TV Pilot Writing

Presented by: James Anthony Tyler

Held online over Zoom: 

Open to experienced writers only. To take this class you must either have previously taken at least 2 HB playwriting classes -or- have an undergraduate or graduate degree in writing or a related creative field (ie. filmmaking, creative writing).

This course will introduce television series structure and how to keep stakes high in your pilot script so you can keep an audience glued to the screen. Through in-class exercises, participants will experiment with developing complex and active characters that both push the story forward and speak in dialogue that is rich and contains subtext. We will analyze accomplished shows and then you will write original scenes for in-class workshops and discussions. You will also develop an original series idea and create a pitch document that includes an outline/beat sheet, character descriptions, and themes to be tackled in the show before you start work on your own pilot script. Let’s get started on creating the next BREAKING BAD, ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, SQUID GAME, MODERN FAMILY, GODFATHER OF HARLEM, OR THE WIRE!

James Anthony Tyler is the recipient of the 3rd Annual Horton Foote Playwriting Award and an inaugural playwright to receive a commission from Audible. He was the Staff Writer for the OWN Network show CHERISH THE DAY created by Ava DuVernay and is currently the Story Editor for a new Apple Drama Series…read more