Summary
How to Write a 1 Hour TV Pilot and Position it to Sell It
This is a 3 part class taught by producer and former literary manager Steve Iwanyk who sold his client's series, Scorpion, to CBS! Nearly all the executives we work with are on the hunt for 1 hour TV pilots. Venues showcasing TV series continue to pop up at a rapid pace and a lot of our writers have been signed off their 1 hour TV pilot script. As the demand for TV continues to rise it's important that you have a TV pilot in your portfolio that showcases your voice, perspective and talent. One of our favorite success stories is from one of our writers, Michael Madden, who had a solid 1 hour TV pilot which got him signed to Benderspink and ICM in Hollywood. Working with the Stage 32 Happy Writers helped catapult him to became a full time writer on ABC's Black Box.
Stage 32 is excited to bring you this 3 part class: How to Write a 1 Hour TV Pilot and Position it to Sell in Today's Market taught by Steve Iwanyk, a producer at Tongal and a former Manager at Gotham Group. Learn the “whys” and “hows” of writing a TV pilot, what executives are looking for and what to focus on when trying to break in with your new pilot.
Purchasing gives you access to the previously-recorded live class.
Steve is no longer sending out or reviewing the assignments, however we still encourage all creatives to participate in the exercises!
PRAISE FOR STEVE'S TEACHINGS:
"Really appreciate seeing the CAA pitch guidelines. Very helpful!!" - Celeste W.
"Steve is a really great instructor in that he conveys information really well - thorough, concise, clear." - Robbi C.
"I found the breakdown of different kinds of TV shows very helpful for my planning process, as well as the information on which different kinds of shows are sought, and why." - Barbarba C.
"Steve really gives you a sense of how the life of a writer is out there. A real eye opener. So helpful!" - Rodrigo A.
"Wow... so many variables in the TV world to explain. Steve did a magnificent job considering everything he had to cover." - Sylvia L.
What You'll Learn
Part 1 - Playing the Field
Steve discusses the kinds of 1 hour TV pilots networks are looking for, and more importantly, what kinds they are not. He talks about the differences between cable, network, and online (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) as well as the differences between procedurals and serialized series.
Q&A with Steve
Part 2 - Character and Structure
Steve leads a discussion on characterization. He runs through some of his favorite TV characters and explores the development process most networks go through to amp up the characterization in scripts. He also explores supporting cast, archetypes, structure and act breaks.
Q&A with Steve
Part 3 - Creating an Engine to Your Show
Steve discusses the engine of a TV show. He runs through the importance of a clear week-to-week and explores series longevity and how to craft storylines that can stretch out for 3-8 years.
Q&A with Steve
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking for knowledge in character structure, pilots, and keeping the audience interested in TV. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
- This class will consist of 3 sessions, each roughly three to four hours in duration.
Who Should Attend
All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to delve into TV entertainment.
All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to delve into TV entertainment.
All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to delve into TV entertainment.
Actors looking to delve into TV entertainment.
Executive
Steve Iwanyk is a producer at Tongal and a former literary manager for The Gotham Group. Gotham is one of the largest entertainment management companies in the business representing writers, directors, producers, content creators, illustrators, authors, publishing houses, and artists for live action television and film, as well as new media, animation, family entertainment, and publishing. Steve has worked primarily in the television drama space, helping to oversee Gotham’s first-look producing deal with Legendary TV, but had clients working in features, as well as publishing, and previously worked with film & TV producer Gavin Polone, and in the Motion Picture Talent Department at the Creative Artists Agency.