Pitch Tank with Special Guest Literary Manager Tessa Shaffer
Only VIP members have access to this exclusive webinar library. Click here to subscribe to a VIP plan.
Webinar hosted by: The Pitch Tank
We're diving into the Writers' Room Pitch Tank with special guest, Literary Manager Tessa Shaffer of Corvisiero Literary Agency.Tessa is a Literary Manager with Corvisiero Literary Agency, a boutique agency in NYC that represents both authors and screenwriters. The clients of CLA include many New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #1 Bestselling Authors. Tessa signed a writer after connecting through a Stage 32 pitch session! She says, "Thank you for adding such a valuable connection for writers and execs."Corvisiero Literary Agency has a growing relationship with networks and producers and has successfully negotiated book-to-film deals, most recently FOREVER MY GIRL to Roadside Attractions and Disney International with LD Entertainment producing. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
We're diving into the Writers' Room Pitch Tank with special guest, Literary Manager Tessa Shaffer of Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Tessa is a Literary Manager with Corvisiero Literary Agency, a boutique agency in NYC that represents both authors and screenwriters. The clients of CLA include many New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon #1 Bestselling Authors.
Tessa signed a writer after connecting through a Stage 32 pitch session! She says, "Thank you for adding such a valuable connection for writers and execs."
Corvisiero Literary Agency has a growing relationship with networks and producers and has successfully negotiated book-to-film deals, most recently FOREVER MY GIRL to Roadside Attractions and Disney International with LD Entertainment producing.
About Your Instructor
The Pitch Tank
FAQs
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:
- Log into your Stage 32 profile
- Click "Settings" in the top right-hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
- Go to www.stage32.com
- Create a profile using the SAME email address you used to sign up for this webinar. The email addresses must match in order to watch the webinar.
- Once you have your profile set up, you can view the webinar by clicking "Settings" in the top right hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
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.
Testimonials
"Thank you Tessa! Great having you!" -Harold W.
"Thank you so much Tessa for your time and insight." -John M.
"Thank you so much Tessa, this was a great night!" -Monica L.V.
Share with friends:
Questions?
Other education that may be of interest to you:
The TV Pitch Tank with Anna Henry (Producer/Development Executive)
We're back in the Writers' Room for The TV Pitch Tank with Anna Henry. Writers will have a precisely timed 5-minute window to present their pitches, while our seasoned experts meticulously dissect each presentation, providing constructive feedback. Step into a welcoming and supportive space where everyone is invited to participate and grow together. Elevate your pitching skills in an atmosphere dedicated to fostering growth and creativity!
The Pitch Tank with Literary Manager, Scott Schulman
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Pitch Tank Webcast with Literary Manager, Scott Schulman, who staffs writers at major Networks and Streamers, and is a champion of helping writers break into the industry! He is currently building a roster of emerging voices and has a passion for representing and inspiring writers. He currently represents the Co-Ep of the hit Netflix series "THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY", and has clients on the shows: "Dumped" (Netflix), "FBI: Most Wanted" (CBS), "NCIS: LA" (CBS), "SO Help Me Todd" (CBS) One of his clients recently sold one of their pilots to Netflix carried through by 21 Laps (FREE GUY, "STRANGER THINGS").
The Pitch Tank with Dan Kavanagh
The Pitch Tank Webcast proved insightful and inspiring, offering real-world pitching strategies. This week’s guest, Dan Kavanagh, brought serious industry experience from his time at Vertigo Entertainment (home to projects like Weapons, Barbarian, and The Lego Movie), as well as development work on WARHAMMER 40K at Amazon and across AMC Networks’ genre platforms Shudder and Sundance Now, where he helped launch the modern revival of Creepshow. During the LIVE session, writers delivered five-minute timed pitches while Dan and the Stage 32 pitch team broke down what made a concept feel commercial, compelling, and market-ready—and what held it back. Viewers walked away with invaluable lessons about how executives truly evaluate character clarity, concept strength, tone, and originality. Dan emphasized the importance of a protagonist with a defined goal and stakes that escalate. He highlighted common pitch mistakes, overcomplicating mythology, and underselling the emotional core, demonstrating how small adjustments to a pitch could dramatically elevate a project’s viability. Most importantly, attendees gained a sharper understanding of today’s marketplace: how to position a story strategically, how to speak the language of development executives (set pieces), and how to balance creative passion with commercial awareness. Watching pitches get refined in real-time gave viewers practical tools they could immediately apply to their own projects, leaving them better prepared, more confident, and ready to win any executive room.
The Pitch Tank with Producer Michael Wormser
Michael Wormser, previous Head of Production for MAKER STUDIOS, where he developed, produced and distributed content, bringing monthly viewership from 40 million to 250 million, and a producer who has features for Legendary, Lakeshore Entertainment, Netflix, IFC Films, Fox Television Studios, Hulu, FreeForm, Netflix, and 20th Century Digital, joined the Stage 32 pitch team and listened to volunteers with a timed 5-minute pitch from their scripts, which was reviewed and offered constructive notes on in a supportive environment designed for growth and creative integrity! You can only get this opportunity at Stage 32!
The Pitch Tank with Chisom Ude (Producer)
Learn to be better pitching in the room. Writers pitch for 5 minutes (timed) and Chisom will break the pitch down and offer feedback. This is a safe space and all are welcome to join!
Pitch Tank Webcast with John Funk
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Pitch Tank Webcast with Independent Producer, John Funk. John Funk is an independent producer who has worked in nearly every aspect of the film industry. He has over a decade of entertainment industry experience, having coordinated and produced with A-listers, all of the studios, and films that have grossed over $1B worldwide. His most recent credit was on A STAR IS BORN starring Bradley Cooper and Lady GaGa, with producer Heather Parry. John is the unofficial, "Godfather of Television and Movies," being the last assistant to Chuck Fries, the "Godfather of the Television Movie," called that because he was the first to put a movie on television. John worked with Vincent Newman on the box office hit comedy, WE'RE THE MILLERS and started his career working with Tom Cruise at MGM/United Artists. John developed and sold the script PATIENT ZERO to Clint Culpepper at Screen Gems, attached an Oscar winning director, Stanley Tucci, and shot it in London. The film was released in 2018 to rave reviews. John was also a part of the final season of the smash television comedy, 'You're The Worst" for FX, and the 80th Oscars.
Register / Log In
