{"product_id":"8-week-tv-working-writers-lab-how-to-write-a-1-hour-tv-drama-pilot","title":"8 Week TV Working Writers Lab – How To Write A 1-Hour TV Drama Pilot","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLearn directly from Jenna Nicholson, Drama Development at CBS Studios who has worked on shows such as \u003c\/em\u003eThe Good Wife, CSI, Blue Bloods, Jane The Virgin, Madam Secretary, Scorpion, \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e Criminal Minds\u003cem\u003e!\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis lab is designed for beginner and intermediate screenwriters looking to build a pilot from scratch or expand on an existing idea.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith the TV market exploding right now, one of the most in demand formats is the 1-hour TV drama pilot. 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 1-hour TV drama pilot will give you a competitive advantage and help you find success as a TV writer!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDue to popular demand, the Stage 32 Happy Writers is thrilled to bring back our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow to Write a 1 Hour TV Drama Pilot\u003c\/em\u003e 8 Week Intensive Lab\u003c\/strong\u003e taught by Jenna Nicholson from the Drama Department at CBS (\u003cem\u003eThe Good Wife, CSI, Blue Bloods, Jane The Virgin, Madam Secretary, Scorpion, \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eCriminal Minds\u003c\/em\u003e)! This hands-on intensive lab will guide you through picking a concept, creating engaging characters, structuring and outlining your pilot and writing the first 10 pages!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe main objective of this 8-week lab will be to have at least 10 solid pages completed of your script. You will meet online with Jenna for 2 hours a week in a class setting, plus have phone 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePayment plans are available - please contact education@stage32.com for more information.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThis Lab is Limited to 20 People.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: Participating in this lab does not mean you are writing for or pitching to CBS.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Schedule:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003eWeek 1: \u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction, Character, \u0026amp; Pitching \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJenna will begin class with a general class overview and discussion of her history and experiences. She will answer some of the initial queries raised in the pre-class questionnaire. She will then cover:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWhat she looks for in a good story\/screenplay.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe difference between cable and network and what networks are primarily looking for now.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA discussion on the creation of strong, unique, memorable characters.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow to have them best serve your story, the genre, themes, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDialogue and voice.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAntiheros in 1-hour dramas.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eBreaking Bad\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCommon traps writers fall into when creating their protagonist.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSupporting characters and what types of archetypes should and should not be included in 1-hour TV pilots.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA discussion on what makes a good pitch and what executives are looking for when you pitch.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow much of the sale happens before the pitch even takes place.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow does the pitch structure work? What is acceptable to bring to a pitch?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWhat’s the difference between a good pilot and 100 episodes?\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eExamples of some shows that were good ideas but were not able to stay on air.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eQ\u0026amp;A to answer any remaining questions.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003eWeek 2: \u003cstrong\u003eNo on-line class this week. (Consultation) \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach writer will have a private 10 minute call to pitch Jenna their story. She will offer feedback on what works and what doesn’t. At the end of the pitch you will know if you are approved to proceed. If not, a new idea will need to be approved via email.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003eWeek 3: \u003cstrong\u003eWriting a Story Doc, Tone, \u0026amp; Notes \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWhat goes into a story doc and what do you leave out?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow long should it be and what is the tone?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFinding your tone and voice and allowing it to show in your writing.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow the notes process works when developing and how to apply the notes given.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eQ\u0026amp;A with Jenna.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003eWeek 4: \u003cstrong\u003eNo on-line class this week (Consultation) \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach writer will have a private 10-minute call with Jenna to discuss feedback on what works and what doesn’t in their current concept. This will be a time to discuss the next steps in preparing for the outline.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003eWeek 5: \u003cstrong\u003eOutlining \u0026amp; Teaser \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is a teaser and what type of formats need one based on which network\/cable?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCharacter introductions.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eExamples of great character introductions from Jenna’s personal experience.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOverview of the outlining phase.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow networks usually develop material.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow an outline should be structured.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOutline-itis and how to avoid it.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eQ\u0026amp;A with Jenna.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003eWeek 6: \u003cstrong\u003eAct Structure \u0026amp; Plotting \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePlotting and development of your story across the Acts.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eExamples focusing particularly on Structure.\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAct breaks.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEmotional crescendos.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eKeeping all your characters proactive and engaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eInternal\/external conflict.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe final act and how this area primarily showcase what the week to week of your show is.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow to create a successful cliffhanger.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHow to end your protagonist in the pilot in an engaging way.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eQ\u0026amp;A with Jenna.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003eWeek 7: \u003cstrong\u003eContinue With Outlining (Consultation) \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eContinue with the outlining phase. The class will be broken down into two mini groups and critiques will be given to each writer on their outline.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDiscussion will be on how to strengthen act breaks, sharpen emotional crescendos and keeping the character dynamics\/relationships strong.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWriters ready to advance will begin the first 10 pages of their script.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003eWeek 8: \u003cstrong\u003eNo on-line class this week. Final Review \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis class will consist of a group call in which each writer receives notes from Jenna on their project overall. This will be the final evaluation for this 8 week lab.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout your Teacher, Jenna Nicholson, Drama Development for CBS:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJenna Nicholson’s career in entertainment began at CAA, where she worked her way up to ultimately assist a TV Packaging Agent. She then went to CBS Television Studios to work in the VP of Current Programming department, working on shows including \u003cem\u003eThe Good Wife, CSI, Blue Bloods, Criminal Minds\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eUnder The Dome\u003c\/em\u003e. In May of 2013 she transitioned into drama development and currently works for an SVP and VP. This past season she was a part of the development of \u003cem\u003eMadam Secretary, Scorpion\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eJane The Virgin\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Class\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eClasses take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. You can participate from the comfort of your own home and you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class. If you cannot attend the live class, you can still participate! Each class will be recorded and Jenna will have designated office hours to work with her class. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stage 32","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48055624958259,"sku":"","price":799.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/stage32.myshopify.com\/products\/8-week-tv-working-writers-lab-how-to-write-a-1-hour-tv-drama-pilot","provider":"Stage 32","version":"1.0","type":"link"}