30-Minute Comedy Television Pilot Writing Lab - One on One Mentoring with Literary Manager

• Payment plans are available - contact edu@stage32.com for details
• 4 Spots Left!
• If you have to miss a class, don't worry. Each class is recorded and you can watch on-demand

PRE-CLASS PREP - Read your syllabus and plan out your writing ideas. Begin to think about 1-2 ideas that might be a good idea for your comedy pilot. Start to prepare for your pilot pitch.

Class #1 – Introduction, Character, World

This week we will cover the syllabus, your instructor's background and experience, your goals for this eight-week lab and launch into a discussion on creating strong characters for your pilot.

We will discuss the types of comedy pilots and how they differ from network to network. This will include a discussion about Single-Camera and Multi-Camera comedies. Then we will delve into character – what makes for strong characters and weak ones. Also knowing the world your show takes place in.

You will have a writing assignment this week.

Class #2 – Pilot Outline, Pitch Document

This week we will break down pilot structure, plot and subplots. Pilot structure varies depending on the type of comedy pilot (single-camera or multi-camera) and the network (broadcast, cable, streaming, digital, etc.) We will identify what kind of network to target for your story idea and structure the pilot accordingly. We will also discuss the function of your pitch document. This will include incorporating your character descriptions as well as the pilot storyline, and arc of your show.

You will have a writing assignment this week.

One-On-One Consultations - Pilot Outline Review  (No Online Class)

This week will consist of one-on-one consultations regarding your pitch document. Each writer will send in their pitch document in advance and will have a 10-minute call to discuss what works and what doesn’t.

The assignment for the week is to address any notes given on the pitch document before proceeding with next week’s class.

Class #3– Structure, Scenes, Dialogue. Time to Write your Pilot!

We will discuss both the Single-Camera and Multi-Camera structure. You will decide which works best for the pilot that you are developing. We will address the qualities of effective (and ineffective) scenes, dialogue, and jokes.

We will also go over all the necessary story beats that exist in a comedy pilot, including traditional page count, act breaks, tags, etc.

After this class, you will have 3-4 weeks to complete the first draft of your pilot. Spencer will be available during this time with any questions you have during the process. 

One-On-One Consultations - Pilot Notes  (No Online Class)

The assignment this week will be to incorporate any notes given on the pilot before proceeding with next week’s class.

Class #4– After You Write Your Pilot

Last online class. We will discuss what happens when you take meetings with managers, agents, and showrunners, and how to pitch a comedy pilot.

We will also discuss other kinds of TV comedy writing (late-night talk shows, sketch, political comedy talk shows, etc.)