Stage 32 8-Part Screenwriting Lab: Write A Holiday TV Movie You Can Sell

NEW Private, Interactive Screenwriting Lab on Zoom!

1 Spot Remains!

Work one on one with a top holiday movie screenwriter behind Hallmark, Lifetime, and Netflix hits! 

Get a step-by-step template to help you craft your own holiday movie idea

Payment plans are available at checkout or by emailing edu@stage32.com

Holiday movies are a cornerstone of modern entertainment—warm, funny, and filled with heart. They’re the kind of stories that bring families together year after year, blending humor, romance, and a touch of magic to create something unforgettable. Whether you dream of writing for Hallmark, Lifetime, or Netflix, the holiday genre offers incredible opportunities to showcase your voice and connect with audiences around the world. But what makes these stories so timeless—and how can you write one that stands out? That’s exactly what this lab is designed to help you discover.

If you’ve ever struggled to turn your cozy holiday idea into a full, engaging screenplay, you’re not alone. Many writers hit the same roadblocks—unclear structure, flat characters, or stories that rely too heavily on clichés. Writing a holiday film that feels fresh and authentic means mastering the essentials: strong character wants, sharp comedic timing, emotional payoffs, and those unforgettable moments that keep viewers smiling long after the credits roll. In this hands-on eight-week lab, you’ll learn to build a story that balances heart and humor while keeping your audience invested from the first snowflake to the final kiss.

Guiding you through the process is Carley Smale, an acclaimed screenwriter and producer whose original holiday films—including Snowed Inn Christmas (Lifetime), Christmas Pen Pals (Lifetime), and Midnight at the Magnolia (Netflix)—have become holiday favorites around the world. With her background in film and media production and years of experience writing for major networks and streamers, Carley brings both creative and industry insight to the table. Known for her heartfelt storytelling and sharp understanding of structure, she’ll show you exactly how to craft a story that feels both commercially viable and emotionally true.

Over the course of eight sessions, you’ll break down successful holiday films, develop your own logline and outline, and write your screenplay act by act with personalized feedback from Carley. You’ll learn how to craft compelling characters, heighten romantic tension, and deliver satisfying resolutions—all while avoiding the pitfalls of predictability. By the end of this lab, you’ll walk away with a polished first draft of your very own holiday movie—and the confidence and tools to get it ready for audiences, executives, and the big screen.

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!

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