Script Notes by Chad Gervich - Classes Seminars Workshops

Pilot-writing Seminar next Tuesday!

Chad — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:31:41 GMT

Hey, everyone--

Thanks so much to all of you who came to last week's Final Draft/Script magazine and Writers Boot Camp panel, "Getting into the Writers Room." It was a terrific evening, and it was great seeing some of you there!

Wanted to let you all know about another great opportunity...

Next Tuesday, Nov. 10, I'm teaching "Writing the TV Pilot," a 3-hour seminar for Mediabistro, here in Los Angeles.

If you've got an idea for the next "True Blood" or "Modern Family"... or if you're toying with various ideas and trying to decide which to write... or even if you just want to get your creative TV juices flowing... this is a great three hours. We'll cover the creative mechanics of what makes successful pilots work... how pilots and series are developed and produced... how projects are pitched and sold... and how to get to the right people so you can get your idea on the air!

Anyway, if you're interested, click HERE to sign up or get more information... or just go to this link...

http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs5219.asp

Hope to see you all there!

P.S. Also, in a shameless moment of self-promotional excitement, I just wanna tell you guys about some cool updates...

My book, Small Screen, Big Picture: A Writer's Guide to the TV Business, was recently selected as a "textbook" for both NBC's Writers on the Verge program, as well as NAPTE's Diversity Fellowship. And as of this morning, it hit some new all-time highs on Amazon's bestseller list...

#2 - Performing Arts career guides
#3 - TV/Screenwriting books
#86 - Writing reference books (I know this isn't super-high, but it's the first time it's ever cracked this particular list!)

Thanks to all of you for your support-- just wanted to let you know!

Get into the TV Writing Room... for FREE!

Chad — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:10:58 GMT

Hey, folks--

Just wanted to invite you all to a great event next Monday, October 26...

Final Draft software, "Script" magazine, and Writers Boot Camp are hosting a series of FREE writing panels designed to help film and TV writers navigate Hollywood... and I'll be speaking on next week's TV panel, "Getting Into the Writers Room."

I'll be joined by four other AMAZING panelists...

• Rich Hatem (writer/producer: The Dead Zone, Mothman Prophecies, Supernatural)
• Jen Grisanti (former Spelling exec, now running Jen Grisanti Consultancy)
• Carole Kirschner (former VP at Amblin Entertainment and CBS, now running the WGA Showrunners Program and CBS Writers Mentoring Program)
• Cary Okmin (head of Disney Online)

Here's some more info...

GETTING IN THE WRITERS ROOM
Writing for television is challenging, and even more so now that shrinking budgets mean shrinking writing staffs and salaries. Learn from working television writers what the inroads to the writers room are today, and how you can find success in the changing television landscape.

Date: Monday, 10/26/2009
Time: 7:30 - 9:30
Location: Writers Boot Camp Headquarters, Bergamot Station Bldg. I, 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, 90404

Click HERE for more info and to RSVP!

It should be an incredible, informative evening (and it's FREE!), so I hope to see you all there!

Pitch Your TV Idea to Agents, Execs, and Producers... on Oct. 5!

Chad — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:07:53 GMT

Hey, folks—

Just wanted to let you know, I’m hosting and moderating Mediabistro’s “Pitch Slam” next Monday, October 5… and for anyone working on an idea for the next “Royal Pains,” “30 Rock,” or “Kitchen Nightmares,” this is an incredible opportunity!

Here’s how it works: we bring in a panel of TV industry experts… you show up and pitch your idea to the panel… the panel gives you feedback on your pitching technique, your presentation, your idea, etc.

You also get to watch everyone else’s pitch—and they get to watch yours—so it’s a terrific way to learn about pitching, and what people respond to, even when you’re not in the hot seat.

It’s been a while since the last “Pitch Slam,” and we’ve got an incredible panel lined up… Jill Young, a creative executive at The Littlefield Company (former NBC president Warren Littlefield’s production company with ABC Studios); Alan Moore, an alternative/reality TV agent at APA; and BJ Ford, a TV literary manager/producer at Roar Entertainment, one of the hottest new management firms in Hollywood.

We’ll be doing pitches for all kind of TV: comedy, drama, reality, and everything in between. So if you’re interested, here’s the scoop… hope to see you there!

PERFECTING THE TV PITCH + PITCH SLAM

Pitch Your TV idea to Producers and Agents

So you have an idea for the next Mad Men or The Big Bang Theory? Do you want to be the new Larry David or Damon Lindelof? Do you think you're ready to run your own hard-boiled procedural or sexy soap? Well, before you can create the next great TV show, there's something you gotta do first. Pitch it!

In this pitch slam -- limited to 20 attendees -- you'll have the chance to pitch your TV idea to a panel of television's top agents, execs, and producers. Whether you're developing TV's next big comedy, drama, or reality show, this is your opportunity to bounce it off some of Hollywood's smartest, most influential buyers and sellers.

Everyone who signs up will get one chance to pitch their idea to our panel of guests, followed by a round of feedback. While we can't promise you'll sell something, we do promise you'll get top-notch, no-nonsense constructive criticism guaranteed to make your idea -- and your pitching skills -- better, stronger, and more sellable.

Panelists will include:

-- Alan Moore, alternative/reality TV agent, APA

-- Jill Young, creative executive, The Littlefield Company/ABC Studios (Keen Eddie, Love, Inc., Like Family, Do Over)

-- BJ Ford, manager/producer (TV Lit), Roar Entertainment

Click HERE for more information…

WHEN: Monday, October 5, 7-9 pm

WHERE: Los Angeles, CA (details to come upon sign-up)

COST: $65 ($50 for avantguild members)

TO SIGN UP: Call 212-547-7890 or click HERE

http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs5146.asp

The Wind Up... and the Pitch

Chad — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:55:59 GMT

Hey, TV writers--

If you have an idea for the next Flight of the Conchords, Burn Notice, or Nurse Jackie (which, by the way, I just started watching this week-- really funny!) but aren't sure how to sell it, I'd love to see you next Tuesday, when I'm teaching my pitching seminar for mediabistro here in LA! It's a great seminar and a fun night... here's the scoop...

THE ART OF THE TV PITCH
How To Sell Your Television Series Idea

You've seen the perfect TV show. It's got great characters, weekly cliffhangers, comedy, drama -- everything you could want in a hit series. There's just one problem: it's still in your head.

This seminar will help take your idea from seed to sale. After all, selling your show isn't merely the first step in bringing your vision to life; it's the most important step. What are networks looking for? How should a pitch be structured? When's the best time to pitch? Do you need a franchise? Does attaching talent help?

We will break pitching into three stages: honing your idea, crafting the pitch itself, and getting your foot in the door with producers and executives. We'll examine different kinds of shows and the necessary elements of each. We'll then discuss how to structure a pitch to make it accessible to producers, writers, and executives. Lastly, we'll explore the business of pitching; not only how to gauge the marketplace to make your idea irresistible, but how to navigate television's labyrinthine network/studio system and what you can expect once you get there.

In this seminar, you will learn:

The necessary elements every show -- and every pitch -- must have
The difference between different types of shows, and how to pitch them accordingly
How to structure a pitch, both verbally and as a written document
Who you want to pitch to at networks, studios, and production companies
When to attach actors, writers, or directors to your idea, and when not to
What to expect when you're in the room, making your pitch, and what happens when you leave

Click here for more information...

WHEN: Tuesday, July 28, 7-10 pm
WHERE: Beverly Hills Bar Assoc., 300 S. Beverly Dr., 2nd Fl., Beverly Hills, CA 90212
COST: $65 ($50 for avantguild members)
TO SIGN UP: Call 212-547-7890 or click HERE

Hope you can make it... and to get you in the mood, here's a great pitching sketch from The Whitest Kids You Know.

Teach Your Kid To Be A Movie Critic!

Chad — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:07:04 GMT

Hey, folks--

This was such a fun and interesting event, I had to post it up here.

On Tuesday, July 21, KidsPickFlicks.com-- the movie review site for kids-- presents “Popcorn, Pop and a Paycheck: How to Get the Life of a Movie Critic” at the Variety offices here in L.A.

For those of you who don't know KidsPickFlicks, its a movie review site which was started five years ago by a Cole McNamara, a 9-year-old who was sick of seeing movies he enjoyed panned by adult critics. So he started a site where he reviewed kids movies from a kids' perspective... and where other kids could post reviews as well. It's taken off and is now run by Cole (who's 14) and his 9-year-old sister, Riley. I interviewed Cole a few years ago, just as KidsPickFlicks was taking off... he's a great kid, incredibly savvy and articulate... and if you have children interested in movies or movie reviews, I have no doubt this will be a great program.

Basically, Variety critics Todd McCarthy, Brian Lowry and Justin Chang will meet with young, aspiring Leonard Maltins and Rober Eberts to share their stories of how they got into the business, what their life is “really” like, and the ups and downs of being film critics. Lowry will also teach kids his three fun and simple rules of writing a movie review.

If you're interested, here's the scoop...

WHEN: Tuesday, July 21, 2009; 1 - 2:30 pm
WHERE: Variety, 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif.

Register kids 8 and older at KidsPickFlicks.com. Space is limited.

For more information, please contact Trish Vogel at Starshine Media, 615-400-3660 or Tara@KidsPickFlicks.com.

Riley's Picks & Icks (from KidsPickFlicks)

Sell Your Reality Show... Next Tuesday!

Chad — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:08:57 GMT

Hey, guys--

If you're hoping to sell the next The Bachelorette, American Idol, or Dancing with the Stars... or even if you just want to work on them... I'm teaching my reality TV seminar, "Writing the Reality TV Show," for mediabistro next Tuesday, July 7. If you're interested (and in Los Angeles), I'd love to see you there! Here's the scoop...

(Also, for those of you who have already emailed or asked... YES-- this is the class that was originally scheduled for Monday, July 13. It's been moved up.)

Writing the Reality TV Show

So You Think You Can Dance. The Real World. Rock of Love. The Amazing Race. From the multi-million-dollar series of broadcast television to the low-budget niche shows of cable, reality programming dominates television. But are reality shows really "reality?" How much planning and production goes into unscripted storytelling? And, most importantly, how can you get in on the action?

This seminar lays the groundwork for anyone wanting to break into the lucrative world of reality TV. We'll look at various types of reality shows and what makes them tick, from docu-dramas and docu-soaps (The City, Keeping Up With the Kardashians ) to game shows and elimination-style competitions (The Biggest Loser, Big Brother, Top Chef, Survivor) to personality-driven and "aspirational" series (Dietribe, Ruby, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition).

We'll then discuss how to conceive, develop, and sell your idea. What are the critical elements of a pitch? Should you attach talent? Does your series work as a strip? We'll explore how to structure your reality pitch and get it to the right people. Who are the major players? When should you attach a senior producer? What networks are best for your concept? Whether you're a writer, producer, or host, reality television's waiting for you.

In this seminar, you will learn:

The differences between reality shows, and how to pitch them accordingly
The critical elements every reality show and pitch must have
How to structure a pitch both verbally and as a written document
How to pitch to networks, studios, and production companies
When to attach hosts or producers to your idea, and when not to
What to expect when you're making your pitch, and what happens when you leave

Click here for more information...

WHEN: Tuesday, July 7, 7-10 pm
WHERE: Beverly Hills Bar Assoc., 300 S. Beverly Dr., 2nd Fl., Beverly Hills, CA 90212
COST: $65 ($50 for avantguild members)
TO SIGN UP: Call 212-547-7890 or click HERE

Hope you can make it!

Wanna Sell Your Spec Pilot?...

Chad — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:38:06 GMT

Hey, everyone--

If you missed it a few months ago...

I'm teaching another "Writing the TV Pilot" seminar in Los Angeles this month, and I hope you can all make it!

Spec pilots are selling like hot cakes these days... Matthew Weiner's Mad Men on AMC was a spec pilot... and so was Sons of Tucson, FOX's new midseason comedy. Yours could be next!

This is a great class for anyone working on a spec pilot or thinking of writing a spec pilot... or even if you want to be a producer, agent, or executive developing pilots at networks, studios, or production companies.

We'll also have a special guest... Stacy Traub, creator of ABC's Notes from the Underbelly, who's also written and produced for Spin City, Happy Family, Kitchen Confidential, Suddenly Susan, and HBO's upcoming Washingtonienne. (Last time we had Lesley Wake-Webster, who has written and produced for Kitchen Confidential, What I Like About You, Ruby & the Rockets, and That '80's Show.)

Here's the scoop... hope to see you there!

Writing the TV Pilot: Create & Sell Your Own Series

Now that E.R., My Name Is Earl, The Sopranos, and Friends are off the air, networks are looking for the next great new show. And with so many cable networks actively seeking original programming, the time has never been better to develop and pitch your own series idea. This seminar will show you how to develop and write a pilot, detail what to include in a proposal, and discuss the elements of the perfect pitch.

In this seminar, you will learn:

Which types of shows the networks are looking for
Where to pitch and who to pitch to
How to write a synopsis that captures producers' attention
How to create compelling characters
How to generate ideas for a season's worth of episodes
What to include in your pitch -- and what to leave out
How to write a saleable pilot

WHEN Monday, June 15, 7-10 pm
WHERE Beverly Hills Bar Assoc., 300 S. Beverly Dr., 2nd Fl., Beverly Hills, CA 90212
FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE or call 212-547-7890

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )

And here for your viewing pleasure is a preview scene from FOX's upcoming half-hour comedy, Sons of Tucson, which was bought as a spec script written by Princeton college buddies Greg Bratman and Tommy Dewey...

Sons of Tucson

READER QUESTION: Will There Be A Pitchfest in New York?

Chad — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:29:09 GMT

Hey, folks--

Wanted to respond to Rosetta's Great American Pitchfest question from a couple days ago...

"When will an event like this [or at least similar to it] be available in the New York City region?... I learned about this coming event a little too late to plan to attend and would like to know about such future PitchFests."

Well, Rosetta, I talked to Signe Olynyk, the head of Pitchfest, who says that while they eventually hope to do a NYC Pitchfest, it's not on the radar quite yet. The event started in Canada, where they did two Pitchfests just before the Banff TV Festival and another in Vancouver, in association with the Film and Television Expo of Western Canada, but these were much smaller than the LA incarnation. While a New York version would be great, it would likely be much smaller-- both in professionals and attendance-- and they'd probably have to fly in many execs from California.

Having said, that GOOD NEWS!... Here are two well-respected New York events that DO have pitching opportunities, so check 'em out... they may be just what you're looking for!...

The New York Television Festival - September 21-26, 2009

Pitch Your Hit: Women-in-Film's Two-Day Workshop - June 9 & June 15, 2009

Good luck! And here's last year's pilot winner of the New York TV Festival's People's Choice Award, Teachers...

A Quick Post re: Pitchfest

Chad — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:36:13 GMT

Hey, guys--

I've gotten some emails and questions about Pitchfest, so just wanted to respond real fast...

1) Rosetta-- I'm not sure if/when Pitchfest itself is coming to New York... lemme sniff around a bit. I'll also try to round up some info on some other pitch festivals, or similar events, and get it up here. Bear with me... I'll try to get it up in the next few days.

2) Just to clarify-- Pitchfest is free... AND costs money. Basically, the first day of classes and panels is free... but the second day, when you actually get to pitch, costs money... and there are different levels of payment depending on what you want.

Hope that helps, and Rosetta-- I'll try and get your info up here shortly!

Chad

Sell Your Movie or TV Show... and Say Hello... at Pitchfest!

Chad — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:04:46 GMT

Hey, everyone--

Just wanted to invite you all to next month's annual Great American PitchFest, where I'll be speaking and doing pitch and project consultations.

For those of you who haven't been to PitchFest, it's a two-day festival where writers, producers, directors, and other filmmakers can take classes, network, and pitch their ideas to actual agents, execs, producers, and representatives from studios, networks, and production companies.

Previous participants have sold scripts, gotten jobs, and signed with representation... and last year's festival sold out!

Most importantly... I'll be speaking there at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 13... participating on "Making It Reel," a panel of reality producers including Tim Crescenti (I Survived a Japanese Game Show) and Donna Michelle Anderson (Big Brother, Queer Eye for the Straight Girl).

I'll also be doing pitch and project consultations that afternoon, and signing copies of Small Screen, Big Picture at the Writers Store booth.

Anyway, it should be a valuable, productive, and informative weekend, and I'd love to see you all there!

For more information, take a look at the attached schedule and check out the website at www.pitchfest.com, or...

Just fill out the attached sign-up form and send it in to the address or fax number on the sheet!

Here's all the information...

WHAT:   GREAT AMERICAN PITCHFEST

WHEN:   Saturday, June 13th; 9am-6pm (Free Classes Day & Tradeshow)
             Sunday, June 14th; 10am-6pm (PitchFest Day)

WHERE: Burbank Marriott Convention Center
             2500 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

OTHER SPEAKERS/PANELISTS INCLUDE: great writers like Shane Black (Lethal Weapon), Pete Briggs (Hellboy), Joe Forte (Firewall), Simon Kinberg (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), Michael Hauge, Blake Snyder, and many more!

And you'll also have the opportunity to pitch to execs, agents, and representatives from Dimension Films (Bad Santa, Grindhouse, Soul Men), Disney's Gunn Films (Race to Witch Mountain, Freaky Friday, The Haunted Mansion), Principato Young (Reno 911), BenderSpink (The Ruins, The Ring), Morgan Creek (Young Guns, Major League, Georgia Rule, Ace Ventura) and management companies or agencies like Untitled (Zachary Quinto, Elizabeth Banks) and Abrams Artists.

Here's the sign-up form...

Pitchfest Registration Form (2009).pdf (263.59 KB)

And here's a schedule of the weekend's events...

PitchFestSchedule2009.pdf (57.65 KB)

Hope to see you all there!

Chad

Upcoming Writing Program Deadlines

Chad — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:39:36 GMT

Huge thanks to Jen Grisanti-- and her awesome monthly newsletter-- for compiling this great list of deadlines for upcoming network and studio writing programs. For all those applying-- GOOD LUCK!

WRITING PROGRAMS AND DEADLINES FOR TV WRITERS

NBC - Writers on the Verge
This is a 10-week program focused on polishing writers' material and readying the participants for the staff writer position on a television series. Classes concentrate on creating an exceptional spec script and understanding the dynamics of pitching oneself in the television industry.
Please go to http://www.nbcunicareers.com/entry_leadership/Writers_On_The_Verge
DEADLINE TO APPLY - June 30, 2009

ABC Associates Program
This is a 12-month paid program, during which individuals from diverse backgrounds are placed in entry-level positions in the production-related areas of ABC Studios in Burbank, CA.
Please go to http://www.abctalentdevelopment.com/
DEADLINE TO APPLY - April 24, 2009

CBS Diversity
CBS's program focuses on opening doors: providing opportunities to build relationships with network executives and showrunners; to support new and emerging writers in their efforts to improve their craft; and to develop the interpersonal skills necessary to break in and succeed.
Please go to http://www.cbscorporation.com/diversity/cbs_network/index.php
DEADLINE TO APPLY - May 1, 2009.

FOX Diversity Writers Initiative
Writers selected will be invited to attend a six-week session at Writers Boot Camp and be offered a consultation with WBC mentors during which time writers will rewrite and improve their scripts. The goal is to execute scripts at a level of professional quality equal to those purchased by Fox in the course of its normal television development.
Please go to http://www.fox.com/diversity/creative/writer_initiative.htm
DEADLINE TO APPLY - July 3, 2009

Warner Bros. Writers Workshop
The Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop consists of three components, Lectures, Simulated Writer's Room, and Staffing, all geared towards preparing the writer for a successful career in TV writing.
Please go to http://www.writersworkshop.warnerbros.com
SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED - May 1, 2009 - July 25, 2009

Thanks for a great turnout!

Chad — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:05:55 GMT

Hey, everyone--

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who came out Tuesday night for the Small Screen, Big Picture seminar and pitch panel at Barnes & Noble here in L.A. There were a ton of Script Notes readers there... some familiar faces and some great newbies... and it was wonderful to see you all. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the support...

William, the Barnes & Noble event manager, was thrilled with the turnout... he said it was by the most successful local event they've ever had there-- so thank you!

And for those of you who weren't able to make it, you missed a terrific time. I gave a much-longer-than-planned talk about the elements of successful TV shows, and then we brought out a panel of special guests: Lindsay Howard, a scripted agent from APA, and Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina, executive producers from Joke Productions, one of the hottest reality companies in town right now. Audience members were then able to pitch us ideas for their TV shows and get feedback on their pitches... and we heard some GREAT stuff.

To be totally honest, while not all the pitches were home runs, I was really impressed with the overall quality of the ideas and the poise of the pitchers. So kudos to everyone who attended, supported, and pitched! I hope you had a great time and left with something valuable!

For a fun description of the night, check out the blog of my friend and fellow TV writer, Paula Yoo... although be warned: you're not only in for a description of the night, but also for a gushy lovefest over Anoop Desai. (Trust me-- I'm embarrassed FOR her, I swear.) (Just kidding, Paula!) (Not really.) (And to be fair, at least once a week I find myself inadvertently rocking out to Kelly Clarkson.)

And lastly, here are some photos from the night, compliments of Paula... thanks, Paula!

The "seminar" in full-swing (and running way longer than I'd intended... so thanks to everyone for putting up with me!)

More me...

A display of books (I know this isn't that exciting to look at, but I have to admit... I like the poster)

The pitch panel in progress (from left to right: me, standing; Lindsay Howard; Joke Fincioen, Biagio Messina)

And if you weren't able to come but would still like pick up the book, please do!...

Pitch Your Idea to Producers & Agents... Next Tuesday!

Chad — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:41:51 GMT

Hey, guys--

Huge thanks to everyone who came to last night's pilot-writing seminar at mediabistro... it was a terrific turnout, and I really appreciate everyone coming and being so interested!

For those of you who couldn't make it... or those of you who have actual TV show ideas you'd like to pitch... or those of you who aren't sick of hearing me talk about television... I wanted to let you know about a very cool event coming up next week here in L.A.

As most of you know, my TV book, Small Screen, Big Picture: A Writer's Guide to the TV Business, came out from Random House/Crown a few weeks ago... so Barnes & Noble and I are hosting a pitch workshop and panel next Tuesday, March 31.

It should be a blast... I'm going to do a short (45-50 minutes) seminar about pitching, and then we'll have a panel of guests who will actually TAKE YOUR TV PITCHES, then offer feedback on your idea and pitching style!

And the best part... IT'S COMPLETELY FREE! (And the first 25 people to buy copies of the book that night will be guaranteed the chance to pitch!)

Our guests will be Lindsay Howard, an outstanding scripted TV lit agent from APA, and producers from Joke Productions (Scream Queens, Beauty & the Geek)... so whether you're interested in writing comedy, drama, reality, or alternative... we've got you covered!

Here's all the info... hope to see you there!

WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Barnes & Noble, The Grove
              189 Grove Drive, Suite K-30
              Los Angeles, CA 90036
              323-525-0270

(On a totally unrelated note, I am writing this while sitting in my backyard, on a beautiful California afternoon, listening to Johnny Cash's "Hurt" cover on repeat... IS THERE ANY SONG MORE POWERFUL THAN THIS???!" Simply awesome.)

IN RESPONSE TO TYLER'S COMMENT (see below): Hey, Tyler-- so glad you can come... and yeah-- I'll totally sign copies that aren't bought there! As for RSVPing... it's just first-come/first-served. (And again-- this song is awesome... now listening to the NIN version... but I think Cash's cover is better...)

IN RESPONSE TO JOAN'S COMMENT (see below): Joan-- thank you so much for the blurb on the blog... I can't tell you how much I appreciate it-- that's terrific! And wonderful blog! Everyone... please check out Joan's blog/website, The Publicity Hound, which offers free tricks and advice for generating publicity. It's a great resource for writers... especially since we often need to generate our own buzz and heat, but-- frankly-- are rarely that good at doing it. (I mean, come on-- we're writers... we're designed to sit in a room and talk to ourselves... which is why Joan's website is so handy!)

Write Your Pilot... and Sell It-- THIS MONTH!

Chad — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:54:30 GMT

Hey, all--

Just wanted to let you all know... I'm teaching my "Pilot Writing" course for Mediabistro again this month, and if you're in L.A., I'd love to see you all there! This seminar is a blast... it's one of my favorite classes to teach... and you'll learn everything you need to know about writing pilots in 3 hours! Plus, we're having a special guest this time... Stacy Traub, who created ABC's Notes from the Underbelly a couple years ago. (I always show the Notes pilot in class because I think it's such a well-constructed pilot, and I managed to convince Stacy to come by and chat about... so it's gonne be an extra-special class this time.) Here's the scoop...

Writing the TV Pilot: Create & Sell Your Own Series

Now that Friends, Frasier, Sex and the City, and E.R. (almost) are off the air, networks are looking for the next great new show. And with so many cable networks actively seeking original programming, the time has never been better to develop and pitch your own series idea. This seminar will show you how to develop and write a pilot, detail what to include in a proposal, and discuss the elements of the perfect pitch.

This seminar will feature special guest Stacy Traub, creator/executive producer of Notes from the Underbelly and executive producer of HBO's new series Washingtonienne. She's also written and produced Spin City, What I Like About You, and Kitchen Confidential.

In this seminar, you will learn:

Which types of shows the networks are looking for
Where to pitch and who to pitch to
How to write a synopsis that captures producers' attention
How to create compelling characters
How to generate ideas for a season's worth of episodes
What to include in your pitch -- and what to leave out
How to write a saleable pilot

WHEN Tuesday, March 24, 6:45-9:45 pm
WHERE Blankspaces, Los Angeles, CA 90036
FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE or call 212-547-7890

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

Thanks for coming... now go pitch some shows!!!

Chad — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:02:00 GMT

Thanks so much to everyone who came to the my Small Screen, Big Picture book signing and TV seminar, "Seven Steps to Selling Your Show" today at the Writer's Store! For those of you who were able to make it, I can't tell you how much I appreciated you coming and supporting the book! And thanks to Darren-- who introduced himself as a fan of the blog-- it's always great to meet readers... I love it when you guys introduce yourselves, so double-thank you, Darren... it was terrific to meet you!

Also, thanks to Paula for taking and sending these pictures... for those of you who weren't there, here are some quick, fun photos of the event!...

An incredibly awesome part of the seminar...

Another awesome part of the seminar...

Me with Paula Yoo, TV writer & author (The West Wing, Tru Calling, Good Enough, Sixteen Years In Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story)

Me with Anupam Nigam, TV writer/producer (Psych, The Division)

Seven Steps to Selling Your Show... in 45 Minutes

Chad — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:37:54 GMT

Hey, guys--

Just wanted to invite you all to a fun event next week. I'm hosting a short (and totally free!) seminar/discussion on Saturday, February 28, at The Writer's Store in Los Angeles, followed by a book signing of Small Screen, Big Picture: A Writer's Guide to the TV Business.

In the seminar, "Seven Steps to Selling Your Show," we'll be talking about the seven areas of an effective television pitch... and how to put them together successfully. We'll also have a Q&A to talk about pitching, TV, and the book itself.

So if you're in L.A. next weekend, please come... I'd love to see you there!

Here's the scoop...

WHAT:
"Seven Steps to Selling Your Show," a short seminar on TV, pitching, and selling your hit show... followed by a book signing

WHEN:
Saturday, February 28, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

WHERE:
The Writers Store
2040 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP! (or just show up...)

P.S. Just a quick, shameless note of fun self-promotion and excitement... Small Screen, Big Picture hit an all-time high this weekend on the Amazon best-selling charts, landing at #2 on the list of bestselling TV/screenwriting books, #2 on Amazon's list of performing arts book, and #38 on the list of general job-hunting and career books! Also, special thanks to Amanda the Aspiring TV Writer and TVbytheNumbers for the great reviews... I really appreciate it, guys!

Write Your TV Spec... Just in Time for Staffing Season!

Chad — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:41:43 GMT

Hey, guys--

Just wanted to let you know: I'm teaching a new TV spec-writing class, starting next week, and the folks at Mediabistro said I could give Script Notes readers a $50 discount!

The class is a ton of fun... and a ton of work... but it's designed to give you a finished TV spec script (a sample episode of a show currently on the air), just in time for staffing season... which will kick into gear next spring.

So if you'd like to learn how to write a spec, or work on your 30 Rock or Californication or Criminal Minds or Bones script in a workshop setting, this is a great experience. We'll not only go through the workshop process of writing the script, we'll talk about which shows make good specs, what to do with your script when it's finished, what else you need to do to break into the writers room, how to get an agent, etc.

The class begins next Thursday, October 16, and meets for ten Thursdays until January 8 (we'll take off for Christmas and New Years). Here's some more information...

WHEN     10 weeks, Thursdays, October 16 - January 8, 7-10 pm
WHERE   Beverly Hills, CA
LEVEL     Intermediate
MORE INFO: Click HERE
PRICE    $610 ($575 for ) - and $50 off for Script Notes readers (To receive your discount, please call Katherine Dagenhart at 212-547-7886.)

From the Mediabistro website...

You want to write for TV, and you've mastered the basics of meeting deadlines, wordcount, and editing. Now you're ready to get your script off the ground. In this class, you'll start and finish the first draft of your sitcom or one-hour drama spec script. Each week, you will bring in the amount of pages for your spec script that your instructor requires. Each student will read his or her work (with the help of fellow "actors" in the class), and the teacher and students will take turns critiquing the piece while adding suggestions for making it tighter. The entire last class will be devoted to reading final drafts and learning how to get your script into the right hands. Class is also heavy on TV clips and sample scripts.

In this class, you will learn:

Everything there is to know about the TV business from an industry expert
The rules for creating characters that are true
Structure: How to "break for commercial," find a good ending, wrap things up seamlessly
The secret behind perfect dialogue
Subplots: Where to put them, how to tie them in

By the end of class, you will have:
A complete spec script of a one-hour drama or sitcom.

Admission requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history), and a writing sample (less than 2,000 words).

Great Story Seminar...

Chad — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:39:27 GMT

Hey, guys--

We'll have some cool posts over the next few days... some great book recommendations, interviews-- and per your question-- we'll discuss the highwire act of being a single parent and attempting to start a career in television writing. But first...

I wanted to give you a heads-up re: a great educational opportunity. If you're in L.A. (or can get here), don't miss Jennifer Grisanti's Storywise Seminar on Saturday, September 20.

Jen's one of the best TV execs, producers, and developers out there... she spent years at Spelling Television, and she's one of the creative forces behind shows like Beverly Hills 90210, Girlfriends, Melrose Place, Charmed, Medium, NCIS, The 4400 and Numb3rs. She now runs Jen Grisanti Consultancy, and you may remember her from her interview here a few months ago.

Well, Jen is leading a day-long story seminar/event designed to help aspiring writers network with working writers, execs, and producers, learn more about TV, and break into the industry. Some of the execs and writers on hand will be: Glen Mazzara, Executive Producer/Showrunner of the upcoming series Crash on Starz; Elisa Roth, Sr. VP, Drama Programs, Universal Media Studios; and Gaylyn Fraiche, VP, Martin Chase Productions.

Here's what Jen has to say about the day:

"What if in one day you could discover how to increase your chances of getting work AND get past your creative obstacles? What if you could mingle with top executives who know what it takes for writers and directors to land a job AND why want to share their knowledge with you? What if you could walk away savvier about what makes a great story AND how to get the most out of story meetings?... As a Current Programs executive for over a decade at top studios, I learned from the best in the business about what makes the process of writing and selling successful.  I want to offer this same type of opportunity to you by revealing some of the secrets I learned and gathering some of the most talented executives in the business to share their insights... Storywise is your opportunity."

Please forward this e-mail to anyone who you feel would benefit from this event.

STORYWISE SEMINAR - GETTING TO THE NEXT STEP
Date     Saturday, September 20, 2008
Time     8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place    UCLA
Price      $215 (if you purchase on or before 9/17/08)
             $235 (if you purchase after 9/17/08)
             $200 - Special discount price for WGA/DGA/SAG members. (If you are
             a WGA/DGA/SAG member, please contact me directly at
             jennifer@jengrisanticonsultancy.com about the special discount
             instead of going through Pay Pal.

Group rates are $180.00 for groups of 5 or more. Please contact me about this at jennifer@jengrisanticonsultancy.com.

To sign up, please email Jen at jennifer@jengrisanticonsultancy.com or visit www.jengrisanticonsultancy.com. Scroll down on the homepage. You can sign up there and get more information.

Writing the Reality TV Show - Next Thursday!

Chad — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:46:20 GMT

Hey, TV writers and producers--

If you have any idea for the next America's Got Talent, Good Eats, The Amazing Race or Criss Angel: Mindfreak... or if you're just trying to get your foot in the reality TV door... or even if you're just a big reality fan... check out the mediabistro seminar I'm teaching next Thursday night, September 4!

Writing the Reality TV Show

Wipeout. Big Brother. Sunset Tan. Making the Band. From the multi-million-dollar series of broadcast television to the low-budget niche shows of cable, reality programming dominates television. But are reality shows really "reality?" How much planning and production goes into unscripted storytelling? And, most importantly, how can you get in on the action?

This seminar lays the groundwork for anyone wanting to break into the lucrative world of reality TV. We'll look at various types of reality shows and what makes them tick, from docu-dramas and docu-soaps (Dog the Bounty Hunter, The Hills) to game shows and elimination-style competitions (The Biggest Loser, Survivor) to personality-driven and "aspirational" series (Tasty Travels, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition).

The difference between reality shows, and how to pitch them accordingly
The critical elements every reality show and pitch must have
How to structure a pitch both verbally and as a written document
How to pitch to networks, studios, and production companies
When to attach hosts or producers to your idea, and when not to
What to expect when you're making your pitch, and what happens when you leave

Click here for more information...

WHEN: Thursday, August 4, 7-10 pm
WHERE: Beverly Hills Bar Assoc., 300 S. Beverly Dr., 2nd Fl., Beverly Hills, CA 90212
COST: $65 ($50 for avantguild members)
TO SIGN UP: Call 212-547-7890 or click HERE

Writing Your TV Pilot - Next Thursday!

Chad — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:55:25 GMT

Hey, everyone--

If you're working on a script for the next Lost, Friends, or 24... or toying with an idea... or just love television... check out the class I'm teaching for mediabistro next Thursday night...

Writing the TV Pilot: Create and develop your own series

With broadcast networks trying new programming strategies and new cable networks springing up every day, there are more opportunities than ever to sell a TV idea and get a show on the air. But TV pilots are an artform unto themselves... they work differently than novels, movies, or even regular TV episodes... and if you don't have a solid grasp of how pilots work-- and what networks and studios look for-- it's nearly impossible to sell an idea! This seminar explores the art and craft of writing a TV pilot: structure, character, genre... and what a pilot must accomplish in order to impress and survive TV's development execs.

(It's also one of my favorite classes to teach...)

Click here for more information...

WHEN: Thursday, August 7, 7-10 pm
WHERE: Beverly Hills Bar Assoc., 300 S. Beverly Dr., 2nd Fl., Beverly Hills, CA 90212
COST: $65 ($50 for avantguild members)
TO SIGN UP: Call 212-547-7890 or click HERE

Reality Seminar-- Back By Popular Demand!

Chad — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:25:43 GMT

Hey, screenwriters--

If you're in Los Angeles and interested in knowing how to develop and sell the next So You Think You Can Dance or Living Lohan, I'm once again teaching my 3-hour reality TV seminar at mediabistro.com next Saturday afternoon, and I'd love to see you there! Here's the scoop...

WRITING THE REALITY TV SHOW
When: Saturday, June 14, 1-4 pm
Where: mediabistro.com, 7494 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 303, W. Hollywood, CA 90046
Cost: $65
To sign up: Call Stefanie at 310-659-5668 or click HERE

Check out this webpage for more information... or here's the little blurb about it...

Moment of Truth. Wipeout. The Paper. From the multi-million-dollar series of broadcast television to the low-budget niche shows of cable, reality programming dominates television. But are reality shows really "reality?" How much planning and production goes into unscripted storytelling? And, most importantly, how can you get in on the action?

This seminar lays the groundwork for anyone wanting to break into the lucrative world of reality TV. We'll look at various types of reality shows and what makes them tick, from docu-dramas and docu-soaps (Denise Richards: It's Complicated, Laguna Beach) to game shows and elimination-style competitions (Hell's Kitchen, Survivor) to personality-driven and "aspirational" series (Tasty Travels, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition).

The difference between reality shows, and how to pitch them accordingly
The critical elements every reality show and pitch must have
How to structure a pitch both verbally and as a written document
How to pitch to networks, studios, and production companies
When to attach hosts or producers to your idea, and when not to
What to expect when you're making your pitch, and what happens when you leave