Writing the TV Pilot

Develop and pitch a tv series that will wow producers

WHEN Materials available starting June 18
Discussions start Tuesday, June 25, 9-10 pm ET - Full Schedule

WHERE Online

PRICE
$550 (or $525 for AvantGuild members - details)

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Details

Networks are always looking for the next great 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.

In this intensive course, you'll learn how to develop your own television pilot idea, express it as a logline, structure the pilot, write a professional outline, and pitch the pilot idea.

In this class, you will learn how to:

Write a logline that will capture a producer's attention
Create compelling characters
Apply the rules of TV structure (A story/B story/C story, episodic versus serial programming) to your writing
How to make your idea sustainable and saleable
What to include in your pitch -- and what to leave out

By the end of the class, you will have:
A logline, a pitch, and a detailed outline of your project.

The online classroom has several components:

Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
Discussions: Join a weekly live, interactive discussion via IM and video
Assignments: Complete homework and receive instructor feedback
Forums: Exchange resources, meet peers, and ask your instructor questions

Course Syllabus

Writing the TV Pilot (PDF)

View a sample syllabus for the class here.

Instructor

Wendy Riss is a television writer, screenwriter, and playwright based in Los Angeles. She was a story editor on HBO's Hung and a staff writer on F/X's The Riches. Wendy has also written the plays Wildfire and A Darker Purpose at Naked Angels, which became the movie The Winner starring Rebecca DeMornay, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Billy Bob Thornton.

Wendy received her MFA at NYU's Dramatic Writing Program, where she was named Best Graduate Playwright. She is a member of Israel Horovitz's Playwrights Lab and has received numerous playwriting commissions including the New York Shakespeare Festival's new playwright commission.

Wendy Riss's Courses
Writing the TV Pilot – (Starts June 18)

Testimonials

Wendy was fantastic. She was extremely knowledgeable, very encouraging, and gave concrete, eye-opening pointers and advice that made a real difference in my writing. -- Nina Berry

"This was an awesome class! Wendy got her lesson across in a format that can leave a lot to interpretation. She provided practical guidance that left me with a solid foundation to build upon. I would definitely take another class taught by her." -- Helen Little

""Wendy was always in total command of the material, and her practical instruction on how to approach the process of writing was both fascinating and easy to follow." -- Joshua Kornreich