Developing and Packaging Your Mini Series
Summary
Learn directly from Development & Production Executive Jake Detharidge, a feature film executive that has recently made a splash into the mini-series space with projects set up at History Channel, Spike, and MGM!
"Jake's feedback is so valuable. I enjoy every webinar and class Jake does. He's always informative and always presents information in a very smart and succinct way. Great webinars/classes..." - R. Canty
"Seldom have I met execs in LA who know what they're talking about but don't throw around their ego. Jake loves the process, nice perspective with a positive spin." N. Kellis
"This was one of the more beneficial seminars with current relative information in the industry. Really enjoyed it." - M. McLinn
In this Stage 32 Webinar, host Jake Detharidge will first take you through a brief history of the ‘Mini Series’ in the US, along with analyzing the current television marketplace (Event Series vs. Limited Series vs. Mini Series), and why this platform is experiencing resurgence. After, Jake will break down the creative and development process for several different, current projects, to help you understand and identify the right stories, IP and general concepts that are viable right now. This will make up the bulk of the webinar, breaking down the creative/development/packaging process, in hopes that any and all who attend will leave with a formidable understanding of how they might create their very own compelling Mini-Series project. Don’t get confined to one narrative structure, feature or TV series, look for bold new ways to tell stories – the possibilities are endless!
You Will Leave The Webinar Knowing:
- What exactly is a Mini-Series, versus a Limited Series and Event Series and why each is unique?
- Why did the ‘Mini-Series’ disappear for the most part from US television and why is it now making a strong comeback?
- What is the current landscape for this platform – the nuts and bolts.
- The major companies and players around town currently looking for these types of projects and what moves the needle for them.
- Narrative Basics – what and why certain stories, ideas and concepts are better suited for a mini-series versus the traditional feature film or scripted television series.
- What types of IP you should be looking for and how you can obtain the rights to potentially develop it.
- Developing – what goes into this step and exactly how much…or how little…do you need before trying to sell, and where to sell.
- Packaging – what the process is for a mini-series, and what elements you can attach to add value that are obtainable. Outside the box ideas!'
Your host Jake Detharidge will take you through the realities and pitfalls of navigating the exciting resurgence of a classic narrative platform. Jakes comes primarily from a feature film background, but he recognized – along with the rest of the industry – the creative domination currently taking place in television and forged a way to put his skill sets to work. He has developed, packaged and set up half a dozen mini-series projects with more on the way. Through his unique viewpoint on narrative structure and current audience viewing trends, Jake believes the Mini-Series resurgence is only just beginning.
PRAISE FOR JAKE'S TEACHINGS:
"Jake's feedback is so valuable. I enjoy every webinar and class Jake does. He's always informative and always presents information in a very smart and succinct way. Great webinars/classes..." - R. Canty
"Great information. So many take-aways. I learned things I never knew before about how the studios and execs work. It was sobering." - C. Joseph
"Seldom have I met execs in LA who know what they're talking about but don't throw around their ego. Jake loves the process, nice perspective with a positive spin." N. Kellis
"This was one of the more beneficial seminars with current relative information in the industry. Really enjoyed it." - M. McLinn
"Very informative and well presented. Lots of food for thought. Jake presents in a conversational manner and seems to be speaking one on one."- G. DeSomber
"Jake was incredibly knowledgeable and did a great job getting through his presentation while also answering a ton of questions." - C. Krapf
"Good presenter. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable." G. Nicholson
"Terrific content and very insightful - Jake's "Think outside the box!" approach is empowering and he gave really clear examples on how to do this." F. Burst
"Enormous amount of truth, honesty and street smarts you gave. Blew four major misconceptions I had about selling a limited series. Felt like I was right in the game, hearing you talk about it." K. Belsky
"Jake was fantastic. I love his passion and generosity. Really appreciate how much valuable, first-hand experience he shared (including specifics about his own projects) as well as his candid opinion." L. Curney
"Thanks for an informative, no bullshit session with real life examples. I especially appreciated your honesty about how there's no definitive way to pitch, or to package and sell a miniseries. At the same time, you gave great advice about pitfalls to avoid. I feel smarter and more prepared. It was worth the price of admission!" - S. Satterfield
What You'll Learn
- What is a Mini Series? Basic definitions and guidelines.
- Limited Series.
- Event Series.
- Know the past, present and future of the platform.
- Why it went away, and why it's coming back.
- Why a Mini Series, vs. a traditional feature or a long form series?
- Stories.
- Characters.
- IP.
- Creative timing in the marketplace - what you're really working with.
- How to develop, package and sell your Mini Series.
- Develop: how to seek out and identify the right ideas.
- How much physical development do you really need to do?
- Package: how to seek out and identify your value add, obtainable attachments.
- Think outside of the box! This is more than just actors and directors.
- Sell: how to identify your target buyers, and how to present your specific project.
- No two ways are alike; every project is unique to itself.
- Develop: how to seek out and identify the right ideas.
- Q&A with Jake
Who Should Attend
- Writers looking to develop their mini series.
- Producers who want to get in on a mini series project while it's hot.
- Filmmakers looking to break into the mini series market.
- Content creators.
- IP or Estate controllers who want to take advantage of this fast growing platform.
Executive
Jake Detharidge is the former head story analyst in the story department at WME where he oversaw the entire literary catalogue for the agency as well as all coverage and submissions. After WME, Jake moved on to run development for director Luke Greenfield. Here, Jake helped Luke develop his studio feature Let's be Cops with Simon Kinberg producing and shot through 20th Century Fox. He became Head of Development at 3311 Productions and is now an independent producer.
Jake began his career at Marty Katz Productions as a development exec, transition next to the then newly formed WME. At WME, Jake became the head story analyst in the story department, overseeing the entire literary catalogue for the agency as well as all coverage and submissions. During this period he began working with Eric Reid in the Film/TV Rights department and eventually oversaw all property rights for the Beverly Hills office.
After WME, Jake moved on to run development for director Luke Greenfield (The Animal, Girl Next Door, Role Models, Something Borrowed) and WideAwake Inc. Here, Jake helped Luke develop his studio feature Let's be Cops with Simon Kinberg producing and shot through 20th Century Fox. Jake also worked on the 2012 ABC pilot Prairie Dogs, as well as 3 other studio features.
Still hoping to broaden his horizons, Jake then moved on the newly formed financing company, 3311. During his time at 3311 Jake has helped oversee the post-production and sale of their first two feature films as well as the development of six other projects in various stages of pre-production. Mr. Detharidge's experiences have given him a unique opportunity to sample material from all areas and arenas of the industry, as well as providing him with a wealth of contacts and information.
Testimonials
"Jake's feedback is so valuable. I enjoy every webinar and class Jake does. He's always informative and always presents information in a very smart and succinct way. Great webinars/classes..." - R. Canty
"Great information. So many take-aways. I learned things I never knew before about how the studios and execs work. It was sobering." - C. Joseph
"Seldom have I met execs in LA who know what they're talking about but don't throw around their ego. Jake loves the process, nice perspective with a positive spin." N. Kellis
"This was one of the more beneficial seminars with current relative information in the industry. Really enjoyed it." - M. McLinn
"Very informative and well presented. Lots of food for thought. Jake presents in a conversational manner and seems to be speaking one on one."- G. DeSomber
"Jake was incredibly knowledgeable and did a great job getting through his presentation while also answering a ton of questions." - C. Krapf
"Good presenter. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable." G. Nicholson
"Terrific content and very insightful - Jake's "Think outside the box!" approach is empowering and he gave really clear examples on how to do this." F. Burst
"Enormous amount of truth, honesty and street smarts you gave. Blew four major misconceptions I had about selling a limited series. Felt like I was right in the game, hearing you talk about it." K. Belsky
"Jake was fantastic. I love his passion and generosity. Really appreciate how much valuable, first-hand experience he shared (including specifics about his own projects) as well as his candid opinion." L. Curney
"Thanks for an informative, no bullshit session with real life examples. I especially appreciated your honesty about how there's no definitive way to pitch, or to package and sell a miniseries. At the same time, you gave great advice about pitfalls to avoid. I feel smarter and more prepared. It was worth the price of admission!" - S. Satterfield