Fix the Script: Rewrite Your Half Hour TV Pilot with SILICON VALLEY writer Meghan Pleticha

Payment plans available - contact Harrison at h.glaser@stage32.com for details
Taught by Meghan Pleticha

$799

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Class hosted by: Meghan Pleticha

TV Writer (HBO's SILICON VALLEY)

Meghan Pleticha is television writer with ten years of entertainment industry experience who has most recently worked as a staff writer on HBO’s Emmy nominated comedy series SILICON VALLEY. Her work has also appeared on Cartoon Network’s POWER PLAYERS, and in Escala, AeroMéxico’s official in-flight magazine. Previous to being staffed on television shows, she worked as a writer’s assistant and script coordinator for shows like FX’s MARRIED, ABC’s CHARITY CASE, and VH1’s HIT THE FLOOR. Full Bio »

Summary

**Only 5 Spots Left**

 

Get Guidance in Rewriting and Improving Your Half Hour Pilot Script with Experienced TV Writer Meghan Pleticha (SILICON VALLEY)

Support Your Fellow Writers As You All Work Together To Hone Your Scripts

 

Before you send your half-hour TV pilot to that representative or exec, is the story in the very best place it can be?

Rewrites are truly where a good script becomes exceptional. Yet too often, writers neglect to review their scripts because they don’t want to kill their darlings or reshape their scenes. If you’re truly serious about getting your own series and vision off the ground, though, it won’t happen until you invest in rewriting your work.

Meghan Pleticha is television writer with ten years of entertainment industry experience who has most recently worked as a staff writer on HBO’s Emmy nominated comedy series SILICON VALLEY. Her work has also appeared on Cartoon Network’s POWER PLAYERS, and in Escala, AeroMéxico’s official in-flight magazine. Previous to being staffed on television shows, she worked as a writer’s assistant and script coordinator for shows like FX’s MARRIED, ABC’s CHARITY CASE, and VH1’s HIT THE FLOOR.

Over 8 weeks, Meghan will help you rewrite your own half hour pilot script by walking you through the entire process and offering support and mentoring throughout. Using her own unique and tested rewrite process as well as a series of thought through and tested homework assignments and exercises, she will help you tackle your own project the right way and leave with a stronger pilot script than what you started with.

What You'll Learn

Session 1: Goals

  • Introductions
  • Why Are You Here?
  • Temperature Check: What's Working the Best?
  • Rewriting by Reading Other Pilots
  • What Are Your Characters Trying to Do?

There will be an assignment after this session

 

Session 2: Your A Story

  • Following the A Story
  • Tracking what the protagonist is doing
  • Using a cause and effect spreadsheet

There will be an assignment after this session

 

Session 3: B and C Stories

  • What is everyone else doing?
  • C Story Runners
  • Integrating the A, B and C stories

There will be an assignment after this session

 

Session 4: The Outline

  • We will discuss how best to outline and re-outline your pilot and why this is (and should be) the hardest part of the process

There will be an assignment after this session

 

Session 5: Writing Tools and Tricks

  • The Final Steps to Take Before Launching Into the Actual Rewrite
  • Character Voice Work
  • Formatting Tips
  • Things to try when you're stuck

There will be an assignment after this session

 

Session 6: Accountability

  • A revisiting of goals and why you're writing this script
  • Taking the first steps into actually rewriting

There will be an assignment after this session

 

Session 7: Pushing Through Challenges

  • We will discuss the most common and difficult challenges you will likely face during the rewrite and how you can refocus to push through

There will be an assignment after this session

 

Session 8: Talking Shop

  • We will discuss what to do when your script is fully rewritten--who to reach out to, how to shop around your script, and other industry advice

There will be an assignment after this session

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • By the end of this 8-session writing lab, you will be able to leave with a fully re-written and fine tuned half hour pilot script
  • Sessions will consist of 2-hour group classes through Zoom Meetings. You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.
  • Plus, to keep you connected, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the writing process.
  • To see the full writing lab schedule, see below under "What You Will Learn".

 

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 12 writers and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an experienced TV writer and an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please do book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

  • Payment plans are available - please contact Harrison at h.glaser@stage32.com for more information
  • This lab is limited to 12 people
  • This lab is designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced screenwriters looking to rewrite and improve their already existing 30 minute pilot script
  • Because this is a rewrite class, it's advised that you have at least a fully written first draft of a 30-minute pilot script

About Your Instructor

Meghan Pleticha is television writer with ten years of entertainment industry experience who has most recently worked as a staff writer on HBO’s Emmy nominated comedy series SILICON VALLEY. Her work has also appeared on Cartoon Network’s POWER PLAYERS, and in Escala, AeroMéxico’s official in-flight magazine. Previous to being staffed on television shows, she worked as a writer’s assistant and script coordinator for shows like FX’s MARRIED, ABC’s CHARITY CASE, and VH1’s HIT THE FLOOR.

Schedule

Session 1: Goals - Saturday July 24th, 10:30am-12:30pm PT

Session 2: Your A Story - Saturday July 31st, 10:30am-12:30pm PT

Session 3: B and C Stories- Saturday August 7th, 10:30am-12:30pm PT

Session 4: The Outline- Saturday August 14th, 10:30am-12:30pm PT

Session 5: Writing Tools and Tricks- Saturday August 21st, 10:30am-12:30pm PT

Session 6: Accountability- Saturday August 28th, 10:30am-12:30pm PT

Session 7: Pushing Through Challenges- Saturday September 4th, 10:30am-12:30pm PT

Session 8: Talking Shop - Saturday September 11th, 10:30am-12:30pm PT

FAQs

Q: What is the format of a lab?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Labs are typically 120-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.

Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer

Q: What if I cannot attend the live lab class?
A: If you attend a live online class, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class. If you cannot attend a live class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A. Plus, your instructor will be available via email throughout the lab.

Q: Will I have access to the lab afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of the lab, you will have on-demand access to the video recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like!

Questions?

If you have a generic question about Stage 32 education you can take a look at our frequently asked questions section on our help page, or feel free to contact support with any other inquiries you might have.

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