On Demand Class -
Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.
On Demand Class -
Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.
Anna began her 20-year career as a development executive at Nickelodeon, working on the development and production of animated television series, pilots and features, including the cult hit “Invader Zim.” She crossed overto prime-time television working at CBS and ABC in drama development and programming, and freelanced as a creative consultant for a number of production companies. She was most recently Director of Development at Andrea Simon Entertainment, a boutique literary management and production company representing writers and directors. Her clients have worked on shows at virtually every broadcast and major cable television network, and have set up projects at ITV America, Sony, 20th Television, EOne, Starz, Amazon, OddLot Entertainment, Corus, and others. As a script consultant, she enjoys having a close collaboration with writers in refining scripts, expanding their range of material, and finding the best home for each project. Anna is a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Full Bio »
The writing lab is full. If you have any questions, contact edu@stage32.com
By popular demand, we're bringing in TV executive Anna Henry (who has 100% satisfaction with her webinars!) to teach a one-on-one TV pitch document writing lab! Need help with writing your TV series pitch document? Look no further! Anna's here to help.
"I thought it was a great course and really helped me understand the format. Anna is knowledgeable and quickly cuts through to what can help your story better. Her notes on my script were insightful and really demonstrated her thorough experience." - Lee L.
"Anna’s class was by far the most thorough, well put together, and organized screenwriting class I’ve ever taken. I have an MFA in filmmaking and, after graduating, I still felt as if I didn’t fully understand the structure of pilot writing. Anna’s class laid it out step by step and she went through every piece in detail. She was also extremely available to her students. During our one-on-one sessions, I expected to have a quick 15 minute call with her but she ended up speaking extensively with me about my story from outline through script stages. She really, truly cares for her students and is there to answer any questions, which, given her abundant experience in the industry, is a priceless piece of her labs. Thank you, Anna!" - Jacqueline D.
"Anna was concise, and detailed. I've been working on log-lines/treatments/synopsis for 2 years for my scripts and never had it nailed like Anna was able to do. She rocks!" - Cheryl Lynn S.
This is the golden age of television and the appetite for content has never been greater. What does everyone network and streamer want? Fresh, unique, authentic voices with never-been-told stories. While the door is open to new writers, the competition is fierce. Of course you need a very strong finished script, but before that will be read, you need to be able to communicate what makes your show stand out from the crowd, what will make people want to watch it for years and years, and why you are passionate about writing it. You need a blueprint of what the series will be beyond one episode.
That's where a pitch document (aka bible, aka treatment) comes in. Whether you are selling your show verbally, sending the pitch to a potential producer, or applying for a fellowship, this document carries the weight of your imagined world with all its inhabitants and stories. That's a tall order! So where do you begin? How do you organize your ideas? What should be in a pitch? How detailed should you get? Should you start with a summary of the pilot? Should you have ideas for future episodes? What should you say about your characters? In this lab we will delve deep into writing an effective pitch for your scripted television idea - one that will clearly communicate your intentions, excite the reader, and convey your voice and your passion.
I have spent my career developing television projects with writers and selling those show ideas as a development executive, manager and producer. What I have found is that most screenwriters have taken classes that helped them learn about story structure, writing scenes, dialogue, etc. but writing a pitch is entirely different.
Most writers need help with switching gears and selling their story in addition to telling it - which is the purpose of this lab.
Payment plans are available - contact edu@stage32.com for more details
PRE-CLASS PREP – Read your syllabus and identify the scripted television idea you will write about. Re-read your spec for that project and any other materials you’ve written. Be prepared to articulate your personal connection to the material and what makes you want to write about the world.
WEEK 1 – Template, Why You / Why Now, Themes, Show Description, World, Tone
This week we will cover the syllabus, your instructor’s background and experience, your goals for this lab and launch into a discussion about pitching your television ideas.
We will discuss types of pitch documents, the purpose of writing a pitch bible/treatment and why having a spec is not enough. We will talk about how to identify your genre and where your show might sell. We will lay out the sections of the pitch bible and its basic format and style.
We will go over some of the most important elements of a pitch bible:
You will have a writing assignment this week.
WEEK 2 – Creating Characters
We will discuss creating strong characters for your show and how to describe personality, flaws, goals and conflicts. What makes a character compelling, the difference between likeable vs. relatable characters, and effective antagonists. We will talk about giving backstory as well as communicating your character’s unique point of view or voice. We will also talk about the importance of describing relationships and character arcs.
You will have a writing assignment this week.
WEEK 3 – One-on-One Consultations (No Online Class)
This week will consist of one-on-one consultations regarding the completed elements of your pitch bible. Each writer will send in their document in advance and will have a call to discuss what works and what doesn’t. The assignment for the week is to address any notes given before proceeding with next week’s class.
WEEK 4 – Conveying Story: Teaser, Pilot, Series
This week we will discuss how to write a teaser and use it effectively in your pitch bible. We will break down pilot structure and work on summarizing the pilot. We will discuss how to convey the longevity of your series using season arcs and sample episodes, and how to adjust this section for episodic vs. serialized projects and limited series. We will talk about story engine, stakes, A and B stories, what to reveal and what to leave out, and how much detail is needed. We will go over how to craft episode loglines.
You will have a writing assignment this week.
Week 5 – Logline, Title, Comps, Leave-behinds, The 2-page Pitch, and Tips for Verbal Pitches
We will go over the purpose of a logline and how to craft an effective logline. We will talk about coming up with a title for your show (and optionally a tagline). We will discuss the pros and cons of comps. We will also talk about leave-behinds such as lookbooks. We will go over how to edit your pitch bible down to a 2-page pitch/treatment for Stage 32 and fellowships/contests. Finally, will talk about tips for verbal pitches. Also bring all your questions from the lab!
You will have a writing assignment this week.
WEEK 6 – One-on-One Consultations (No Online Class)
This week will consist of one-on-one consultations regarding your finished pitch bible. Each writer will send in their completed document in advance and will have a call to discuss further notes and next steps.
Anna Henry, TV Executive (Educator)
Anna began her 20-year career as a development executive at Nickelodeon, working on the development and production of animated television series, pilots and features, including the cult hit “Invader Zim.” She crossed overto prime-time television working at CBS and ABC in drama development and programming, and freelanced as a creative consultant for a number of production companies.
She was most recently Director of Development at Andrea Simon Entertainment, a boutique literary management and production company representing writers and directors. Her clients have worked on shows at virtually every broadcast and major cable television network, and have set up projects at ITV America, Sony, 20th Television, EOne, Starz, Amazon, OddLot Entertainment, Corus, and others. As a script consultant, she enjoys having a close collaboration with writers in refining scripts, expanding their range of material, and finding the best home for each project. Anna is a graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
Saturday August 17: 10am-12pm PST
Saturday August 24: 10am-12pm PST
Saturday August 31: No online class, One-on-one consultations during these 2 weeks
Saturday September 7:10am-12pm PST
Saturday September 14: 10am-12pm PST
Saturday September 21: One-on-one consultations, no online class
Q: What is the format of a lab?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.
Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.
Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer
Q: What if I cannot attend the live lab class?
A: If you attend a live online class, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class. If you cannot attend a live class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A. Plus, your instructor will be available via email throughout the lab.
Q: Will I have access to the lab afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of the lab, you will have on-demand access to the video recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like!
This was by far the best webinar on pitch documents that I have experienced. I've seen others where they give certain advice that she warned not to do! - Tiffany C.
This was my first Stage32 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.
So informative on the structure of a pitch. What's needed and how to go about dealing with the things that will come up during a verbal pitch or simply in the relationship between those giving a pitch and those receiving one. Well organized Anna, thank you! - Julia L.
Anna has a considerable amount of experience in the subject matter. She was well prepared and organized in her presentation. I took away the information that I was hoping to receive. - Bud M.
First off, I want to say thank you to Anna and the entire stage 32 crew. Not only was this extremely insightful about pitching your stories and ideals, but also about how specific your writing(the actually scripts) need to be. It definitely sent me back to rethink, improve, and be more specific with my projects that I plan to pitch. - Zack S.
Anna was concise, and detailed. I've been working on log-lines/treatments/synopsis for 2 years for my scripts and never had it nailed like Anna was able to do. She rocks! - Cheryl Lynn S.
Anna Henry was very to the point and her suggestions were full of experience and knowledge. Stage 32 is terrific for offering these webinars. I have learned so much and do feel fortunate to take advantage of the information. - Dana S.
Anna was so generous with her time, so knowledgable, so encouraging...very grateful. It feels like there's a stronger wind at my back after that. Thank you! - Michael L.
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On-Demand Classes are recorded versions of the original live classes.
Live and interactive functionality discussed on the recording does not apply to On-Demand classes. You will, however, receive all the content from the class and be able to access it as many times as you'd like for up to 1 year through the My Education page.
Upon purchasing an On-Demand class, you will receive an email with a login link and password to watch your sessions. You must be logged into your Stage 32 account using the same email address you used to purchase your On-Demand class in order to view the videos.