On Demand Webinar - For immediate download. Unlimited access for 1 year.
On Demand Webinar - For immediate download. Unlimited access for 1 year.
Spencer Robinson is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment who's been in the industry for over twenty years. His clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, TBS and more. Spencer’s clients have also recurred on series for Freeform, TNT, AMC, Showtime and many more. He currently has clients writing on shows for Netflix and HBO Max, and another client whose first series premiered last year on Amazon. His clients have projects in development with several production companies on both the television and film side. Spencer also represents executive producers with TV projects currently set up at FX and Showtime. Full Bio »
Hosted by a Literary & Talent Manager with over 20 Years’ Experience
PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts & tips on crafting your A & B Stories!
In this essential Stage 32 webinar, you will examine the important parts of the script that exist between the dialogue: the descriptions.
Comprising everything from location headings, character briefs, action lines, transitions, and act breaks, your descriptions should be formatted properly and written succinctly and with your personal flair that convey your message in a tone that is consistent with your story.
How much detail should you include when describing your characters? Is a transition needed between every scene? How much direction and camera work should you include in your writing?
All these questions and more will be answered by your host, Spencer Robinson. Spencer is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment whose clients have worked with top directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and with major networks and streamers such as Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS.
Spencer will discuss how to properly use descriptions to really make your script come alive. He will cover details that will help make your pieces stand out to agents, managers, and producers. This webinar will leave you with a new understanding of how to use several important tools of storytelling, and ultimately make your script a more smooth and exciting read.
Many screenwriters only focus on dialogue when they think of writing their screenplay. While dialogue is certainly a critical component of your script, it’s not the only part of your work that you need to deliver at the highest level. Be great at description writing and level up your screenwriting.
Praise For Spencer's Webinar
"Spencer Robinson's "Writing Descriptions" webinar filled in a whole lot of blanks for me and shone a light on most of the newbie mistakes I have been making when writing/formatting my screenplays. A valuable lesson! Thank you Spencer, and Stage 32." -Margaret A.
"This webinar was very informative! Spencer Robinson presented the material clearly. He was also very generous with his knowledge about the business." -Carmen R.
Format
Characters
Location
Action Lines
Transitions
Act Breaks
Bonus Writing Tips
Q&A with Spencer
Spencer Robinson
Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
A: If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Go to Webinar, you will receive an email from Go to Webinar with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. You can also access your webinar link in your purchase history located under settings in the top right-hand corner of your Stage 32 profile.
If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.
Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.
YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN
If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:
Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.
Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
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 10.9 (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 cannot attend a live webinar or 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 re-watch?
A: Yes! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.
Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.
Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.
Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.
If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.
PRE-CLASS PREP - Read your syllabus and plan out your writing ideas. Begin to think about 1-2 ideas that might be a good idea for your drama pilot. Start to prepare for your pilot pitch. WEEK #1 – Introduction, Pitch Docs, Character This week we will cover the syllabus, your instructor's background and experience, your goals for this eight-week lab and launch into a discussion on creating strong characters for your pilot. We will discuss the types of drama pilots and how they differ from network to network. We will go over how to create effective loglines and pitch documents. Then we will delve into character – what makes for strong characters and weak ones. The assignment for this week will be to create a pitch document and write a detailed description (around half a page) on each of your series regular characters. WEEK #2 – Pilot Outline and Series Bible This week we will break down pilot structure, plot and subplots. Pilot structure varies depending on the type of drama pilot (procedural or serial) and the network (broadcast, cable, streaming, digital, etc.) We will identify what kind of network to target for your story idea and structure the pilot accordingly. We will also discuss the function of your series bible and what it needs to include to support your pilot. The assignment for the week is to complete a pilot outline and start work on your bible. WEEK #3 – Pilot Outline (One on One Consultations – No Online Class) This week will consist of one-on-one consultations regarding pilot structure. Each writer will send in their pilot outline in advance and will have a 10-minute call to discuss what works and what doesn’t. The assignment for the week is to address any notes given on the outline before proceeding with next week’s class and to continue working on your series bible. WEEK #4– Scenes, Beats, Dialogue, This week we will address the qualities of effective (and ineffective) scenes, story beats, and dialogue. The assignment for the week will be to write three complete scenes from your outline: the teaser/opening scene, a scene with heavy dialogue, and a strong character scene. WEEK #5– Acts 1 and 2 We will discuss both the four-act and five-act structure. You will decide which works best for the pilot that you are developing. This week we will go over all the necessary story beats that exist in acts 1 and 2 of a drama pilot, including exposition, number of scenes per act, traditional page count, inciting incidents, acts 1 and 2 breaks, etc. The assignment this week will be to complete Acts 1 and 2 of your pilot. WEEK #6– Acts 3, 4 and 5 Similarly to last week, we will cover the necessary story beats that traditionally exist in acts 3 and 4 of a drama pilot. If your pilot structure has five or more, as some broadcast network shows do, there will be time allotted for further instruction on how to proceed. The assignment this week is to complete the first draft of the entire pilot and to turn in your series bible. WEEK #7–Consultation for Revision (No Online Class) This week will consist of one-on-one consultations. Please turn in your pilot at least 24 hours before your scheduled call, and each writer will have a 10-minute call to go over notes. Your assignment this week is to address any notes. WEEK #8– One-on-one Feedback and Polish (No Online Class) This week will consist of 10-minute one-on-one phone calls as well. Please submit your revised pilot at least 24 hours before your scheduled call. Final notes and next steps for your pilot will be given. Payment plans are available - please contact edu@stage32.com for more information.
Learn From A Top Literary Manager And Receive Exclusive Handouts + THE STRANGER THINGS Pitch Deck Are you looking to be staffed on your favorite TV show or sell your original TV project? Now is the time. But first, it's important that you understand the overall TV landscape, how you fit in, and where to begin. With so many fresh shows emerging on television and various streaming platforms, more writers' rooms are looking to staff up and more original ideas are getting bought. The opportunity to start a career in TV writing is more attainable than ever. Literary manager Spencer Robinson can help you get there. Spencer is literary manager at one of the top management companies Art/Work Entertainment who has been selling and staffing his clients on the industry's leading series for years, including shows on Amazon, HBO Max and Jason Bateman's production company Aggregate just this year. He's also had clients work for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS, to name a few. Spencer is one of the most sought-after literary managers in the business for nearly two decades and is one of Stage 32's most popular and in-demand educators. In this 3-session on-demand class, Spencer will go in-depth on the steps you should be taking to find work as a writer in TV. Whether you're interested in selling your own TV show or film, or if you want to join a writers' room, there are specific steps you need to be taking aside from simply writing well, and Spencer will break it all down for you. Spencer will provide you with the proper approach when it comes to talking with reps, managers, agents, attorneys, showrunners and execs. What’s more, he’ll share his powerful pitching knowledge for writers looking to sell their show idea or screenplay. You’ll leave this four week class understanding what it takes to write on assignment, what kinds of written tools you should have prepared prior to meetings, and the general etiquette you should come to the table with so you can land a job as a writer in the industry. Plus! Spencer will provide exclusive and helpful downloads and resources you can take back to your own projects including: The real STRANGER THINGS pitch deck The real ADVENTURE TIME pitch deck Story Structure Diagrams Sitcom Chart "I had a great time learning and progressing my knowledge of the craft of writing and working directly with a mentor who is a professional in the industry. Spencer was fantastic to be taught by! Thank you!" - Natalie A. "Spencer tells it like it is - he doesn't beat around the bush. He gave me practical, solid, actionable advice. It opened my eyes and I can see how it can help me shorten my path to break in." - Wally M.
A NEW WRITING LAB FOR YOU Write Your Television Drama Pilot In 8 Weeks Only 4 Spots Remain - Grab Your Spot Now Before They're All Gone! Drama television is at its peak with iconic shows like SUCCESSION, INDUSTRY, YELLOWJACKETS, THE HANDMAID'S TALE, STRANGER THINGS, YELLOWSTONE and so much more. Thanks to streamers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and others, over 600 shows were greenlit last year and some industry experts are predicting we may see as many as 1,000 television shows greenlit per year by 2025. But not only is the quantity increasing, so is the quality, as companies are funneling an unprecedented amount of money, resources, marketing and talent into their shows. In short, there has never been a better time to write for TV. Now it’s just a matter of writing a pilot script that helps you break in. The opportunities are plentiful and the prospects have never been more exciting, but if you want to write dramatic television you need to prove that you have the chops, and to do that, you better come armed with a great pilot script sample. This is your calling card, your way in, the piece of material that will fire you off the launch pad. The intention of this lab is to help you create that piece of material that stands out, gets you the right meetings, and, ultimately, gets you representation, meetings with decision-makers, and/or a coveted seat in a writer’s room. Spencer Robinson is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment who's been in the industry for over twenty years. Spencer's writing clients work in both features and television on broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. He currently has a client writing on two Netflix series, and another client who just sold a show to Amazon. He also reps a writer who currently has a project at Aggregate Films, which has a deal at Netflix. His on-camera clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS, to name a few. Spencer has taught numerous webinars, classes and writing labs for Stage 32 and remains one of our most popular and in demand educators. In this lab, Spencer will be working directly with you in a virtual class setting and also during one-on-one sessions with the goal of helping you write a fantastic, market-ready pilot. To do so, Spencer will guide you through picking a concept, creating engaging characters, perfecting your structure, constructing an outline and, finally, writing your pilot. If you already have a concept or even a completed pilot, Spencer will use the same tools to help you hone and sharpen your material. You will leave this lab with a completed television drama pilot script that you can share with the marketplace. PRAISE FOR SPENCER'S STAGE 32 EDUCATION: "I cannot speak highly enough of Spencer Robinson. His lab was absolutely life-changing for me. Spencer's knowledge of the scriptwriting process and his first-hand insights into the industry were invaluable. Spencer has an uncanny ability to pinpoint issues with your script, and his notes really helped to elevate the story and characters of my TV Pilot. He is thoughtful, empathetic and understands the challenge of being a writer." --Emma S. "Spencer will get those who are ready on their way to a kickass first draft that you can send for coverage, which is what I did. 2 Considers, and I'm in rewrites now to move that needle. This was my first ever TV pilot!" -- Erika N. "Had a great time learning and progressing my knowledge of the craft of writing and working directly with a mentor who is a professional in the industry. Spencer was fantastic to be taught by! Thank you!" -- Natalie A. "Spencer's teaching style is the best! His patience and easygoing approach are ideal and unique to him. Kudos to Stage 32 and to Spencer!" -- Armando O.
People are glued to streaming platforms more than ever and desperate for a show to make them laugh. Everyone who's read your script knows you're funny. Why can't that show be yours? We're giving you the expert tools to get in the room and make this the year you launch your television comedy career. Do you dream of your joke being the next viral meme? Or your show being the next awards-sweeping TED LASSO? Are you unsure how to navigate comedy audiences in a world where tastes and platforms are rapidly changing? No matter what your style or skill set, there's an audience out there for you. But you won't find them until you put yourself out there with the right tools to get staffed or sell your brilliant comedy. Every day there's a new streamer with its own brand and audience to cater to. From TED LASSO to PEN15 to SPACE FORCE, there have never been so many opportunities available. But while making someone laugh gets you a career, it takes more to get you in the door, and these digital players aren't following the rules of traditional networks. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you'll learn the ins and outs of streaming writers' room styles and how to be effective within them so that your jokes get airplay. You'll understand how to write stories that will thrill a showrunner and get you staffed in a room. You'll have the chance to analyze your pilot to consider where it fits in the marketplace, how to view it as though you're the executive, and determine how to strengthen your concept so that it's ready to sell. You'll discover the differences between platforms, budgets, schedules, audiences, and development needs, and more. Most importantly, you'll learn how to get your work into the right hands and snag that comedy gig at a top streaming platform. Taking you through the state of streamer staffing season and pilot selling is literary and talent manager Spencer Robinson of Art/Work Entertainment. With over 20 years of experience, Spencer has had clients in films from directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski, and more. His clients have worked on projects from Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS, to name a few. Using his extensive experience helping writers get staffed and sell their pilots, Spencer teaches you the do's and don't of writing for streamers vs. network and how to tailor your script to make the best impression on executives at the biggest streamers in town. He lays out how streamers differ from the formatting to structure and specifically analyzes what you should consider before tackling your pilot. Spencer also dives into staffing and sales, and what approach is best for you, with the opportunity to ask Spencer any questions about yourself and your comedy career pilot during the Q & A. He'll also debunk common misconceptions about selling a comedy series in today's market and how you can use IP to sell your show. Whether you have the next great comedy series are ready to land a spot in a streaming room, this webinar ensures you walk away prepared for success. Spencer was awesome! Super informative and detail-driven - providing great insights. Packed so much into a short amount of time which I'm super grateful for! -Eric C.
The big streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV) are leading the charge in original programming. The number of new shows being produced has never been higher. However, these platforms have different needs, different expectations and different boundaries and mandates than those of traditional broadcast networks. So how does a creative navigate the big time streaming world? And how does a writer stand out to get staffed or sell a standout drama series? This webinar will explain in comprehensive detail how drama series are pitched, developed, and sold to streaming platforms and what you can do as a writer to position yourself to get noticed. With so many writers vying for an opportunity to sell or be staffed on a show, it’s incredibly important to understand the changing landscape and know the best ways to operate within it. Having a clear sense of how executives at streamers think and what they’re looking for will give you a distinct advantage in adjusting your script to pique their interest or in presenting yourself more effectively to sell your show or get staffed on one of their growing number of series. Spencer Robinson is a literary and talent manager at Art/Work Entertainment who's been in the industry for over twenty years. His clients have been in films with directors Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Clint Eastwood, Gore Verbinski and more. In the TV world, his clients have been regular cast members on shows for Netflix, The CW, Cinemax, CBS, NBC, FX, Starz, Nickelodeon, EPIX, and TBS, to name a few. His writing clients work in both features and television on broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. He currently has a client writing on two Netflix series, and another client who just sold a show to Amazon. He also reps a writer who currently has a project at Aggregate Films, which has a deal at Netflix. Spencer will use his extensive experience working with writers and selling their shows to streamers to share some of the do’s and don’ts of writing a drama pilot for streaming television and outline how to tailor your script to make the best impression with the executives at these platforms. He will do this by first laying out how the streaming platforms differ from one another and what exactly they're looking for. Not all streaming platforms are created equal and it's imperative you know the difference. From there, Spencer will dive into script structure and formatting, specifically analyzing what you should be considering before you write your pilot. Next, he will tackle staffing and sales, so no matter what your goal whether to be in a writer's room or selling your pilot, you have all the information you need to position yourself correctly and with the best chance of success. Spencer will even get into the difference between streaming platforms and broadcast networks so you can determine where your material might be a best fit. Expect to leave this class with a comprehensive understanding of the shifting industry of streaming television and a toolkit to better excel within it. Like what you heard from Spencer during this webcast? Send your script to Spencer and speak with him for an hour by clicking here. Praise for Spencer's Stage 32 webinar: Spencer was awesome! Super informative and detail driven - providing great insights. Packed so much into a short amount of time which I'm super grateful for! -Eric C. Spencer Robinson has high energy and packs a ton of information in his lecture. Most importantly Spencer gives realistic advice while encouraging writers to move forward fully informed of the terrain. -Oweeda N. Spencer opened my eyes to how the TV world works with broadcast and streaming. What a great crash course! -Ricki L. "Very enlightening. Gave a realistic view of how difficult it is to get a pilot made but was just inspiring enough to give hope. :)" -Clive M.
Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details ***Limited Class Size - Only 2 Spots Remain*** Do you ever feel like you've poured your heart into a pilot script and series idea but can't move it forward because you don't have the entire pitch package that buyers now require? Writing and pitching are two very different art forms and they all have to be executed at the highest level. In this exclusive Stage 32 lab, we’ll show you how to sell your show on the page and face-to-face with a professional pitch deck and world-class verbal pitch so that you’re ready to approach every buyer and are prepared for every scenario. Over six sessions, you’ll be mentored by Spencer Robinson, a manager at Art/Work Entertainment who, in addition to teaching many fantastic classes through Stage 32, has nearly a decade of industry experience. Art/Work clients include Eric Heisserer (ARRIVAL, LIGHTS OUT), Erin Cressida Wilson (THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, SNOW WHITE), and Kelly Washington (JURASSIC WORD, PARKS & REC), among others. Spencer will take you through what makes a pitch deck great, giving you personal feedback in one-on-one sessions so that you have a powerful sales tool ready when you hit the market. Next, you’ll dive into your verbal pitch with the elements you need to include, the common mistakes many leave out, and how to use visuals to keep executives engaged. Spencer will also cover the kinds of questions producers ask so that you'll be prepared with the important answers in advance. Additionally, Spencer covers the different avenues available to you for selling a television series. You’ll get one-on-one virtual meetings with Spencer allowing you to practice your verbal pitch and receive notes and then address the notes make adjustments and really get your pitch market ready. Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to receive three one-on-one mentoring sessions with a successful literary manager and get your project ready to hit the market. Praise for Spencer's previous Stage 32 Writing Labs: "Spencer will get those who are ready on their way to a kickass first draft that you can send for coverage, which is what I did. 2 Considers and I'm in rewrites now to move that needle. This was my first ever TV pilot!" - Erika N. (now signed to Fineprint Literary Management after crafting her pilot with Spencer)