Learn the various roles the showrunner plays as a series’s head visionary and leader
Gain insight into how to develop the business acumen needed to survive as the head of a series
Discuss how to keep your series consistent through the arc of your season and series run
Develop a series bible with pilot summary and series arc
About this course:
There is currently high demand for skilled showrunners, the person who generally creates the series, writes the pilot, sells the series, and stays on to run the series. In this course, you gain access to the process from the first pilot script to getting the budget to send it to pilot, with the goal of ultimately getting picked up for a series. As the overall success of the series depends on both creative and business acumen, you also gain insight into the negotiation process with the studio, network, or distributor. You learn how to staff writers and break stories; run the writers' room; pull the production team together; work with rotational directors, production heads of departments, editors, and other matters of post-production—making sure all episodes are consistent and reflect the overall series arc—all while managing relationships with the network, studio, and broadcasters. Your final project will be to hand in your Series Bible complete with pilot summary and series arc. Guest speakers from the industry share inside knowledge and examples so you can plan your path to success as a showrunner.
Prerequisites
You'll need to review a sample script, complete a questionnaire, and submit a resume for this course.
Admission to this course is by application only and the selection process is competitive. It is recommended that students take intermediate-level courses prior to submitting their work. When this course is open for enrollment, click "See Details" for application guidelines and quarterly application deadlines.
Enrollment limited to 12 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted.
$100 nonrefundable. Enrollment discounts limited to WP NOW members; no other discounts apply.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation.
Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
The submission deadline for this course is Wednesday, June 5 at 9 AM PT.
Instructions for Submitting to Advanced-Level Courses:
Click on “Enroll” then follow the prompts to check out and create a new account, or enter your information as a returning student. Then, follow the remaining instructions below:
At the “Contact Information” Page, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page and initial both boxes under “Privacy Policies.” Continue Checkout.
Click “Start” on the first Application page.
On the 2nd Application page, click “Start” on the bottom left side of the page.
NOTE: despite being asked to enter payment information, YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED for this course unless you choose to enroll if / when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course. In other words, it’s 100% free to apply. The full course fee will be due up front to register, prior to attending the course. Since enrollment is restricted there are no applicable discountable promos available for this course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1 to 2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start. In the meantime, you can also register for alternative open-enrollment course and transfer upon your acceptance.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after July 13, 2023
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
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