Complete a Television Certificate as you develop a spec of an existing series and original pilot, with weeks devoted to professional development and revision practices.
Learn to write a powerful script of an existing series
Craft an original pilot that captures your unique vision
Understand screenwriting from pitching to forming business relationships to submitting to competitions
Polish your completed script drafts in a supportive community of writers
About this course:
In this highly intensive, focused, and collaborative environment with a cohort of select students, you complete a solid draft of your spec script of an existing series and an original pilot in 9 months. In the spec phase of the course, you begin by refining your story idea and the outline. You then continue to write your script, focusing on capturing the essence of the show through its act structure, plot, multiple storylines, characters, scenes, and dialogue. During the pilot phase of the course, you take a concept for a television series and develop it through outline, the pitch, first draft, and the bible. You focus on complex characterization, structure, and the pilot story and potential for future episodes, and gain an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and where your series concept may be best suited, whether multi-camera, single-camera, drama, dramedy, or animation. Professional development is another key component to having a successful writing career. Topics including forming business relationships, pitching in meetings, preparing for rejection/success, submitting to competitions and fellowships, etc., is also covered. Lastly, you take your completed script drafts and polish them to be ready to take out to agents, producers, studios, and networks. Upon completion, you receive complimentary benefits such as a certificate in Feature Film Writing, a one-on-one consult, and a one-year WP Now membership.
Prerequisites
Submit your strongest writing sample that showcases your storytelling abilities, such as the first ten pages of a screenplay, a short story, article, play, etc. Also attach a two-to-three page personal statement, a resume, plus up to three loglines for a new project you wish to develop in the course. Participants will not be charged the full course fee unless they are selected for the series.
No meetings February 19 & 22; April 8 & 11; May 27 & 30; July 1 & 4; September 2 & 5.
Enrollment limited to 8 students; early enrollment advised. Restricted course; approval needed to enroll. Not eligible for any discounts. Visitors not permitted. No refund after enrolling.
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 priority deadline for submissions is Monday, December 11th. Materials must be received by that time in order to be considered by the instructor. There is no fee to apply.
Instructions for Submitting to the Conservatory:
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 January 15, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
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