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How to Write for (and Pitch to) Women's TV Networks

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How to Write for (and Pitch to) Women's TV Networks

WHEN
Wednesday, July 18, 6:45-9:45 pm

WHERE
offices of mediabistro.com, 7494 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 303, West Hollywood, CA

MORE INFO
Email learnwest.info@mediabistro.com, or call (310) 659-5668.
UniversityChic members: call 888-589-1963 to enroll with your discount. You must bring a college ID to the seminar.

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
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Course Details

Lifetime, Oxygen, WE, Style, TLC, and SoapNet are just a few of the extremely popular networks that cater strictly to women's audiences. The list continues, and with the emergence of broadband and digitally created networks, there will be even more of a demand for programming for these venues. This seminar explores the special nuances involved in developing talk shows, dramas, comedies, game shows, and documentaries -- all content that appeals to women's audiences. Women's programming, from the soap operas of the 50's to today's Desperate Housewives, will be discussed. The tools needed to prepare a perfectly polished pitch, a no-fail query letter, and selling synopsis are analyzed to compete within this marketplace. The mysteries surrounding the process of how to approach a broadcast and/or cable network's insider staff and be a player in the arena of woman-oriented cable networks will be revealed.

In this seminar, you will learn:

  • The primary and secondary networks for women's-related programming
  • A brief history of women's cable networks
  • How to create high concepts, loglines, and selling synopses
  • How to write compelling and marketable treatments
  • How to write query letters and prepare in-person pitches
  • The current marketplace and climate for women's programming
  • How to approach development executives, producers, actors, agents, and managers
  • How to brand yourself and your material

Instructor Bio

Laurie Scheer
Laurie Scheer is a former vice president of programming for WE: Women's Entertainment and is currently a key member of the Film Faculty at Flashpoint Academy in Chicago. She has worked as an assistant, d-girl, and producer for some of the most powerful media conglomerates in the world, including ABC, Viacom, Showtime, and AMC-Cablevision. She has been a professor at numerous universities across the US and considers herself a media goddess, helping creative professionals realize their goals of working and improving 21st century media. Her book Creative Careers In Hollywood: From Extra Girls to Errand Boys (Allworth Press, 2002) chronicles and celebrates all of the movies ever made that feature women working in Hollywood. She also has a DVD, How to Pitch and Sell Your Screenplay.

Laurie Scheer's Courses
Brand Yourself – (Class starts February 10)
TV Writing: Spec Script – (Class starts January 19)
Writing Scripts for Online Video – (Class starts November 24)

Testimonials

Laurie has boundless enthusiasm and offers the opportunity to succeed. -- Paul Hagen

"Aside from priceless information and insight based on her background in TV, Laurie offers the constructive feedback and moral support that fledgling TV writers are unlikely to find elsewhere." -- Roslyn Ross

"Laurie's seminar was by far the best I have ever taken! She's the most knowledgeable instructor I've ever had, excellent on every level." -- Jamila Bey

"Laurie's class provided invaluable tips. She's one of the coolest instructors I've ever had. I would recommend her classes to anyone interested in learning more about writing for film and television." -- Imani Dawson

"Laurie's generous advice about television writing helped give me the confidence I needed to negotiate the contract process. I'll always remember that if you are a professional, you're worth it." -- Gina Laurie

"Laurie's classes are a must for anyone wanting to progress in the television industry. It is quite unusual to have someone offer to share their experiences, and even more unusual for them to truly want you to succeed." -- Tamara Federici, writer & former associate producer, Chappelle's Show

"Laurie is a professional who generously shares with her students her love and first-hand knowledge of the complex TV industry." -- Nancy West

"Laurie was informative, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. I found myself riveted and wanting to know more. If anyone is thinking of a career in television writing, this course is your starting point." -- Inger Slade

"Laurie's message of being well-researched, prepared, and realistic -- while also having supreme confidence in yourself and your ideas -- is one that all producers should hear." -- Tony Monterastelli

"Laurie gives you a thorough step-by-step process that will make you hone in on your concepts, brand, writing, and pitching skills." -- Denise Hendricks

"Laurie is friendly and personable but she will also get in the ring with you and make you face yourself." -- Laura Buchholz

"Laurie will help you plan the route between where you are now and that dream job in TV." -- Leslie Knox

"Laurie was exceptionally knowledgeable about the industry and provided insider information. I will happily take more courses with her." -- Candi Carter

"Laurie's a supremely talented, intuitive, and inspirational tutor." -- Joan Smith

"Through a series of fun exercises, Laurie helped me define my brand as a writer. I had no idea it could be so simple. And her information about marketing online is priceless. She is truly the media Goddess!" -- Tessa Smith McGovern

"I'd recommend Laurie's course to anyone interested in a career in TV writing. I found her passion for the subject matter and genuine enthusiasm in our projects very refreshing." -- Nate Paige

AvantGuild* Discounts on mediabistro.com offerings are just one of the wonderful benefits of being in AvantGuild, our premium membership program. For just $55 a year, you'll receive instant access to our How to Pitch articles and other premium articles, transcripts from selected seminars and panels, and discounts on virtually everything we do (including eClasses and the Freelance Marketplace)! Click here to join now.