Starting This Weekend! Private, interactive screenwriting lab with only 10 spots available - 1 spot remains!

You will work one-on-one with a top literary manager to help you write your TV pilot script

There has never been a better time for you to write your TV drama, but you need to create a pilot that really grabs the attention of producers. Drama television is at its peak with iconic shows like SUCCESSION, THE BEAR, THE WHITE LOTUS, HOUSE OF THE CROWN, YELLOWJACKETS and so much more. Thanks to streamers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and others, over 600 shows were greenlit last year and some industry experts are predicting we may see as many as 1,000 television shows greenlit per year by 2025. Not only is the quantity increasing, but so is the quality, as companies are funneling an unprecedented amount of money, resources, marketing, and talent into their shows. Now it’s just a matter of writing a pilot script that helps you break in.

The opportunities are plentiful and the prospects have never been more exciting, but if you want to write dramatic television you need to prove that you have the chops, and to do that, you better come armed with a great pilot script sample. This is your calling card, your way in, the piece of material that will fire you off the launch pad. The intention of this lab is to help you create that piece of material that stands out, gets you the right meetings, and, ultimately, gets you representation, meetings with decision-makers, and/or a coveted seat in a writer’s room.

Guiding you through writing your dramatic TV pilot is Spencer Robinson. Spencer is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment who's been in the industry for over twenty years. Spencer's writing clients work in both features and television on broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. He currently has a client writing on two Netflix series and another client who just sold a show to Amazon. He also reps a writer who currently has a project at Jason Bateman's Aggregate Films, which has a deal at Netflix. His on-camera clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS, to name a few. Spencer has taught numerous webinars, classes, and writing labs for Stage 32 and remains one of our most popular and sought-after educators.

Spencer will be working directly with you in a virtual class setting and in one-on-one sessions to mentor you as you write your market-ready dramatic pilot script. Spencer will guide you through picking a concept, creating engaging characters, perfecting your structure, constructing an outline, and, writing your pilot. Over 6 interactive sessions, you will put pen to paper and write the drama TV pilot that until now has only been bouncing around in your head.

If you have a concept you are ready to write or even a completed pilot that needs a professional polish, Spencer will help you craft, hone, and sharpen your material.

You will leave this lab with a completed television drama pilot script vetted by an industry professional that you can share with the marketplace to help move your career forward!

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

PRAISE FOR SPENCER'S STAGE 32 EDUCATION:

"I cannot speak highly enough of Spencer Robinson. His lab was absolutely life-changing for me. Spencer's knowledge of the scriptwriting process and his first-hand insights into the industry were invaluable. Spencer has an uncanny ability to pinpoint issues with your script, and his notes really helped to elevate the story and characters of my TV Pilot. He is thoughtful, empathetic and understands the challenge of being a writer." --Emma S.

"Spencer will get those who are ready on their way to a kickass first draft that you can send for coverage, which is what I did. 2 Considers, and I'm in rewrites now to move that needle. This was my first ever TV pilot!" -- Erika N.

"Had a great time learning and progressing my knowledge of the craft of writing and working directly with a mentor who is a professional in the industry. Spencer was fantastic to be taught by! Thank you!" -- Natalie A.

"Spencer's teaching style is the best! His patience and easygoing approach are ideal and unique to him. Kudos to Stage 32 and to Spencer!" -- Armando O.

PRE-CLASS PREP 

Read your syllabus and decide on an idea for the drama or dramedy pilot you want to write. Do appropriate research about the world of your show. 

WEEK 1 – Introduction, Elements Of A TV Series 

• Go over the syllabus
• Your goals for this lab
• The elements you have to create for a successful show
• Research about the world and characters you will be writing about
• How to come up with a story engine for your show
• How setting, tone and point-of-view affect your story
• How to create strong characters for your pilot
• What makes a character compelling
• The difference between likeable vs. relatable characters
• Effective antagonists
• The differences between ensembles and star vehicles
• How to build complex relationships and use them to propel a series
• How to find a “template show” to aid your writing
• Q&A with Spencer

Assignment: 

• Write a half-page description of the concept of the pilot you intend to write.
• Find a template for your pilot
• Write a detailed description (around half a page) on each of your series regular characters 

 
WEEK 2 – Pilot Structure And Story Mapping

• The importance of A, B (and C?) storylines
• Using parallel and intersecting stories to properly introduce your characters
• Pilot structure, plot and subplots
• Differences between pilots for episodic vs. serialized pilots
• Pacing, building stakes, creating mystery / suspense / anticipation, and act breaks
• Page counts
• Q&A with Spencer

The assignment for this week will be to write out details on your A and B (and possibly C) storylines. 

WEEK 3 – Pilot Outline Consultations (One-On-One Consultations – No Online Class) 

• One-on-one consultations regarding pilot structure. 

Each writer will send in their pilot outline in advance and will have a phone consultation to discuss what works and what doesn’t. 

The assignment for the week is to address any notes given on the outline before proceeding with next week’s class and to continue working on character descriptions as needed. 

WEEK 4 – Acts One And Two 

Story beats that exist in Acts 1 and 2 of a drama pilot, including:

• World-building
• Setting up the “rules of the universe” 
• Establishing character
• Setting tone
• Creating an effective launch point for your pilot
• How to introduce characters, give backstory, and convey character through unique voices
• Challenges of exposition
• Ways to bring the audience into the world of your pilot
• The function of a teaser
• Q&A with Spencer

The assignment this week will be to complete Acts 1 and 2 of your pilot.

WEEK 5– Writing Effective Scenes 

• How to craft dense, efficient scenes that move the plot forward and reveal character
• Avoid “dead” scenes
• How to enter and leave scenes
• How to move from scene to scene using character motivations
• How to weave together multiple storylines
• Nuanced dialogue and the value of subtext

The assignment this week will be to continue writing. 

WEEK 6 – Pilot Acts One And Two Consultations (One on One Consultations – No Online Class) 

• 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. 

The assignment for the week is to address any notes given. 

WEEK 7– Acts Three, Four And Five 

• Necessary story beats that traditionally exist in acts 3 – 4 or 5 of a drama pilot, including:
• Building subplots
• Increasing layers and complexity
• Making sure every character has a place in the puzzle and begins an arc
• Writing dense scenes that move the story forward as well as reveal character.
• How to create a series launch point at the end of your pilot that clearly establishes the series engine
• How to embed larger themes into your story
• Common pilot writing mistakes
• Q&A with Spencer

The assignment this week will be to complete the first draft of the entire pilot. 

WEEK 8 – Finished Pilot Consultations (One-On-One Consultations – No Online Class) 

• 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.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class 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 individuals interested in writing a drama or dramedy pilot.
• This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.
• The lab will be a mix of group class sessions and individual consultations with Spencer.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the lab.
• **Spencer will be available to you on email during the 8 sessions to answer any questions you have about your craft, career or project.*

All levels of screenwriters who are looking to have helpful guidance mapping out your script acts, characters and plot. 

Screenwriters who need help staying accountable to writing a TV pilot - and finishing it!

Producers, directors or actors who are interested in flexing a different muscle - writing a script about a story that's in your mind.

Saturday February 22nd 10am-12pm PT 

Saturday March 1st 10am-12pm PT

Saturday March 8th 10am-12pm PT (One on One Consultations – No Online Class)

Saturday March 15th 10am-12pm PT 

Saturday March 22nd 10am-12pm PT

Saturday March 29th 10am-12pm PT (One on One Consultations – No Online Class)

Saturday April 5th 10am-12pm PT

Saturday April 12th 10am-12pm PT (One on One Consultations – No Online Class)

PRAISE FOR SPENCER'S STAGE 32 EDUCATION:

"I cannot speak highly enough of Spencer Robinson. His lab was absolutely life-changing for me. Spencer's knowledge of the scriptwriting process and his first-hand insights into the industry were invaluable. Spencer has an uncanny ability to pinpoint issues with your script, and his notes really helped to elevate the story and characters of my TV Pilot. He is thoughtful, empathetic and understands the challenge of being a writer." --Emma S.

"Spencer will get those who are ready on their way to a kickass first draft that you can send for coverage, which is what I did. 2 Considers, and I'm in rewrites now to move that needle. This was my first ever TV pilot!" -- Erika N.

"Had a great time learning and progressing my knowledge of the craft of writing and working directly with a mentor who is a professional in the industry. Spencer was fantastic to be taught by! Thank you!" -- Natalie A.

"Spencer's teaching style is the best! His patience and easygoing approach are ideal and unique to him. Kudos to Stage 32 and to Spencer!" -- Armando O.