Writing Lab: Write Your TV Pilot and Learn How to Pitch it in 10 Weeks

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Taught by Anna Henry, TV Executive (Educator)

$999

On Demand Class - Available for immediate viewing and unlimited access.

Sorry. This lab is fully sold out.

Stage 32 Next Level Education has a 97% user satisfaction rate.

Class hosted by: Anna Henry, TV Executive (Educator)

(Worked with CBS, ABC, Amazon, Starz, Sony, 20th Television)

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 »

Summary

***Sorry, the lab is filled!*** 

This lab is designed for beginner and intermediate screenwriters looking to build a pilot from scratch or expand on an existing idea.

With the TV market exploding right now, 30-minute and 60-minute TV drama and dramedy pilots are in demand. Many, if not all, managers and agents are looking for writers that can write in this space, and with more and more production companies heading into TV, knowing how to write a strong TV pilot will give you a competitive advantage and help you find success as a TV writer!

Stage 32 is thrilled to have our Writing Lab: Write Your TV Pilot and Lean How to Pitch it in 10 Weeks taught by Anna Henry who is a veteran TV development executive that's worked with ABC, CBS, Nickelodeon, SONY, 20th Century FOX Television, Amazon, Starz, EOne, OddLot Entertainment, Corus, ITV America and more. This hands-on intensive lab will guide you through picking a concept, creating engaging characters, structuring and outlining your pilot, writing the pilot, polishing and pitching it! You must have a solid understanding of screenwriting to participate. We will not be going over the basics. 

The main objective of this 10-week lab will be to have a solid completed script that is market-ready to start pitching. You will meet online with Anna for 2 hours a week in a class setting, plus have phone or Skype consultations during some of the weeks when you don't have an online class. This will be accompanied by weekly homework assignments to guide you on your way to creating a marketable, unique pilot that will grab the industry's attention.

  • Payment plans are available - please contact edu@stage32.com for more information.
  • This Lab is Limited to 10 People.

 

What You'll Learn

PRE-CLASS PREP – Read your syllabus and plan out your writing ideas. Begin to think about 1 – 3 ideas that might make a good drama pilot. Be prepared to articulate your personal connection to the material and what makes you want to write about the world.

WEEK 1 – Introduction, Genres, Networks, World and Tone

This week we will cover the syllabus, your instructor’s background and experience, your goals for this lab and launch into a discussion of types of drama pilots and what networks are looking for.

We will discuss doing research about the world and characters you will be writing about. We will talk about coming up with a story engine for your show, what makes for compelling characters, and how setting, tone and point-of-view affect your story.

The assignments for this week will be:

  • Narrow down your list of ideas to the one you will be writing about
  • Do the research required to begin writing
  • Watch at least three comparable pilots and/or read the pilot scripts for those shows
  • Write a half-page description of the concept of the pilot you intend to write

WEEK 2 – Creating Characters

We will discuss creating strong characters for your pilot. What makes a character compelling, the difference between likeable vs. relatable characters, and effective antagonists. We will talk about how to introduce characters in the opening of your pilot, how to give backstory exposition, as well as how to convey character through unique voices. We will address the differences between ensembles and star vehicles. We will take time to go over how to build complex relationships and use them to propel a series.

The assignments for this week will be:

  • Write a detailed description (around half a page) on each of your series regular characters
  • Write 2 scenes for Act I of your pilot in which your characters are introduced through dialogue and exposition

WEEK 3 – Pilot Outline

This week we will discuss the function of a beat outline. We will break down pilot structure, plot and subplots and discuss some differences between pilots for episodic vs. serialized pilots. We will talk about pacing, building stakes, creating mystery / suspense / anticipation, and act breaks. We will go over page counts and number of characters. We will also address budget and production considerations.

The assignment for this week will be to write a beat outline for your pilot.

WEEK 4 – Pilot Outline (One on One Consultations – No Online Class)

This week will consist of one-on-one consultations regarding pilot structure. Each writer will send in their pilot outline 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 on the outline before proceeding with next week’s class and to continue working on your character descriptions as needed.

WEEK 5 – Acts I and II

This week we will go over all the necessary 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, and creating an effective launch point for your pilot. We will address the challenges of exposition and some ways to bring the audience into the world of your pilot. We will also talk about the function of a teaser. We will return to a discussion about nuanced dialogue and the value of subtext.

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

WEEK 6 – Acts 3, 4 and 5

Similarly to last week, we will cover the necessary story beats that traditionally exist in acts 3 – 4 or 5 of a drama pilot, including building subplots, increasing layers and complexity, and making sure every character has a place in the puzzle and begins an arc. We will discuss writing dense scenes that move the story forward as well as reveal character. We will address how to create a series launch point at the end of your pilot that clearly establishes the series engine. We will also talk about how to embed larger themes into your story.

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

WEEK 7–Consultation for Revision (One on One Consultations - No Online Class)

This week will consist of one-on-one consultations. Please turn in your pilot at least 48 hours before your scheduled call, and each writer will have a call to go over notes. Your assignment this week is to address any notes.

WEEK 8 – How to Deal with notes

We'll go over notes you received, and go over questions on how to handle notes - this is a very important part about being a TV writer.

WEEK 9 – One-on-one Feedback and Polish(One on One Consultations - No Online Class)

This week will consist of one-on-one phone calls as well. Please submit your revised pilot at least 48 hours before your scheduled call. Final notes and next steps for your pilot will be given.

Week 10 – Pitching your Pilot

We will discuss the format for writing effective pitch documents and loglines. The assignment for this week will be to write a logline for your show and put together everything from the

About Your Instructor

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.

Schedule

WEEK 1 – Introduction, Genres, Networks, World and Tone - 1/12/19

WEEK 2 – Creating Characters - 1/19/19

WEEK 3 – Pilot Outline - 1/26/19

WEEK 4 – Pilot Outline (One on One Consultations – No Online Class) - 2/2/19

WEEK 5 – Acts I and II - 2/9/19

WEEK 6 – Acts 3, 4 and 5 - 2/16/19

WEEK 7–Consultation for Revision (One on One Consultations - No Online Class) - 2/23/19

WEEK 8 – How to Deal with notes - 3/2/19

WEEK 9 – One-on-one Feedback and Polish (One on One Consultations - No Online Class) - 3/9/18

Week 10 – Pitching your Pilot - 3/16/19

FAQs

Q: What is the format of a class?
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 class?
A: If you attend a live online class, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the webinar. If you cannot attend a live webinar and purchase an On-Demand class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.

Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of a live or On-Demand class, you will have on-demand access to the audio recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like for a whole year!

Questions?

If you have a generic question about Stage 32 education you can take a look at our frequently asked questions section on our help page, or feel free to contact support with any other inquiries you might have.

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