How To Write A Comedy Pilot Executives Will Want To Read
Start Learning
Satisfaction Rate:
Webinar hosted by: Michael Poisson
Development Executive & Writer on Netflix's Raising Dion
Michael grew up in Harrisville, Rhode Island during the 1990’s NBC sitcom boom and WB teen dramedy craze, which should explain his obsession with comedic angst. He attended Emerson College in Boston where he majored in Visual and Media Arts with a concentration in Television. There he wrote and executive produced the college’s only multi-camera sitcom, The Daily Grind, which was nominated for three EVVY Awards. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in December of 2007 and moved to Los Angeles where he was met with the Writer’s Guild Strike and a general sense of despair. Michael’s first industry job was at CAA where he broke the glass ceiling for men everywhere and became their first male receptionist ever (before then, CAA had segregated based on sex: guys in the mailroom and girls in reception). From there he worked his way up to assist an agent in TV Packaging, before jumping to Ryan Reynolds' and Allan Loeb’s TV pod, DarkFire TV, for two years. He currently works as the Director of Development at Krysten Ritter’s company, Silent Machine Entertainment, where he works closely with writers to develop their ideas to pitch to studios and networks. On the writing side, Michael co-wrote the comedic-musical stage show: ARMAGEDDON: A Night of Laughs and Pleasant Songs, which enjoyed a sold-out run in the LA Fringe Festival in 2011. He had a spec pilot, Alien Nation, in development at DarkFire TV, and currently has an animated show in development. Michael is also a comic book geek and wrote the graphic novel The Arcs which was published by Fanboy Comics and premiered at the Comikaze Expo in November of 2013. He is re-teaming up with artist Matt Jacobs on a second volume, which they hope to release within the year. Michael’s goal is to keep working in the entertainment industry without becoming jaded. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, your host Michael Poisson will teach you how to write a kick-ass comedy pilot that will get executives’ attention. This webinar is not only about how to properly execute writing a comedy pilot, but also about how to make it your strongest sample so that it can get noticed!
You will leave the webinar knowing:
- The 3 most important things Producers/Execs look for in a pilot as they relate to concept, structure and voice.
- How to properly highlight your unique comedic voice and stuff your script with laughs.
- How to create a crisp 1-2 sentence pitch that will get executives excited about your idea.
- How to navigate the competitions and fellowships.
- How to think from a Producer/Manager/Executives POV and understand what they're looking for so you can apply it to your script.
Michael Poisson is a former Director of Development who's worked for Ryan Reynolds TV production company DarkFire TV, Krysten Ritter's company Silent Machine and CAA and is now a writer on Netflix's Raising Dion. This background gives has given Michael a unique perspective for what kind of script stands out among the hordes on everyone’s “Weekend Read” lists and he is here exclusively with Stage 32 to share that knowledge with you.
What You'll Learn
- Inspiration – Where to pull ideas from.
- Source Material – books and articles.
- Life experiences.
- Twist on old standards.
- Genre Mashups.
- Writing – The 3 most important things Producers/Execs look for in a pilot.
- Concept – how to build an idea that is big, unique, and memorable.
- Structure – the importance of beats and Act Breaks.
- Voice – how to harness your comedic voice within the script.
- Characters – Populating your world with diverse and hilarious characters.
- How to make their voices stand out.
- Giving them active and opposing goals.
- Keeping them busy during scenes.
- Jokes.
- How to stuff your script with laughs.
- The importance of range in the types of jokes.
- Having a unity of tone within your jokes.
- Pitching.
- Working on getting notices doesn’t stop when the script is done.
- Creating a compelling logline (1 sentence pitch) that will make people want to read your script!
- Knowing where your series fits on TV.
- Getting people to read your script.
- Navigating the competitions and fellowships.
- Thinking from the Producer/Manager/Executive’s POV.
- Learning what kind of projects people are looking to buy and represent.
- Understanding why producers buy and don’t buy scripts.
- Understanding why managers/agents decide to represent a writer.
About Your Instructor
Michael Poisson
FAQs
Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars 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 webinar.
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 webinar. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer
Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the webinar. If you cannot attend a live webinar and purchase an On-Demand webinar, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.
Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to rewatch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of a live or On-Demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the audio recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like for a whole year!
Testimonials
He was amazing -- professional, articulate and knew his subject inside-and-out! – Jan S.
It was very obvious Michael knows [his stuff]. He was very organized and I feel like he answered many questions that I've had for years. Thank you so much. – Betty S.
Michael was sensational; one of the few who can actually DO a webinar and keep an interest. Nice voice inflection and tone; no distracting "um's" and such. Great material; learned a ton! - Geno S.
Very informative and in great detail and explanation, Michael. Time very well spent. – Jean B.
Excellent seminar with relevant information. Great job. – Matthew M.
I really found the examples [he] references on current programs and series very useful. The information was concise and allowed me to visualize my next steps. – Ashanti G.
He was excellent! – Tina F.
Good information, well thought out, organized and easy to follow. Many useful takeaways. Thanks Michael!! – Lesa B.
Relevant Tags
Share with friends:
Questions?
Reviews Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5
-
Fiona Faith Ross The instruction was clearly given and it both confirmed things I have been taught and also filled in one or two gaps. Overall, useful, thank you. -
Shaun Delliskave I would like to access my notes from the instructor but cannot.
Other education that may be of interest to you:
Mentor Series: Write A TV Bible That Sells
Class Space Limited: Maximum 20 Writers August 13, 20, 27 and Sept 10 from 1pm-3pm. Your TV Series Bible is an extremely important, and often overlooked tool for selling your pilot in the industry. It’s a document which explains in detail – who your characters are, what they will be up against, where future conflict will come, and what themes your show will be exploring. It gives studio and network executives confidence that you know what you’re doing, and that the show has the story potential to live on for multiple seasons. The problem is that there isn’t a lot of literature out there detailing how to construct a bible. This Stage 32 Intensive is aimed to give you the information and guidance that you need to write a strong bible that can be used when sending out and selling your pilot script. Each week, your instructor Michael Poisson (Director of Development at Silent Machine Entertainment, Krysten Ritter’s production company that has a first look deal at Universal TV) will be giving a lecture about how to write one section of your series bible, and then you’ll be assigned to write that section for a project of your own. The following week Mike will offer one-on-one skype sessions to discuss your work, give you any notes, and answer any questions that you may have. So, at the end of this Intensive, you will have a strong and well-executed bible that you’ll be able to use as a selling tool for your own TV series. Mike has worked at CAA, two production companies, and as a showrunner’s assistant on a TV series, and at each job he has seen the importance of bibles and how they have been used to get series sold and on the air. As a writer, Mike has also used them in his own writing career, and a well-written bible of helped him to secure his manager, and get multiple production companies interested in his work.
Beyond The Page: The Business Side of Breaking In & Getting Work as a Screenwriter
Learn directly from Michael Poisson, the former Director of Development at Silent Machine Entertainment, Krysten Ritter’s production company that has a first look deal at Universal TV. Michael is also a comedy writer who used his insider knowledge to land a manager, and get two projects in development at TV production companies. In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, your host Michael Poisson will guide you through the business side of how to become a working writer in Hollywood. Writing an awesome script is only part of the process for becoming successful in this industry. Having worked on various projects from both the executive side, as well as the writer side of things, Michael has obtained great insight for how to avoid the difficult terrain when meeting and working with producers, studios, and networks. And while the process of finding a manager or agent is daunting, keeping a strong relationship with them so that they’re doing the most for you as their client can be equally difficult. Michael will share with you his insider knowledge to help: keep your writing on track, your meetings fruitful, and your industry contacts strong. If you’ve ever wondered what you should talk about in “general meetings”, how to take notes from friends/producers/execs that you don’t agree with, or how to be a more prolific writer, this webinar is for you!
How to Write a TV Series Bible
In the current, competitive TV landscape of serialized dramas, complex comedies, and sprawling genre epics, series bibles are becoming important selling tools to help writers illustrate their visions. A dynamic and intriguing bible can create interest in your project, and push your pitch or spec script over the edge to a sale. It’s your chance to lay out the larger arc of your story, list examples of future episodes, and explain the broad themes your show will explore. It conveys confidence to producers and executives by saying: “I've thought about this in the long run, and I have a slew of awesome ideas to explore in series.” Because there is no standard industry way to format your bible, they can be extremely confusing to create. Executives receive bibles as small as 4 pages (a mini-bible, really) and as long as 27 pages. Should it include your personal connection to the material? In-depth character bios? Visual motifs? Artist’s renderings of the setting and characters? Although bibles can vary greatly from project to project, there are some general rules and strategies to follow to make sure yours stands out from the pack as professional, polished, and powerful. Michael Poisson's career is one that has been filled with incredible ambitious drive and creative passion. He is a veteran television executive and is currently a writer on the hit Netflix series Raising Dion, as well as Adult Swim's Robot Chicken. But Michael’s story begins with his first industry job at CAA where he broke the glass ceiling for men everywhere and became their first ever male receptionist (before then, CAA had segregated based on sex: guys in the mailroom and girls in reception). From there he worked his way up to Rick Lefitz’s desk at CAA in TV Packaging, before jumping to Ryan Reynolds and Allan Loeb’s TV pod, DarkFire TV, for two years. He moved on to work as the Director of Development at Krysten Ritter’s company, Silent Machine Entertainment, where he worked closely with writers to develop their ideas to pitch to studios and networks. Michael has also had numerous successes as a screenwriter. In what has become an ultra-competitive environment, Michael will teach you the ins and outs of creating a compelling and willing TV bible. Starting with the proper formatting, how to introduce dynamic characters, and moving through how to include active and engaging episode examples, Michael will show you what grabs and keeps an executive's attention. Michael will also discuss artwork, articles and visual aids and whether your bible truly needs them or if they should be left out entirely. He will show you how to create and present carefully crafted, season long arcs that include strong and relatable themes. Always a challenge for writers, producers, and filmmakers putting together a series bible, Michael will teach you how to be clear and concise in explaining your direction for the series. He will spend quality time explaining and teaching the importance of a strong wrap up and closing beat and how to nail both. Michael will even teach you how to identify and decide which network or platform may be best for your show. "Answered so many of my questions about bible writing. Took away my fears as well! I can't wait to get started." - Mia L. "Demystification complete." Lorraine R. "Michael has energy and knowledge to spare. Best investment I've made in years." - Regina K. "There is so much mixed information on bible writing out there. It's confusing and, honestly, maddening. I appreciated Michael slowly, concisely, and thoroughly explaining what works, what doesn't and how to bring a winning series bible to life. Bravo." Angelo D.
Stage 32 Comedy Lab: Learn Comedy Sketch Writing and Write Your Own Sketch with an Emmy Award-Winning Comedy Writer
**Only 2 Spots Left - Sign up to work one-on-one with an award winning comedy writer before this lab fills up** There’s a reason comedy sketches are one of the cornerstones of a successful comedy writer’s arsenal. They’re not easy to nail. In just a few minutes you need to find a great concept, clear characters, solid structure, and an effective ending, all while delivering consistent jokes and inserting your own unique comedic voice. Yet mastering sketch writing can be a major boon for your career as a comedy writer and can get you noticed and opportunities in writers’ rooms, talk shows, even SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. Sketch writing isn’t just about being funny, though. It’s a specific art form that takes practice and an understanding of fundamentals to do correctly. Let an Emmy-award winning comedy writer give you the tools you need. Rob Kutner is an Emmy, Peabody, and Grammy Award-winning late night television staff writer who has worked on shows like CONAN and THE DAILY SHOW. Starting out as a writers’ assistant on DENNIS MILLER LIVE, Rob is also the author of the satirical end-of-times bestseller Apocalypse How: Turn the End Times into the Best of Times! and has written material for the Oscars, Emmys, Writers’ Guild Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Guys’ Choice Awards, and two White House Correspondents’ Dinners. Through the countless sketches he has written for nationally broadcast comedy shows throughout his career, Rob has become incredibly familiar with quality sketch writing and how to make them work, and he’s ready to work with you directly to show you how it’s done. Over three sessions, Rob will teach you the fundamentals of comedy sketch writing and work with you in writing and improving your own sketch, all from the comfort of your own home. In the first session, Rob will walk you through the anatomy of a great comedy sketch and the different forms they take. He’ll also provide strategies you can take with you before tasking you to write your own sketch. In the second session you will perform your new sketch for Rob and your classmates, and Rob will offer feedback and pointers to improve. You will also have the opportunity to hear your fellow classmates’ sketches and provide your feedback as well. In the final session, you will perform your improved and rewritten sketch and gain final valuable feedback from Rob. Through this one week intensive, you will gain the knowledge and experience you need to greatly improve your sketch comedy writing and improve your own writers’ packet or portfolio for your comedy career. PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 10 students and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with a seasoned and award-winning writer and 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. Payment plans are available - please contact Amanda at edu@stage32.com for more information WHAT TO EXPECT This lab is designed for aspiring comedy writers of all levels interested improving their sketch writing skills. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed lab with one-on-one time with the instructor and significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar. ***Only 10 Spots Available - 2 Spots Remain*** This class will consist of three sessions, each 90-120 minutes in length, taking place over the course of one week. In addition to the lessons where Rob teaches the class, you will have the opportunity to ask him questions during each session as well as multiple chances to speak with him directly about your specific project. 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 TV project development process. To see the full class schedule, see below under "What You Will Learn".
How To Become a Working TV Writer
Do you see yourself writing for a television show? 543 shows were broadcast last year and thousands were picked up for development. Now, more than ever, is the golden age of television and it’s your opportunity to be able to be staffed on a television show as a writer. But, how do you get there? We’re not going to lie, it’s difficult, but it’s not impossible if you understand the path it takes. In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar you’ll learn how to make it happen by learning what type of education you need, how to stack the deck in your favor, how to get your scripts in order and how to seize your opportunity. By learning from Charlie Charbonneau, who’s worked in three television writers' rooms, you’ll be armed with what you need to know in order to break into your first writers' room. No matter your background or level of experience, you will come away with a deeper understanding of the obstacles and the many surprising solutions to getting and keeping a spot at that table in the television writers’ room. "I'm grateful for how generous he was with his knowledge and time. He was awesome." - Joanne L. "This was by far one of the better webinars I've attended on Stage 32. The information was relevant (which was of upmost importance) and Charlie was an enjoyable presenter." - Matthew M. "Charlie was outstanding. He was organized, helpful and extremely insightful." - Kimberly E.
The Development Process: What Happens if They Want Your Script?
Learn directly from Joe Russo, an Independent Producer who has worked on projects with FOX, SyFy, A/E, Lionsgate Films and Universal Studios! You’ve spent days, weeks, months, maybe even years, toiling away on your screenplay. You’ve read all the books. You’ve taken the seminars. You’ve work shopped your script to death. You’ve crafted a sharp pitch and logline for your script – and now someone in the industry wants to READ your work! You celebrate this long awaited victory, but what happens next? What if they don’t just like the script you’ve poured your heart and soul into, what if they WANT it. In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, Joe Russo will shine a light and give an executive’s opinion and advice on a Hollywood process you’ve all heard of, but probably don’t know nearly enough about – Development. Joe has been recognized for his “firm grasp of the craft, solid storytelling, and compelling characters”, as well as developing many acclaimed projects. The path to taking your written words and turning them into a major motion picture is a tricky, windy road. You all know the coined phrase “Development Hell”, and too many projects fall into this pit simply because the process isn’t clearly understood at the outset. So join Stage 32 as we explore the complicated and fascinating world of Development, and all of the small victories and bumps along the road that you can experience on your way to the green lighting of your screenplay into a movie.
Register / Log In
