Stage 32 6-Part Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Multi-Cam Comedy Pilot Script In 6 Weeks
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Stage 32 Screenwriting Lab: Write Your Multi-Cam Comedy Pilot Script In 8 Weeks
"I am thrilled to be part of this vibrant stage 32 community! I have every confidence that my multi-cam interactive writing lab will prove more valuable to your life than food, water, and perhaps even air." - your Stage 32 educator, Eric Zimmerman Private lab - work one on one with a mentor to complete your script Limited spots - 5 out of 10 remain Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details It's 2024 and multi-cam sitcoms are everywhere, with shows like LOPEZ VS LOPEZ, THE CONNERS, NIGHT COURT, THE NEIGHBORHOOD and THAT 90'S SHOW all anchoring program schedules for their respective networks/streamers. And with streamers making advertising supported content more available, the continued development of traditional formats like multi-cam comedies is expected well into the future. This is your time to write your multi-cam comedy pilot script with expert guidance. In this exclusive Stage 32 8-part screenwriting lab, you will work one-on-one with a top multi-cam comedy writer to write your own pilot episode for your multi-cam series. You will not only write your pilot episode but you will learn the fundamentals of writing a multi-cam series and how to create a successful series that can go on for multiple seasons. Guiding you step-by-step through writing your very own multi-cam pilot is Eric Zimmerman, a top television comedy writer who has written on all 100 episodes of Freeform’s multi-cam hit BABY DADDY. Eric most recently served as a Co-Executive Producer on Disney’s multi-cam SYDNEY TO THE MAX. He has also sold several multi-cam projects to Disney and Netflix, as well as worked on multi-cam network pilots. But most importantly, Eric wasn’t always a multi-cam writer. He got his start writing on single camera and animated series, including the Emmy-nominated DAN VS. But once he started writing multi-cams, he quickly fell in love with the genre. Eric latest script just made the prestigious 2023 Black List which features the best unproduced screenplays of the year! Over 8 interactive sessions, you will work in a virtual classroom setting and work one-on-one with Eric. He will break down the creative process of developing your multi-cam comedy series, covering all the crucial topics that will get you from your original concept to delivering a draft of your own multi-cam pilot. Plus! you will have direct access to Eric on email to ask him for the duration of the lab any questions about your project, your craft or your career. By the end of screenwriting lab, you will have a completed draft of your multi-cam pilot script in hand that has been vetted by an industry professional and that will serve as an effective writing sample to help you find that rep, get staffed on a TV show or successfully sell your own comedy series! ***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 Eric on email to ask him any questions so you can keep up at your own pace and schedule.***
How To Develop Your 30-Minute Multi-Cam Television Series
Learn the fundamentals of how to create a successful multi-cam television series from a seasoned television writer who has worked on FX's IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, Freeform's BABY DADDY, Disney's SYDNEY TO THE MAX, and more! PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you on your multi-cam comedy writing journey, including the script for the pilot episodes of FRIENDS, NEW GIRL, CHEERS, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, BABY DADDY, and SYDNEY TO THE MAX! Multi-cam comedies are half-hour shows filmed in a studio in front of a live audience with multiple cameras directed toward standing sets, like a living room, that we get used to seeing in every episode. The multi-cam sitcom has been the mainstay of TV comedy since I LOVE LUCY first invented it in 1951. From CHEERS, SEINFELD, and FRIENDS to EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, BIG BANG THEORY, FULL HOUSE and FULLER HOUSE, so many of the mega-hit TV shows that we all know and love are multi-camera series. Even in 2023, multi-cam sitcoms are everywhere, with shows like LOPEZ VS LOPEZ, THE CONNERS, NIGHT COURT, THE NEIGHBORHOOD, and THAT 90'S SHOW garnering huge ratings and anchoring program schedules for their respective networks/streamers. There will always be a robust market for multi-cam comedy writers who can deliver laugh-out-loud scripts, which means writing your own multi-cam pilot will greatly increase your staffing and development opportunities. In fact, most kids and family sitcoms are multi-cams, which in many cases represent the easiest path to getting that ever elusive first writing job or sale. In a world where writing staffs and episode orders are shrinking and opportunities for writers to go to set and gain valuable producing experience are becoming less and less the norm, multi-cam television is one of the few genres where the traditional job of a TV writer/producer still exists. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, veteran TV writer Eric Zimmerman will teach you the essential elements that comprise a successful multi-cam television series - characters, tone, dialogue, and set ups, to name a few - so you can create your multi-cam series that sets you up for a successful career. Eric has been a working TV writer for 14 years, including writing on all 100 episodes of Freeform’s multi-cam hit BABY DADDY. Most recently, he served as a Co-Executive Producer on Disney’s multi-cam series SYDNEY TO THE MAX. He has also sold several multi-cam projects to Disney and Netflix, as well as worked on multi-cam network pilots. Eric wasn’t always a multi-cam writer. He got his start writing on single camera and animated series, including the Emmy-nominated DAN VS. But once he started writing multi-cams, he quickly fell in love with the genre. In this information-packed webinar, Eric will go in depth on the differences between writing a multi-cam versus single camera or animated sitcoms. He will give you the necessary tools to determine if your pilot idea works best as a multi-cam, single-cam, or perhaps the often hard to purely define “hybrid” series. Eric will also break down all the essentials of writing your own successful multi-cam pilot script, with an eye toward the goal of it serving as an effective writing sample or to be sold as a spec. PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to help you understand multi-cam character and structure so you can write your own. Downloads include the PILOT SCRIPTS for: FRIENDS NEW GIRL CHEERS IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA BABY DADDY SYDNEY TO THE MAX If you want to explore the key elements of writing a successful multi-cam series and learn the process of writing your very own multi-cam pilot, this webinar is a must! "I am thrilled to be part of this vibrant stage 32 community! I have every confidence that my Multi-cam 101 class will prove more valuable to your life than food, water, and perhaps even air." - Eric Zimmerman
The Keys to Writing True Stories, Biopics, and Adaptations
If there has been one genre that has stood the test of time throughout the history of the film industry, it's the biopic. True stories about interesting people and events are always in vogue. Studios, indie production companies and the streamers love them because they draw big audiences and awards recognition. Actors love them because it gives them something meaty to chew on and increases their odds for awards success. Many a writer has broken through by writing a screenplay based on true events. And right now, especially with the streamers upping their game, the genre has never been hotter. But to write a killer, non-rote biopic, you need to understand where to find your material, how to secure it, and then how to best tell your version of the story so that it attracts representatives, producers, financiers, and talent. True stories are always popular. Oppenheimer, Nyad, The Social Network, Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years a Slave, The Theory of Everything, Bohemian Rhapsody, American Sniper, The Two Popes, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, The King's Speech, Dolemite is My Name, The Irishman and Ford Vs. Ferrari were hit films, most were nominated or many won major awards. And those are just a handful of the biopics that have been distributed either theatrically or on streamers. And with the streamers going full force, the studios looking for the sure thing, and the independent community looking for smaller, unknown true stories, the desire for biopic and true story screenplays is only going to grow. Even short form biopics are booming with TV series and limited series based on real people and events all the rage. Tyler Ruggeri is a screenwriter, story consultant, and former literary manager with over a decade of experience on both sides of the entertainment industry. His biopic script The Making of Rock Hudson sold to veteran producers Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler of Maven Pictures. He also adapted the acclaimed non-fiction book Trapped Under the Sea, which led to a series of writing assignments on both original projects and rewrites. He is currently working on a feature for a major studio and developing a limited series. Tyler began his career as a manager at Exile Entertainment, where he represented screenwriters and directors in addition to developing the company’s film/TV slate – among his clients were Academy Award winner Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash). Other projects he developed with clients sold to A-list producers/financiers. With his vast experience, Tyler not only knows the world of writing biopics, but how to find and secure material as well. He will teach you resources to help you find the right material and how to find the right story for you to tell. He'll show you how to secure intellectual property. He will instruct you on the benefits of wiring an original screenplay vs. an adaptation. He will dig deep into the process of how to shape your story, including how to find your way into the story before you start writing so that your opening is an attention grabber. He will teach you how to do research and how you can do the extra legwork to go deeper into the world of your story. He will dive into 4 tips to join fact with fiction and 4 tips on dramatic license and when and how to use it. Tyler will show you how to creative the best character arcs possible including character motivation, behavior, stakes, and how the characters exist in time and place. He will help you uncover themes and make sure those themes are fleshed out to attract the widest audience possible. He will then discuss how to sell, how to cover yourself legally and much, much more. If you've ever had a passion to tell a story based on a real person or events, Tyler will take you through everything you need to know to secure the IP, protect yourself legally, develop the story, write the screenplay and put yourself in a position to get the material massive attention. PRAISE FOR TYLER'S TEACHINGS: "Legitimately one of the best classes I've ever taken. I've had a story based on a book I've been eyeing forever and didn't know how to go about it. Now I do. What an incredible blueprint to securing, writing, and selling biopics." - Amanda P. "Outstanding in every way." - Marco G. "I'm overcome with gratitude. The best." - Danny C. "I don't think I could be any more inspired." Patricia S.
Developing and Pitching Kids Programming
Have you ever wanted to see what it takes to sell a kids show successfully in today’s market? In this webinar, you’ll learn from an executive producer in kids programming what today’s audiences are looking for, how to deliver a great script, and how to pitch and sell your project successfully. Do you have a fantastic idea for the next great kids show? Do you want to inspire and shape the next generation? Or make their day a little brighter with relatable stories with heart? Some of the best comedy writing and storytelling on television comes from kids programming, but the space is rapidly changing as more platforms and networks arrive, each with their own unique needs. These networks need you and your stories to meet their programming demands. In this Stage 32 exclusive webinar, you’ll find out exactly how the pros create and sell their stories to the biggest networks and streaming platforms in town by creating projects with humor, heart, and knowing what kids are watching today. You’ll learn: Tips and current trends in kids television Obstacles and constraints How not to talk down to your audience The difference between Nickelodeon and Disney How to use point-of-view to your advantage Essential elements to seeing your pitch The differences in pitching for kids shows vs. adult shows The power of co-viewing And so much more You’ll be learning directly from executive producer and sitcom writer Kirill Baru. He has worked on and sold both live-action and animated comedy shows in both the adult and kids space, including Disney’s SYDNEY TO THE MAX and Cartoon Network’s MAD: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Kirill also sold the series EAGLETON ESTATES to Netflix Kids and, using this project as a case study, Kirill will walk you through creating his pitch that sold the show, providing you with the steps to sell your own. By the end of this webinar with Kirill, you’ll be confident about writing and packaging your kids television series as a market-ready project. PRAISE FOR KIRILL'S TEACHINGS: "Good information from a successful writer of children's comedies! " -Deborah J. "Loved Kirill and his openness and enthusiasm." Katy D.
Stage 32 8-Part Pitching Lab: Write Your TV Series Pitch Deck In 8 Weeks
Create your series pitch deck with expert guidance from a development professional who has set up shows at Netflix, Amazon/MGM and Disney+ There are only 10 spots to work one-on-one with Ewan in this rare opportunity that guarantees you focused attention. ***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 Ewan 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 What does every network and streamer ultimately want? Fresh, unique, authentic voices with never-been-told stories. While the door will be open to new writers, the competition is fierce. Of course, you need a very strong finished script, but before that will be read, you need to be able to communicate what makes your show stand out from the crowd, what will make people want to watch it, and why you are passionate about writing it. You need a blueprint of what the series will be beyond one episode. That's where a pitch deck comes in. Whether you are selling your show verbally, sending the pitch to a potential producer, or applying for a fellowship, a pitch deck carries the weight of your imagined world with all its inhabitants and stories. That's a tall order! So, where do you begin? In this exclusive Stage 32 interactive 8-part lab, you'll delve deep into writing an effective pitch deck for your scripted television idea - one that will clearly communicate your intentions, excite the reader, and convey your voice and your passion. Guiding you through your pitch deck creation is world-class development consultant Ewan Dunbar from Red Stag Entertainment. Ewan has developed scripts and pitch decks with writers and creators that have gone on to secure development deals and meetings at various broadcast partners, distributors, and streamers, including Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon. Over 8 interactive sessions, you will be working directly with Ewan in a virtual class setting and in one-on-one online sessions to put together a great TV pitch deck to help you communicate your show and get execs and buyers interested. You will work with Ewan to create your pitch deck that demonstrates to executives what about your show, its characters, and the world will stand out from the crowd and keep audiences entertained, as well as ways in which writing your deck will help to improve your pilot episode and project overall. Whether you have a comedy or drama series, 30 minutes or 60 minutes, Ewan is here to help. Ewan will walk you through communicating your show's world, creating your characters, and how best to convey your story within the bounds of a TV pitch deck. After two months of intense work on your pitch deck, you’ll have the vital pitch materials you need to take your project to the next level and the skills to market any new project you put your passion behind with a pitch deck. Throughout the course of this exclusive online lab, you will have direct access to Ewan as a mentor by email and via video conferencing as you develop your pitch deck. You will walk away from this lab with a completed pitch deck for your series that has been vetted by an industry expert. Stage 32 stands firmly with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA. This is a good time to focus on your craft and your work and prepare yourself for when the marketplace is looking for fresh ideas and voices and this lab is one way to do that. Praise For Ewan's Work and Teaching “ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Ewan delivered more in 20 minutes than other presenters do in an hour, and it NEVER felt rushed and he was always easily understandable. I cannot wait to get the handouts!” --Bob S. “Ewan’s presentation was excellent! I learned so much from him and now feel 100% confident in creating a pitch deck. He is truly an expert.” --Margaret M. "Very good, very knowledgeable and very organized. Great presentation and webinar. I walked away with lots of ideas about polishing my pitch decks to make sure they stand out." --James B. "I've taken many years of webinars, gone to many conferences, and taken many courses on feature script writing. I've won a Grand Prize in a major festival for a screenplay. And I'm old enough to be an honest critic. Ewan Dunbar's webinar was one of the best I have ever taken! Organized, filled with useful information, he sounded like he really cared about helping the audience be better at what they want to do, and wasn't making an obvious pitch for himself as a consultant --although I'd call on him anytime." --Roberta P.
How to Nail the First Act of Your Television Pilot - With Pilot Downloads (Killing Eve, Atlanta, This is Us, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, One Day at a Time, The Expanse)
You’ve heard that the opening pages of your pilot script are the most important – hook your audience early and they’ll be invested in your show, fall short and producers, managers and executives might not even finish reading your script. At many companies, your script will be handed off to a member of the development team whose job is to just read the first act, then decide whether to pass or flag your script for further consideration. Having a great first act isn’t just a good way to get your pilot noticed; it might be the only way. When you watch a pilot, though, whether on Netflix, HBO or ABC, it can feel like every show is so different, it’s hard to see a pathway to success. Or even if you master one aspect of your opening act, somehow it can still feel like you’ve not done enough. In a TV pilot, that crucial first act is the most challenging because there is so much you have to do really well, really quickly: you have to introduce your characters, set up your world, and launch your story. What’s more, the first act sets your pilot on solid footing – nail this section and the rest of the pilot seems to develop and flow easily. Get stuck on how to start, and you might never finish writing the pilot that could launch your career. You’ve probably watched outstanding pilots where 10-15 minutes in you’re already making plans to binge the season. What do all those pilots have in common? What techniques do experienced show creators use to give them that early edge? And what exactly do producers, managers development execs and other professionals expect to see in a first act? We have the answers to those questions and much more. Anna Henry is a Producer and Development Executive who has worked at CBS, ABC, Nickelodeon, and multiple production companies, as well as a manager at Andrea Simon Entertainment. Her clients have worked on shows such as THE DEUCE, POWER, IN CONTEMPT, TOMMY, VIDA, SEVEN SECONDS, HUNG, CHICAGO FIRE, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, THIS IS US, and THE FLASH, and have set up projects at AMC, Amazon, Starz, HBO, Sony, Fox, EOne, ITV America, OddLot Entertainment, Corus, and others. Anna has projects currently in development around the world and is incredibly familiar with what goes into a great television pilot. Anna will analyze pilots more deeply so you can see the tools successful writers use to set their show on the right path from the start. She’ll discuss the ingredients of a pilot in general, including the basic structure, identifying the type or genre of your show, meta-themes, and crafting characters to serve as the audience's entry point. Anna will then delve into the key elements of a first act, as well as a great teaser or cold open, including using framing devices, and a strong out. She will go over tips to writing memorable character descriptions, using physical descriptions, elements of identity, and putting thought into how you name each character. She'll next focus on introduction scenes and using them to generate interest in your characters, using dialogue to establish their voices, and introducing relationships. A vital aspect of a pilot's first act is creating character moments, and Anna will go over effective examples of many different types of these moments, including meeting heroes, meeting villains, meeting supporting characters, establishing the right amount of backstory, and the benefits of having your characters argue. She will then discuss how to create exposition and communicate your world effectively, crafting a mystery and building the rules of your universe, as well as how to avoid overused crutches. Anna will then offer her take on implementing and incorporating tone and themes into the script and how to sneak them in subtly through details and character moments. She will finally lay out how to best use your first act to bring the audience into your story and world, where exactly your story should start, and how to launch your 'A' story and introduce your 'B' and 'C' stories. Examples will be used from one-hour and half-hour shows on network, cable and streaming platforms, PLUS! you will receive pilots for each after the class: THIS IS US - NBC ONE DAY AT A TIME - Netflix / Pop MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL - Amazon ATLANTA - FX KILLING EVE - AMC THE EXPANSE - Syfy / Amazon Praise for Anna's Stage 32 webinar: "The webinar was fantastic. I am writing my first one hour drama pilot so this webinar was packed with the exact information that I will be immediately putting to use in my rewrite. The slides were clear, concise and informative. The speaker was excellent at conveying the information I needed." -Bobby C. "It was really great information. Anna was a terrific host, very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information and tips." -Marla H. "Comprehensive, insightful. Combined a lot of material I had heard snippets of on character, world dev, etc. but artfully stitched together in one presentation." -James F. "It was amazing, enlightening - completely. I learned soooo much - especially as a feature writer who's been asked to turn a feature script into a pilot!! Thank you soooooo much." -Kristin G.
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