Learn from a veteran showrunner who has worked with Disney, The CW, ABC, and more!

Receive exclusive handouts including series pitch documents, screenplays and outlines! 

PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

Becoming a television writer is one of the most exciting and rewarding paths you can take as a storyteller. The idea of seeing your words brought to life on screen, connecting with audiences, and contributing to the cultural landscape is a dream shared by millions. As a TV writer, you get to create characters and worlds that people fall in love with, and there's no feeling quite like watching your ideas turn into something real. It’s a career where your creativity truly takes center stage.

But let’s be real—breaking into television writing isn’t easy. Many people think it’s just about having a great idea, but the reality is far more complex. There are challenges, like mastering the craft, navigating the writer’s room, and building a career that sustains you creatively and financially. How do you keep the ideas flowing over the years? How do you handle feedback and turn it into something productive? This class is here to demystify those struggles and show you that success as a TV writer is achievable with the right tools and mindset.

Todd Slavkin knows exactly what it takes to thrive in this business. With over 35 years of experience as a showrunner, writer, and director, Todd has worked on some of TV’s biggest hits like Smallville, Shadowhunters, and The Mysterious Benedict Society (for which he earned Emmy nominations). He’s written for major networks like ABC, NBC, FOX, and The CW, and has developed pilots that have turned into beloved series. His breadth of experience across multiple genres and his deep industry knowledge make him the perfect guide for helping you navigate the world of television writing.

In this 4-part Stage 32 class, complete with assignments, you’ll dive into the craft of writing a TV pilot, working in a writer's room, and managing a long-term career. You’ll learn the ins and outs of creating compelling characters, shaping a story that sells, and understanding how the business works from the inside out. By the end, you’ll have not only the technical skills but also the confidence to take control of your writing career and start building a path to success.

PLUS! Todd will provide you with exclusive handouts:

• Pitch document for SOAR Pilot
• Series Document for MELROSE PLACE Pilot
• Outline and Teleplay for ADJUSTMENT BUREAU Pilot 
• Outline and Teleplay for an episode of SHADOWHUNTERS
• Story Area, Outline and Teleplay for an episode of THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY

Praise For Todd's Teaching

"Todd's experience and expertise shine through. If you've ever wanted to be a showrunner on a TV series then learn all you can from him." -- Rahime B.

"I never realized how much fell on the showrunner before working with Todd. He's a fantastic educator!" -- Meg L.

"You brought to the zoom screen the qualities I’m sure you excel at as a showrunner – humour, vulnerability, candidness, insight, patience, wisdom, respect, humility, confidence, inclusion. Each of these words have been selected specifically!" -- Jan R.

"I just wanted to send a quick note to say THANK YOU for the wonderful showrunner class! The amount of information given in the 4 classes was incredible and you can tell by the stellar guest speakers that Todd you are truly admired for not only your work, but also for being a kind, thoughtful human :)" -- Sage P

"Todd is an absolute angel! This was the most wonderful class I’ve ever taken! If we ever does another class, I’d love to join." -- Lauren M.

"I loved Todd's class. Todd is so enthusiastic and informative, he has a true love of teaching. I would take future classes with him, no question. I really came away with an understanding of how showrunning works and the responsibilities and career paths." -- Allyson M.

WEEK ONE - GENESIS OF BEING A SCREENWRITER

• Introduction - The Life of a Writer
  • History of Todd
  • State of Mind
  • The Daily Grind
  • Read and Watch

• Coming Up with the Idea aka The Golden Goose
  • Stimulating Creativity
  • The Spec
  • Art versus Commerce
  • The Story That Won’t Go Away

• What Medium Fits Your Story?
  • The Pilot
  • The Screenplay
  • The Novel
  • The Graphic Novel

• Writers Write
  • Power Through
  • Don’t Be Too Precious
  • Always Save
  • It’s Okay to Change Your Mind
  • The Right Job
  • Writer Groups

• Receiving Notes
  • Listen Don’t Talk
  • Keep An Open Mind
  • Maintain Your North Star

• • Representation
    • Agents
    • Managers
    • Lawyers
  • Q&A with Todd

Assignment: Read Pitch document for SOAR Fox Pilot & Series Document for MELROSE PLACE Pilot.

WEEK TWO - THE LIFE OF YOUR PILOT 

• The Pilot Business
  • It’s A Sample
  • Ratio of Sold to Screen
  • Broadcast or Streamer
  • I.P.
  • Straight to Series

• The Idea
  • Passion
  • Accessibility
  • Is it a Television Series?
  • Character Character and more Character

• The Characters
  • Relatability
  • Specificity
  • Arcs
  • Actor Comps

• The Series
  • Tone
  • Comps of Other Shows
  • Season One Arc
  • Beyond Season One

• The Pilot Story
  • The Origin Story
  • The Teaser
  • The Push-Off

• The Script
  • Language equals Tone
  • Distinct Voices
  • Scenes With Turns
  • Economy of Words

• The Pitch
  • A Performance
  • Passion
  • When to Shut Up

• Bringing It To Market
  • When To Present To Your Reps
  • Pitch or Spec?
  • Lookbook
  • Packaging

• Congratulations, You Sold It!
  • The Deal
  • The Story Area
  • The Outline
  • The Script
  • The Wait

• Producing Your Pilot
  • • Working With a Showrunner
    • Collaborating with Director
    • Being On Set
• Q&A with Todd

Assignment: Read the Outline and Teleplay for ADJUSTMENT BUREAU Pilot, Outline and Teleplay for SOAR Fox
Pilot, Teleplay for MELROSE PLACE Pilot

WEEK THREE - THE WRITERS' ROOM : WRITING ON A STAFF

• From a conversation to a script - Where is it? 
• When does it occur?
• How many writers?
• What’s the process?
• Why is it necessary?

• The Sample
• Support Staff
• The P.A.
• Showrunner’s Assistant
• Writer’s Assistant
• Script Coordinator
• Representation

• • Research
  • Positive Commentary
  • No Criticism
  • A Few General Ideas
  • Passion and Desire
  • The Writer’s Room
  • How do you get a seat at the table?
  • The Interview
  • The Room Where It Happens
    • Getting Acclimated
      • Personalities
      • Pacing
      • Kindness
      • Fitting In
    • The First Week
      • Anything Goes (Lionel Has Wings)
      • Creating the Season
      • Three Acts
      • Character Arcs
      • The Calendar and Writing Order
    • Breaking an Episode
      • The Board
      • The Story Area
      • The Outline
      • The Script
    • Taking Advantage of Downtime
      • Upper Level Mentors
      • Bonding with Support Staff
    • Producing Your Episode
      • Prep meetings
      • On Set
      • Giving Notes to Director
      • Giving Notes on Cuts
    • Watch and Enjoy
      • Live Tweeting
      • Gratitude
      • Thank You Next
  • Q&A with Todd

Assignment: Read the Outline and Teleplay for an episode of SHADOWHUNTERS & Story Area, Outline and
Teleplay for an episode of THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY

WEEK 4 - NAVIGATING YOUR TV WRITING CAREER

• • Diversify to Stay Fresh
    • Experiment
    • Different Genres
    • Different Mediums
    • Creating Your Own I.P.
  • Screenwriting
    • A certain kind of story 
    • Writers as Architects
    • Art versus Commerce
  • Working With Your Reps
    • They work for you 
    • Kindness and Patience
    • Firm When You Have To Be
    • Making A Change
  • Keys to A Long Career
    • Low cost of living
    • Create constantly
    • Read and watch
    • Have fun
  • Q&A with Todd

PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to create and advance their career as a television writer.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to understand the business of television shows and writing for television.

All levels of television showrunners (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the craft and business showrunning a television show.

Producers who want to better understand the craft and career of television writers and showrunners.

Actors who want to take control of their careers by learning the fundamentals of writing for television and showrunning a television series.