Hi All,
I have an exciting lab coming up for you called: How to Write Historical Fiction Television that Will Get You Noticed
It begins on Tuesday, March 15th at 1pm PT.
When embarking on developing a story about a historical person, place, or event, often times it is easy to get wrapped up on the specific details of how history was written. But the fact is is that the best shows we watch today bend that reality and bring historical period into a more modern era that audiences want to watch. When an executive reads a project they will know right off the bat if they are embarking on true storytelling that will captivate today’s modern audience and not just be a biographical retelling of the past. You need to understand what type of intellectual property gives you the link up for historical project. Also, you need to understand how to write the world and the characters to be able to get an idea of what you are up against in the marketplace. We’re here to show your how.
You can find it here: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Write-Historical-Fiction-Televis...
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Ah, DUDE! Now you're talking my language. If it's a costumed anything, I am SO THERE!
Oooooooooooooh!!!
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This one is going to be GOOD.
Thank you, Anna! Lots of great information. Especially loved the idea of giving people back their voice by using their own words. Also loved your tip about launching the pilot with the event that the protagonist on their deathbed would say was the moment that changed everything.
Hi Anna, Thank you! I do have a question--I've developed a historical limited series based on existing intellectual property that I've optioned the rights to. Where would I include that in the series bible and how much detail do I need to include? Thank you!
Excellent webinar! Glad I attended!
Loved this topic! And Anna was the perfect presenter!
Thank you so much everyone! It was a lot of fun to prepare and present!
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@John Garofolo You should definitely put it into your pitch bible, right in the beginning in your introduction where you talk about why you are the right person to write this. Talk about what drew you to the IP, what's special about it, what you think the author did exceptionally well. Kind of write a promo for it, like if you were writing a blurb for a book jacket. Also add: if the IP (book, article, etc.) won awards or has measurable success in terms of numbers or best-seller lists, if the author has received awards or any other recognition, if they have a prestigeous or applicable job, if the author has written other things that have won awards, been on best-seller lists and especially if those other IPs have been successfully adapted to other media. You could also add positive reviews from established sources, such as Publisher's Weekly. Basically you're writing an advertisement.
The trick is that you actually need to know way more than you write down for the pitch. People will ask you everything about the IP, and I mean EVERYTHING, when you're pitching in person or having a conversation with a producer or buyer. From the author's entire biography and other work, to publishing and sales statistics, to what they might have said in interviews about the work, to how you came to know about it, how you went about optioning it, you're going to be surprised at what questions you will get. Know as much as possible off the top of your head, what you can't memorize have in a document that you can access to look stuff up or send to someone, and if you get a question you don't know the answer to, cheerfully say, "wow that's a great question, I'll definitely ask that and let you know!"
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Had another appointment during this time but can't wait to watch on-demand. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us, Anna Marton Henry!
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Hi Anna, Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a detailed response! I've started going through your webinar on writing the pilot, which is also excellent. Thanks, again. Best, John