Date

Sep 11 2021
Expired!

Time

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost

799.00

Screenwriting Lab: Write a Drama TV Pilot in 8 Weeks – From Concept to Completed Script

Do you have a pilot script in your head that you have been trying to write for a long time? Do you have a story that would be perfect for a drama TV series but just don’t have the support you’re looking for to actually get it written?

We have you covered! This lab is for YOU!

In this exclusive Stage 32 Lab, literary manager and TV Executive Anna Henry will work directly with you in a class setting and also during one-on-one sessions with the goal of helping you write a fantastic, market-ready drama pilot.

To do so, Anna will guide you through picking a concept, creating engaging characters, perfecting your structure, constructing an outline and, finally, writing your pilot.

If you already have a concept or even a completed pilot, Anna will use the same tools to help you hone and sharpen your material.

Over the course of a 15 year career, Anna Henry has read thousands of television scripts and worked with hundreds of writers. Anna began her career as a development executive at Nickelodeon, then crossed over to prime-time television working at CBS and ABC in drama development and programming before working in management and establishing herself as an independent producer. Anna was Head of Development at Andrea Simon Entertainment, a boutique literary management and production company representing writers and directors. Anna has set up projects at Sony20th Century TelevisionEOneStarzAmazonNetflixCorusITV America to name just some. Anna’s client credits include Netflix’s SEVEN SECONDS; Starz’ VIDA; BET’s IN CONTEMPT; HBO’s THE DEUCE, BIG LOVE, and VINYL; Showtime’s THE CHI; NBC’s THIS IS US; The CW’s JANE THE VIRGIN; DirecTV’s KINGDOM, AMC’s FEAR THE WALKING DEAD; PBS’ MERCY STREET; and more.


What You’ll Learn

PRE-CLASS PREP

Read your syllabus and plan 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

This week we will cover the syllabus, your goals for this lab and launch into a discussion of what elements you have to create for a successful show.

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, and how setting, tone and point-of-view affect your story. 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 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. Finally, we will talk about finding a “template show” to aid your writing.

The assignments for this week will be:

  • 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

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 3 – Pilot Outline Consultations (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 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

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 talk about how to introduce characters, give backstory, and convey character through unique voices. 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.

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

WEEK 5– Writing Effective Scenes

We will discuss how to craft dense, efficient scenes that move the plot forward and reveal character and avoid “dead” scenes. We will talk about how to enter and leave scenes and move from scene to scene using character motivations. We will address how to weave together multiple storylines. We will also talk about 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)

This week will consist of 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

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 and address some common pilot writing mistakes.

  • 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)

This week will consist of 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.

 

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