This 2-day workshop will focus on the core elements of writing a 1-hour dramatic series spec script—based on an existing series—from premise to outline to completed teleplay.
This workshop might be for you if you:
Are a writer who has written in other formats and want to learn the fundamentals of writing a 1-hour teleplay.
Want to eventually write an original 1-hour drama pilot.
Are ready to be challenged in a classroom environment that will be conducted like a professional TV series writing room.
In this workshop you will:
Learn how to analyze elements of a television series, including character resumes, storylines, escalating conflicts, stakes, and act breaks.
Learn the craft of writing to those goals and outcomes.
Pitch A and B storylines that are unique to your chosen series.
Receive feedback and response to your work from the group and the instructor.
Read outlines and scripts of existing series and be able to breakdown A, B, and C stories.
By the end of this workshop you will:
Understand the craft of escalating stakes, intruding conflict into scenes, building tension, earned behaviors, planting seeds, and payoffs.
Be able to give and receive useful feedback to other students’ work.
Have the tools to write your outline into a fully realized teleplay.
Choose from one of these series options (scripts will be emailed to you prior to class): “Orange is the New Black,” “Jane the Virgin,” “Ozark,” “Killing Eve,” “Blue Bloods,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
This should be a show you like, understand, and know well, or one that you are willing to study in-depth.
Watch as many episodes of your chosen series as possible—at least one whole season and ideally every season produced.
Search the series home page to read all produced episode summaries.
Watch episodes of all series in the choices above so you can create as much value as possible in your comments on other students’ work.
All students will arrive knowing which series you want to write. Bring ideas for at least two stories featuring the star of the chosen series and one for a member of the core cast. Keep it brief and to the point. Stories do not have to fit in to the current season.
REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULE
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Instructor: Allison Robbins (TV and Screenwriting Faculty, NYU Film School and Tisch) Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19 10:00am – 3:00pm both days