Screenwriting Lab: Outline Your Period Piece or Historical Script

Join a private, interactive screenwriting lab on Zoom with Michael Peterson, the VP of Development at Phoenix Pictures! 

Only 10 writers accepted - 3 spots remain!

PLUS! Be connected with Michael via email for the duration of the lab

Payment plans available at checkout through Shop Pay or contact edu@stage32.com for details

Mastering the art of writing a compelling period drama can elevate your storytelling to new heights. Historical dramas have a unique ability to transport audiences through time while exploring timeless themes. To craft a successful period drama, you need more than just historical accuracy—you must weave rich characters, strong themes, and emotional depth into the fabric of your screenplay. Understanding what makes a period drama resonate with viewers is essential for capturing the attention of studios and producers alike. By developing a well-structured outline, you'll create a solid roadmap that guides your screenplay toward a powerful emotional impact.

One of the biggest challenges writers face is becoming too focused on aligning facts with plot, which can leave their story emotionally flat. Without fully developed characters, themes, and dramatic points of view, the screenplay can miss the opportunity to resonate deeply with viewers. In this exclusive Stage 32 8-part lab, you’ll tackle these common obstacles head-on, working step by step to develop an engaging outline. Each session will focus on refining your premise, clarifying your theme, creating rich characters, and laying the groundwork for your story’s acts. You will work step by step with a top development executive in the entertainment industry!

Your Stage 32 educator, Michael Peterson, is a dynamic force in the industry, bringing years of expertise to the table. Michael runs Development for Phoenix Pictures with Mike Medavoy, where he worked on THE 33 with Antonio Banderas, THE PROMISE with Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac, and the Monty Python comedy ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING with Kate Beckinsale and Simon Pegg. With a keen eye for storytelling and an extensive background in development, his contributions have helped shape narratives that resonate with audiences around the world. Michael’s passion for fostering creativity shines through as he works closely with writers, guiding them to refine their craft and unlock their full potential.

In this exclusive lab, you’ll refine your concept, establish clear themes, and develop compelling, fully-realized characters under Michael's expert guidance. Each week, you’ll craft detailed outlines for your period drama’s acts, receiving personalized feedback from Michael to enhance every aspect of your film. You’ll also have direct access via email to Michael, where you can ask specific questions about your project or seek advice on your career trajectory. By the end of the lab, you’ll walk away with a completed, polished outline and the knowledge to confidently pitch your screenplay to producers and studios!

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!