as "Oleg," the hilarious sex-crazed Ukrainian cook, opposite Kat Dennings & Beth Behrs on the CBS hit comedy, "2 Broke Girls." He's been in a number of notable supporting roles, including CBS's "NCIS."
Comedy Sketch Writing 101: How to Write a Great Sketch that Makes People Laugh and Gets You Noticed
It’s impossible to find an actor, writer, producer, or director who doesn’t have a favorite sketch they have been quoting since they were a kid. And with the recent explosion of short-form content, sketch comedy is more popular and relevant than ever before. Maybe you’re an actor looking to produce your own short-form content but have no idea how to translate your idea to the page. Maybe you’re a comedy writing machine but your sketches feel disorganized or too scattered. With more and more execs/reps wanting to see your work and click a link, sketch comedy isn’t just fun anymore, it can be a functional calling card. And having your sketches hit the mark is essential to making sure those people know your comedy voice is strong, unique, and one worth watching. Since sketch is so accessible, many people dive headfirst into writing/producing sketches without learning the language, tools, and structure. And that’s the reason why 99% of sketches are, let’s be honest, pretty cringey. But with a clear understanding of what a sketch is and what are the engines that drive the comedy, you can learn actual tools/methods to take a simple funny thought and turn it into a tight, streamlined sketch. You have a comedic POV within you; but without the structure, rules, and techniques to hone and streamline an idea into a tight, digestible sketch those ideas spiral out of control. Conversely, you have a great ideas but no conception of how to take that vague thought to finished comedic product. The solution to both these seemingly opposite comedy ailments is the same – structure and technique. Jeff Galante is an actor/comedian/writer is based out of the Groundlings Theater where he is a regular performer and a senior teacher. He created several network comedy pilots including STUNTED (NBC) and THINK TANK (A&E), which was exec. produced by Chris Moore (AMERICAN PIE, GOOD WILL HUNTING). Jeff is currently developing a slate of feature projects including a horror comedy with Jack Quaid and Joe Dante, a rom com with Damon Wayans Jr. and Davis Entertainment, and a dramedy with Andy Fickman. Jeff has consulted on SMALLFOOT (Warner Bros.), contributed material to SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and was an actor/writer on Wanda Sykes’ USA sketch comedy pilot WHAT HAPPENED WAS. He recently won the Stage32 Feature Script Competition and has been a finalist/semi-finalist in competitions including the Nicholl Fellowship, Austin Film Festival, and the Universal Emerging Writers Fellowship. As an actor, Jeff has appeared on such shows as 2 BROKE GIRLS (CBS), IDIOTSITTER (Comedy Central) and DISASTER DATE (MTV). He has performed live at Standup NBC, San Francisco Sketchfest, Chicago Sketchfest, and was a cast member/writer on NATIONAL LAMPOON’S revival of Lemmings alongside the boys from WORKAHOLICS. He is also a highly sought-after comedy teacher/director for networks like G4 and SMOSH. In this enlightening on-demand webinar, Jeff will equip you with all the tools you'll need define sketch comedy and identify the different types of the craft. He will deep dive into the various engines of comedy using sketch examples. He will also explain characters and how to make them memorable. He is including a guided brainstorming session in which he will use tools and techniques to get a jumpstart with a clear sketch idea.
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