How to Write a Stand Out Sitcom Pilot

The Stage 32 Happy Writers is thrilled to bring you this online, 7 week intensive writing lab How to Write a 30 Minute Sitcom Pilot - From Concept to Written TV Script hosted by Development Executive Jordan Barel. Under the direct guidance of Jordan, during the 7 weeks you will learn how to:

• Create a high concept idea that stands out in the marketplace
• Incorporate dynamic and memorable characters into your story
• Successfully structure your TV script outline
• Pitch the TV pilot you've written during the lab

You will meet with Jordan online in a class setting every week, and you will also have private phone calls with him to intimately discuss your pilot and get feedback!

You will leave this lab with a clear understanding of the sitcom structure, how to write specifically for sitcoms, and have a written pilot to show for it. Even better, Jordan will discuss the next steps for your show after writing the pilot - pitching it!

About Your Instructor, Jordan Barel

Jordan Barel currently works for Paul Scheer through his producing deal at FOX, working on development with his projects as well as bringing in new writers for him. Previously, he worked as the Television Coordinator for Verve Literary Agency, producing the company's staffing video which lead to a 200% increase in the company's staffed writers. While there he also vetted all new TV/film clients. Jordan is a California State Attorney, starting his career in Business and Legal Affairs at New Line Cinema, Generate, and AMC. He also owns and operates a Graphic Novel publishing company, Loaded Barrel Studios, which produces original IP that can be flipped into film projects. Several lines are now sold internationally.

Testimonials About Jordan

Jordan covered a lot of ground. High marks for knowledge. Communicates with enthusiasm and passion. Shot down a lot of common misconceptions. All very helpful. Thanks again! - Dan M.

Very knowledgeable and easy to follow. Great information! - Debbie O.

[He] was extremely helpful as a newbie outsider to understand the true process flow at the various networks and what should be involved with a pitch. Good job! - Matthew M.

Jordan was natural and engaging, and very informative. - Wade C.

Excellent presentation. Solid information provided in an ordered manner. - James S.

Class Schedule (4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18,5/25)

Week #1 Introduction (4/13)

Jordan will introduce himself to the class. He will talk about his experience, his company and the marketplace overall. You will learn:

• What the market is looking for and what the market is straying away from.
• Sitcoms overall, including some of Jordan's favorite sitcoms and why they are his favorite.
• Different engines of sitcoms and the importance of characterization.
• Jordan's personal experience of a sitcom he saw come into fruition from script to screen and the trials and tribulations throughout the journey.
• Jordan will take a popular sitcom and dissect it, giving an overview of all the different elements (i.e. tone, characterization, dialogue, joke set ups, types of jokes, frequency of jokes, etc).
• Single camera vs multi-camera.
• The importance of the basic backdrop of your story (New York City in Seinfeld, Los Angeles in Episodes, a restaurant in 2 Broke Girls, etc.).

Week #2 NO ONLINE CLASS THIS WEEK- PRIVATE CALLS WITH JORDAN (4/20)

Each writer will have a private call with Jordan discussing their concepts. Through this dialogue between Jordan and the writer, a concept will be chosen.

Week #3- Characterization (4/27)

Jordan will discuss personal experiences where he had to mold the characters in a project to make them pop off the page more and how he did so. You will learn:

• Why characters and dialogue are the most important elements in a sitcom.
• What kinds of archetypes are usually found in sitcoms and which ones to avoid.
• Cast sizes.
• How to write a sitcom with a large cast.
• How to write a sitcom with minimal characters.

Week #4 Outlining (5/4)

Jordan will discuss the structural skeleton of writing for sitcoms. You will learn:

• A break down of each element (i.e. the teaser, act breaks, the tag).
• The importance of setting up set pieces at the top of each episode.
• How to carry set pieces throughout the episode.
• The evolution of set pieces.
• Page counts and how long each element should be.
• Jordan will give his own personal way he structures a script.

Week #5 Punching Up Jokes (5/11)

Jordan will talk about dialogue and the fluidity of jokes in sitcoms. You will learn:

• How often a joke/humorous line should appear.
• How Jordan personally amped up the humor on the page in different scenarios.
• How to keep the laughs coming.
• When the comedy should subside for character work.

Week #6 NO ONLINE CLASS THIS WEEK - PRIVATE CALLS WITH JORDAN (5/18)

Jodan will read your teaser before the call and have a private call with you to give you notes on your outline and teaser (including dialogue and characterization). Jordan will give you final advice before you write your sitcom.

Week #7 Finishing Your Pilot (5/25)

Jordan will answer any questions the writers have. You will learn:

• Advice on punching up dialogue and tightening plot lines.
• Pitching advice on how to successfully pitch your sitcom.
• How to market your sitcom when completed.
• Tips on how to get an agent.
• Productivity steps.
• How to increase the value of your material.
• Finding networks, filming a short, etc.
• Case studies on how other careers got launched.