How to Write a 1 Hour TV Drama Pilot

Taught by Jenna Nicholson from the Drama Department at CBS (SCORPION, NCIS, THE GOOD WIFE, RINGER and ELEMENTARY)!

The TV market is exploding right now and one of the most in demand formats is the 1 Hour TV drama pilot. Not only are these some of the most universally reaching formats but it has brought the world some of the most critically acclaimed shows in the entertainment industry. Many, if not all, managers and agents are looking for writers that can write in this space and more and more production companies are heading into TV.

Stage 32 Happy Writers is thrilled to bring you our first ever How to Write a 1 Hour TV Drama Pilot 8 Week Intensive Lab taught by Jenna Nicholson from the Drama Department at CBS (SCORPION, NCIS, THE GOOD WIFE, RINGER and ELEMENTARY)! This hands on lab will guide you through picking a concept, creating engaging characters, structuring and outlining your pilot and writing the first 10 pages!

The 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.

-- Payment plans are available -- please contact joey@stage32.com for more information.
--This Lab is Limited to 20 People
-- Please Note: Participating in this lab does not mean you are writing for or pitching to CBS.

The Curriculum for the 8 Week Lab

WEEK #1 – Introduction, Character, & Pitching (1/31)

Discussion to cover: General Class Overview; my history/experiences; what I love about TV writing, what I tend to look for in a good story/screenplay, and answer some of your initial queries as raised in the pre-class questionnaire. Discuss the difference between cable and network and what networks are primarily looking for now.

A discussion on the creation of strong, unique, memorable Characters; how to have them best serve your story, the genre, themes, etc. Dialogue/voice to be discussed. Will cover some examples, including personal experience. Discuss anti-heroes like in BREAKING BAD. Will go over common traps writers fall into when creating their protagonist. Lastly, will go over the supporting characters and what types of archetypes should and should not be included in 1 hour TV pilots.

A discussion on what makes a good pitch and what executives are looking for when you pitch. Explain how much of the sale happens before the pitch even takes place. How does the pitch structure work? What is acceptable to bring to a pitch.

We will discuss what makes a show work. Whats the difference between a good pilot and 100 episodes? Discuss some shows that were good ideas but were not able to stay on air.

WEEK #2 – No on-line class this week. (Consultation)  (2/7)
 

Each writer will have a private 10 minute call to pitch me their story. I 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.
 

WEEK #3 – Writing a Story Doc, Tone, & Notes (2/14)

What goes into a story doc and what do you leave out? How long should it be and what is the tone? Finding your tone and voice and allowing it to show in your writing. How the notes process works when developing and how to apply the notes given.

Week #3 Assignments - Writing: Based on the notes given during the pitch, write a story document for the pilot. Exchange with partners during the week and submit to me by Thursday at 6pm. All documents should be submitted to me in a pdf version.
 

WEEK #4 – No on-line class this week (Consultation) (2/21)

Each writer will have a private 10 minute call for me to discuss feedback on what works and what doesn’t. This will be a time to discuss the next steps in preparing for the outline.
 

Week #5 - Outlining & Teaser (2/28)

Go over what a teaser is and what types of formats need one based on which network/cable. Will go over character introductions and some of the best ways I saw a character introduced from personal experience. Will go over the outlining phase overall and how networks usually develop material. Explain how the outline is structured. Discuss why they call it "outline-itis" and how to avoid it.
 

Week #6 - Act Structure & Plotting (3/7)

Discussion to revolve around the plotting and development of your story across the Acts, with examples focusing particularly on Structure (act breaks, emotional crescendos, keeping all your characters proactive and engaging, internal/external conflict, etc.). Also, will go into detail on the final act and how this area primarily showcases what the week to week of your show is. We will go over how to create a successful cliffhanger, how to end your protagonist in the pilot in an engaging way.
 

Week #7 - Continue With Outlining (Consultation) (3/14)

Continue 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. Discussion will be on how to strengthen act breaks, sharpen emotional crescendos and keeping the character dynamics/relationships strong. Writers ready to advance will begin the first 10 pages of their script. 
 

WEEK # 8- No on-line class this week. Final Review (3/28) 

Each writer will have a private 10 minute call for me to provide feedback on the first ten pages of the script. This will be the final evaluation for this 8 week lab. 
 

About your Teacher, Jenna Nicholson, Drama Development for CBS

Jenna 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 THE GOOD WIFE, CSI, BLUE BLOODS, CRIMINAL MINDS, and UNDER THE DOME. 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 MADAM SECRETARY, SCORPION, and JANE THE VIRGIN.​
 

About the Class

Classes 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. More information can be found below.