Screenwriting Fellowship Bio & Essay Workshop
Start Learning
Satisfaction Rate:
Webinar hosted by: Tawnya Bhattacharya
TV Writer & Script Anatomy and Disney/ABC Writing Workshop Teacher
Tawnya Bhattacharya is a writer, writing instructor, and founder of Script Anatomy, a writing school that helps television writers reach their writing goals and elevate their craft through classes, workshops and private consultations. Bhattacharya’s teaching career began at Writers Boot Camp from 2005 – 2008. Having experienced gaps in continuing education for screenwriters as both a student and a teacher, Tawnya found she had both the craft to be able to quickly discern what was missing and the rhetoric to articulate it to students, so she created Script Anatomy — a unique curriculum to give writers practical development, writing and rewriting tools based on her own process. She launched Script Anatomy in 2011. Uniquely, Bhattacharya brings both a ten-year teaching background and professional writing experience to Script Anatomy’s curriculum. She most recently has guest-taught workshops with ISA (International Screenwriters Association) and the Disney | ABC Writing Program and writes a column in Script Magazine called “Your TV Guide.“ Currently a Writer/Producer on Freeform’s “Famous in Love,” Tawnya has also written on NBC’s The Night Shift, TNT’sPerception, The Client List at Lifetime and on USA’s Fairly Legal, with her writing partner, Ali Laventhol. Repped by ICM Partners, Heroes and Villains Entertainment and Morris Yorn, they are former NBC Writers on the Verge fellows, winning one of 8 spots out of 1200 applicants. The team also made semi-finalists for the ABC Disney Fellowship before getting a job that took them out of the running, and have developed projects with Battle Plan, Fresh Ink, Cinestar and Lionsgate. Tawnya was also a FOX Writer’s Intensive fellow (FOX optioned her semi-autobiographical pilot). With Script Anatomy, Bhattacharya has helped hundreds of writers succeed. Some have won contests, festivals, and fellowships, others secured representation, or been hired for assignments. Others still have graduated from Script Anatomy to go onto their first staff jobs on network and cable shows, even selling TV pilots, screenplays, and novels as a result. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
This special fellowship season workshop will focus on the architecture of the dreaded fellowship submission materials!
Your host, Tawnya Bhattacharya, an alumna of both NBC Writers on the Verge and the FOX Writers Intensive, is currently a writer/producer on Freeform's "Famous in Love," and has also written on TNT's “Perception," NBC's "The Night Shift, Lifetime's "The Client List," and "Fairly Legal" for USA with her writing partner, Ali Laventhol. Tawnya has also taught for the Disney|ABC Writing Program for the past two years. She is repped by ICM Partners, Heroes and Villains Entertainment and Morris Yorn.
Over the years Tawyna has taught hundreds of writers on how to put together successful, winning bios & essays. In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, Tawnya will deconstruct successful fellowship bios & essays, analyze why they work, and help you articulate the symbiotic relationship between your life story and your brand as a writer in 500 words or less. Here's just some of the things we’ll cover:
- How your bios and essays serve your career, not just fellowships.
- What the program heads have to say about bios and essays.
- How you can mine Your Unique Story and stand out.
- Dos and Don’ts.
- Examples from Winning Fellowship Candidates.
- Your Bio & Essay Checklist… and more!
- Q&A
PLUS! You will get handouts:
- Mining your personal story Worksheet
- Bio Essay Statement of Purpose Checklist
- Actual examples of Fellowship winners essays & bios
Bhattacharya’s company, Script Anatomy is a TV writing school taught solely by working TV writers and has launched the careers of many writers. Alum have been in every single Fellowship Program (including 5 in 2016/2017) and have sold pilots and staffed on shows such as American Crime, The Handmaid’s Tale, Chicago Justice, The Blacklist, Blindspot, The 100 and more… For more info about Script Anatomy, visit www.scriptanatomy.com
About Your Instructor
Tawnya Bhattacharya
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
Relevant Tags
Share with friends:
Questions?
Reviews Average Rating: 5 out of 5
-
Sue Keeton Great class. I'm a script anatomy alumni and I'm glad Stage 32 offered the class online since I haven't been able to make it in person. THANK YOU!
Other education that may be of interest to you:
How to Break in and Get Any Job in Film or Television
“How can I make it in the movie business?” This is the perpetual question that haunts every generation of budding filmmakers. There are so many success stories that start with humble beginnings, and then there are so many more stories that don’t make it as far. If you want to “make it” in the movie business, you have to know how to get a job in it first. But how? First, there are SO MANY more jobs in this industry than most people realize. Do you know all the many ways to be part of the film industry? Not to mention, it takes a lot of grit to make it in this biz. Most people pay their dues through grueling hours as an assistant with little pay. With the right guidance from someone who has been there and done that, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success for any job in the industry. You just have to know how to get your foot in the door. Matt Harry is a novelist, screenwriter, and filmmaker whose popular fantasy novel SORCERY FOR BEGINNERS was recently optioned for television by Boatrocker Media with Matt on board to adapt the pilot. His first produced feature screenplay, FUGUE, landed on several top-ten lists, won Best Horror Film at the Mississippi Film Festival, and was picked up for distribution by GoDigital. Matt has also written screenplays for Primary Wave, Platform One Media, Co-op Entertainment, and Flynn Picture Co. His short film SUPER KIDS, which he wrote and co-directed, has over 6 million views on YouTube. Now, inspired by his new interactive book “You Are A Filmmaker,” Matt is bringing his knowledge and experience to Stage 32 so that anyone looking for an entry-level job in the biz can get one. Matt is going to tell you exactly how to get any job in the film business, starting with the 10 Do’s for ANY job and the 5 Don’ts. He’ll go over how to get a job in development, production, the camera department, post-production, post sound, the art department, as a writer, and even a director. He’ll also answer questions like, “do you need to live in Los Angeles,” and provide tips on how to afford to work in the industry, because let’s face it…when you’re starting out this biz is far from the glamorous life. But don’t worry, with Matt’s insightful tips and experiences, you’ll walk out of this ready to snag any job in the industry. Praise for Matt's Previous Stage 32 Webinar: "Chockful of examples and able to keep a running theme throughout and not lose the audience. Great enthusiastic speaker." -John S. "Overall it was very informative. The fact that there was an actual tried and true professional of the industry willing and able to answer questions and give the talk was a very huge plus for me." -Jaboris B. "Matt has such a way with words. He articulates concepts exceptionally well." -Karthi M. "Matt was very engaging. His in-depth knowledge of the subject matter was crystal clear." -Tia P.
How To Pitch Your TV Pilot To Cable Networks
Cable networks all have their niche. For example, AMC has really honed in on intense dramas, such as The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, and Mad Men; USA focuses on character driven mystery dramas such as CSI, House, and NCIS; TBS centers around comedy sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory, Ground Floor, and Cougar Town; ABC Family focuses more on sitcoms relating to family, such as Melissa and Joey, Baby Daddy and The Fosters. Knowing how to tailor your pitch to a specific cable network opens up immense opportunity for your TV pilot. Every cable network can be a real home for your work - it’s just a matter of the how, when, and why. Knowing how to appeal to multiple networks gives your pilot a better chance of getting picked up! In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, host Jordan Barel will teach you both how to pitch your pilot and how to tailor your pitch to the right cable network. In addition, he’ll go over what kind of shows live on each network currently, and what may be the right fit for you. You will walk away with a clear understanding of how to pitch effectively as well as a clear understanding of how to make your pilot what each network is looking for. Your host host Jordan Barel is a writer, producer and lawyer for Loaded Barrel Studios. Based in LA, he's worked for New Line Cinema, AMC, Verve Talent Agency and was recently named in Variety's Hollywood Movers and Shakers list. He worked for Paul Scheer through his producing deal at FOX, working on development with his projects as well as bringing in new writers for him. Jordan also works at Abominable Pictures in their comedy and TV department. Previously, he worked as the Television Coordinator for Verve Literary Agency, producing the company's staffing video which lead to a 200% increase in the company's staffed writers. While there he also vetted all new TV and film clients. Jordan knows what will make your pitch stand out and is here exclusively for Stage 32 to help guide our writers toward success!
Developing and Packaging Your Mini Series
Learn directly from Development & Production Executive Jake Detharidge, a feature film executive that has recently made a splash into the mini-series space with projects set up at History Channel, Spike, and MGM! "Jake's feedback is so valuable. I enjoy every webinar and class Jake does. He's always informative and always presents information in a very smart and succinct way. Great webinars/classes..." - R. Canty "Seldom have I met execs in LA who know what they're talking about but don't throw around their ego. Jake loves the process, nice perspective with a positive spin." N. Kellis "This was one of the more beneficial seminars with current relative information in the industry. Really enjoyed it." - M. McLinn In this Stage 32 Webinar, host Jake Detharidge will first take you through a brief history of the ‘Mini Series’ in the US, along with analyzing the current television marketplace (Event Series vs. Limited Series vs. Mini Series), and why this platform is experiencing resurgence. After, Jake will break down the creative and development process for several different, current projects, to help you understand and identify the right stories, IP and general concepts that are viable right now. This will make up the bulk of the webinar, breaking down the creative/development/packaging process, in hopes that any and all who attend will leave with a formidable understanding of how they might create their very own compelling Mini-Series project. Don’t get confined to one narrative structure, feature or TV series, look for bold new ways to tell stories – the possibilities are endless! You Will Leave The Webinar Knowing: What exactly is a Mini-Series, versus a Limited Series and Event Series and why each is unique? Why did the ‘Mini-Series’ disappear for the most part from US television and why is it now making a strong comeback? What is the current landscape for this platform – the nuts and bolts. The major companies and players around town currently looking for these types of projects and what moves the needle for them. Narrative Basics – what and why certain stories, ideas and concepts are better suited for a mini-series versus the traditional feature film or scripted television series. What types of IP you should be looking for and how you can obtain the rights to potentially develop it. Developing – what goes into this step and exactly how much…or how little…do you need before trying to sell, and where to sell. Packaging – what the process is for a mini-series, and what elements you can attach to add value that are obtainable. Outside the box ideas!' Your host Jake Detharidge will take you through the realities and pitfalls of navigating the exciting resurgence of a classic narrative platform. Jakes comes primarily from a feature film background, but he recognized – along with the rest of the industry – the creative domination currently taking place in television and forged a way to put his skill sets to work. He has developed, packaged and set up half a dozen mini-series projects with more on the way. Through his unique viewpoint on narrative structure and current audience viewing trends, Jake believes the Mini-Series resurgence is only just beginning. PRAISE FOR JAKE'S TEACHINGS: "Jake's feedback is so valuable. I enjoy every webinar and class Jake does. He's always informative and always presents information in a very smart and succinct way. Great webinars/classes..." - R. Canty "Great information. So many take-aways. I learned things I never knew before about how the studios and execs work. It was sobering." - C. Joseph "Seldom have I met execs in LA who know what they're talking about but don't throw around their ego. Jake loves the process, nice perspective with a positive spin." N. Kellis "This was one of the more beneficial seminars with current relative information in the industry. Really enjoyed it." - M. McLinn "Very informative and well presented. Lots of food for thought. Jake presents in a conversational manner and seems to be speaking one on one."- G. DeSomber "Jake was incredibly knowledgeable and did a great job getting through his presentation while also answering a ton of questions." - C. Krapf "Good presenter. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable." G. Nicholson "Terrific content and very insightful - Jake's "Think outside the box!" approach is empowering and he gave really clear examples on how to do this." F. Burst "Enormous amount of truth, honesty and street smarts you gave. Blew four major misconceptions I had about selling a limited series. Felt like I was right in the game, hearing you talk about it." K. Belsky "Jake was fantastic. I love his passion and generosity. Really appreciate how much valuable, first-hand experience he shared (including specifics about his own projects) as well as his candid opinion." L. Curney "Thanks for an informative, no bullshit session with real life examples. I especially appreciated your honesty about how there's no definitive way to pitch, or to package and sell a miniseries. At the same time, you gave great advice about pitfalls to avoid. I feel smarter and more prepared. It was worth the price of admission!" - S. Satterfield
Breaking Into the Industry - Creating and Maintaining a Screenwriting Career
4 part class taught by award winning screenwriting career coach and author Lee Jessup! AVAILABLE ON DEMAND! Finishing your script may be one of the hardest steps, but it's only the first! Now what? Despite its reputation, many writers are still surprised at how hard it is to not only break into the entertainment industry, but sustain a screenwriting career once inside. What you need is a proven mentor, someone who can give you the know-how to help you break into Hollywood with stunning success. Stage 32 Happy Writers is excited to bring you the previously-recorded 4 part class: Breaking Into the Industry – Creating and Maintaining a Screenwriting Career taught by Lee Jessup, award winning Screenwriting Career Coach and author of the best-selling screenwriting book, Getting it Write. Learn everything you need to know to help jump-start your screenwriting career from a seasoned veteran who has coached WGA members, Golden Globe and Emmy nominated writers, best-selling authors, and contest winners. Purchasing gives you access to the previously-recorded live class. Although Lee is no longer reviewing the assignments, we still encourage all listeners to participate!
How to Start a Career in Independent Producing
There aren’t a lot of jobs more challenging than that of an independent producer, but there also might not be any job as rewarding. It’s the producer who turns a bunch of ideas and dreams into reality and a singular product that can be enjoyed by people all over the world. What can be better than essentially creating something out of nothing? From conception and pre-production through distribution and beyond, the producer is with the film from beginning to end, builds the team, and makes the decisions that ultimately make the project a failure or success. This role is an enigmatic one, though, since it covers so much. This can also make it feel difficult or overwhelming to break into. So how does someone actually start off a career in producing in the first place? There is no one correct way to become a successful producer, especially in the indie space. However there are three main paths that most working film producers have taken to get to where they are today: the executive path, the production path, and the independent path. Each path comes with its share of obstacles, but each can also provide the education, connections, and wherewithal to spark a successful career making movies. Better understanding how to find success through these tracks can help you turn your aspirations of becoming a working independent producer into a reality. Jim Young of Animus Films is a leading independent producer, with almost two dozen films under his belt. Jim has created a successful career producing true-story films such as THE CATCHER WAS A SPY with Paul Rudd, LIFE OF A KING with Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr., THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY with Oscar-nominee Dev Patel, LOVELACE with Oscar-nominee James Franco and Amanda Seyfried, and the upcoming film, THE PEOPLE VS. VEGAS DAVE. Jim has a long history of producing critically acclaimed features and documentaries including YEAR OF THE BULL at Showtime, THE WORDS with Oscar-nominee Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana. Through years of successes and challenges, Jim has learned what it takes to be a working full-time producer and is excited to share what he knows with the Stage 32 community. Jim will explain what it means to be an independent producer and the three main paths you can take to become a full-time producer of your own. Jim will first talk about the main skill set and duties of an independent film producer and give you an honest explanation of what this job really looks like. Next he will explain cow you can start your career as a producer through the three most common career paths: the executive path, the physical production path, and the independent path. For each, Jim will talk about how to get your foot in the door and how best to use these opportunities to learn what you need to get yourself ready to become your own producer. Jim will then teach you how to find longevity as an independent producer and share with you some of the biggest lessons he’s learned through his career. If you’ve ever been interested in starting a career as an independent producer and making the types of films you’ve always been passionate about, Jim will give you the tools and tips you’ll need to make that actually happen. Want to work more closely with Jim? Send your script to Jim and speak with him for an hour by clicking here.
How to Finance Your Short Film - Budgets, Pitch Decks and Attracting Investors
Not only are more and more film festivals accepting short films, but festivals dedicated to nothing but short films have become more popular than ever. Additionally, more managers, agents, and producers are looking to short films to find untapped talent and new ideas. So many successful filmmakers today, from Christopher Nolan to Damien Chazelle, have used short films as a calling card to showcase their skills and show the world that they were ready for the big time. But shooting a quality short film means raising some financing. And for many, this can be challenging. One thing that many creatives avoid when putting together a short film is everything that goes into the business end. From determining and compiling a true and realistic budget, to being able to tell your creative and financial story within a pitch deck, to thinking about a distribution strategy and recoupment plan well before shooting, there is so much to think about toward getting investors in your corner beyond the creative. Allow us to help you by showing you everything you need to know so that you can attract investors looking to get behind you, your unique vision and your work. ABOUT YOUR STAGE 32 EDUCATOR JT Molner knows a thing or two about raising funds for shorts and feature films. Although JT is a writer and director, he's been deep in the trenches in raising funds for his projects leaving no stoned unturned and nothing to chance. After raising financing for many successful shorts which caught the eyes of producers and talent, JT rolled up his sleeves and helped his producers raise financing for his first feature film, Outlaws and Angels, which was originally shot as a short film as proof of concept. The feature became an Official Selection at Sundance and was sold to Orion Films. He will teach you everything he's learned from his decade of raising financing for his short films and other projects. And, as an added Bonus you'll receive a pitch deck from JT's film OUTLAWS AND ANGELS which started as a short film proof of concept, and went on to be made as a feature, being selected as an Official Selection at Sundance and selling to Orion films! PRAISE FOR JT'S TEACHINGS: Holy clarity! I've made so many mistakes along the way. Every short film has seemed like a struggle not worth reliving and now I understand why. These wounds were self inflicted. Thank you, JT, for not only (kindly) setting things straight, but for opening my eyes. I can't wait to get started on my next project. - Manford C.
Register / Log In
