Stage 32 2-Part Class: How You Can Give & Receive Notes For Maximum Effect

Learn the fundamentals of how to best provide and receive script notes and feedback on any project from Shannan E. Johnson, former development and current production executive at Syfy Channel and CEO of the Professional Pen!

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you as a rep, executive or buyers give the most constructive notes and on how to make the most out of any notes you receive on your projects as the writer!

***Flexible Learning: if you cannot attend any of the sessions live don't worry - you will be sent the links to the recordings of each session within 48 hours of the live session and you will have direct access to Shannan on email to ask him any questions so you can keep up at your own pace and schedule.***

Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details

We all have a story to tell. And we all want to see our ideas on the big screen in theaters across the world or on television screens in millions of homes. 

However, getting your story from script to screen can be a daunting process. Working on the craft of screenwriting and generating screenplays each year takes an extreme level of discipline, professionalism, and collaboration. One of the most important parts of the screenwriting process is development. Executives, reps and buyers need to know how to best give notes to writers. And receiving notes on your scripts from reps, executives or buyers as a writer and effectively and professionally addressing those notes is a huge part of every writers' job. It’s a skillset that all professional screenwriters need in order to be successful in this business.

In this exclusive Stage 32 2-part class, you will learn to navigate the delicate dance of the development process between reps, executives and buyers and the writers they work with by learning the best practices of giving, receiving, and addressing script notes.

Over two intensive and interactive sessions, you will take a look at both sides of the table - the rep, executive & buyer side and the screenwriter’s side - and you will be provided tools to nurture the relationship between the two sides of the equation to produce a safe and creative development process that gets scripts advanced, approved and shows or movies into pre-production. Whether you’re a writer looking to sell your work or a development exec or producer looking to work with talented writers, it is essential you know how to engage in the notes process to make meaningful progress on your projects. It's also important to know how the other side of this equation thinks and feels about script notes. 

Teaching you everything you need to know to effectively give and receive notes is Shannan E. Johnson, former development and current production executive at the Syfy Channel. Shannan is now the CEO of the Professional Pen, a script consultancy developing screenwriters from idea to pitch and consulting scripted teams in streamlining their development process. Shannan has extensive experience working with notes and managing series like HAVEN, BEING HUMAN, and WAREHOUSE 13. Shannan has consulted with Hallmark Media and A Few Good Women Productions, developing emerging to established writers now writing and show running at allback, Hulu, and Nickelodeon. As a writer, Shannan has staffed on Craig Ross, Jr's Monogamy and A La Carte, placed finalist in the Warner Bros. TV Workshop, AT&T Hello Lab, WeScreenplay, and Film Pipeline screenplay competitions, and wrote the proof of concept for ALL SCREWED UP now being developed at Sony. Shannan has a unique position in the industry to speak fluently in buyer and writer jargon, bridging the gap and creating a space to make more impactful content for audiences around the world, and is excited to share her knowledge with the Stage 32 community!

You will walk away from this information-packed 2-part class with the skillset to give, receive, and utilize notes on your projects so you can get your film or series in the best position to get made! 

PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you give and receive notes. Downloads include:

• Story Structure - The Fast Track Infographic
• How TF do I give constructive notes? Infographic
• Why TF is my script not working? Infographic
• How TF do I tackle my rewrite? Infographic

This is a rare opportunity to learn from an industry expert who deeply understands both sides of the script notes aisle and cares about protecting the story. If you’re looking to step up your screenwriting career and development process, you don’t want to miss this workshop!

SESSION 1: How To Give Notes

• Tips on collaborating with writers to increase productivity in the development process.
• The 5 Stages from idea to distribution
• The purpose of the development process
• The role of the note giver (execs, producers, directors, etc.)
• Steps to create an efficient and effective development process
• Steps to disconnect from the ego and give constructive notes
• Q&A with Shannan

SESSION 2: How To Receive and Address Notes

• Tips on collaborating with buyers to have a focused revisions process that increases the productivity of the development process
• The 5 Stages from idea to distribution
• The purpose of the development process
• The writer's role in the process
• Steps to disconnect from the ego and actively receive notes
• The difference between a revision and a rewrite
• The questions you should ask yourself when ready to tackle the next draft
• How to decipher which notes serve the story best
• How to track the changes in your script without over-revising
• Q&A with Shannan

WHAT TO EXPECT:

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

• This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the fundamentals of giving and receiving script notes.
• This class will consist of two sessions, each roughly two hours in duration and spaced one week apart from one another. In addition to the presentation-style lessons, you will have the opportunity to ask questions during each session.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the process.
• **Shannan will be available on email during the 2 sessions to answer any questions you have about the class.**

Payment plans are available - please contact edu@stage32.com for more information.

Sunday December 10th  11am-1pm PT

Sunday December 17th 11am-1pm PT

Q: What is the format of a lab?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-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!