Television Series Development Workshop

This workshop is designed for writers, hyphenates and producers seeking to understand all the elements that go into an original series proposal for television. You study the creative development process from start to finish - from first idea to completed pitch. Non-writing producers come to understand which properties hold the most promise for adaptation or development; while writer-producers gain invaluable experience seeing a television series idea take shape. You begin with research, series concept, and the initial vetting of ideas, while learning to identify your audience, likely buyers and distributors. You then learn how to present the unique world of your series to an audience and buyers who have grown increasingly sophisticated in their demands for originality and authenticity; and how to develop the kinds of rich, multilayered and conflicted characters who win the allegiance of their audience and sustain interest for season after season. Instruction covers the essentials of plotting over multiple episodes and seasons in different formats, including crafting ongoing conflicts and seasonal arcs, as well as closed-ended episodic storylines. Finally, discussion delves into meta-themes and the key elements of setting tone. Your learning will be enriched by reading assignments that include interviews with top show creators about their creative process. You will put these ideas into practice by creating all of the elements of a completed pitch for an original television series, including written pitch bible, supporting visual materials, and a verbal pitch you will deliver to visiting industry professionals.