Two Days in TV LAND: Writing & Pitching Series Television

New Dates TBC!

Two Days in TV LAND: Writing & Pitching Series Television

Date: (awaiting dates)
Duration: 2 days
Times: 10am-4pm
Capacity: Max.12 participants
Fee: £300
 
Do you have an idea for a television or streaming series?  Are you curious about how television is created, pitched and sold? 
 
Put down the remote. Step away from the app.  And spend Two Days in TV Land with American Writer, Hal Cantor (halcantor.com). 
 
In this practical, interactive, immersive weekend workshop, you’ll take a deep dive into the writing and development of series television, from an American and International perspective. Where do ideas come from? What are the components of a great series? What is a television pilot? Why are they so challenging to write? Why are characters critical to successful series? How is series television pitched and sold? How have Netflix and streamers changed the landscape of TV? Participants will also have the chance to present their own ideas for series in a practical pitch session!

 

SATURDAY: 
  • TV LAND: A look at the current landscape of TV and Streaming
  • TV vs. Film Storytelling
  • Why is narrative television so compelling?
  • TV Formats / Types
  • What's happening in comedy?
  • Pitching Television: A Deep Dive
  • What are the key elements to a successful pitch?
  • Pitch Tips and Tricks 
SUNDAY: 
  • Character. Character. Character. The three most important words in television.
  • What exactly is a TV pilot? What must a pilot accomplish?
  • What is the world of the pilot and why is it so important?
  • What are the types of pilot storytelling?
  • Breaking down Breaking Bad: A critical discussion
  • The Inside Story: Participants act as studio heads as Hal pitches a project. 
  • Participant pitches (with feedback!)
  • The American process of selling a TV series
  • Q&A: The Business. 

So if you’re curious about the brave new world of television, and have an idea that you'd like to pitch and develop, why not take a break from Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer and Sky and come join the conversation!


 
"I highly recommend Hal Cantor’s TV Writing workshop. Not only did the participants learn the complexities of the ever-changing TV/streaming landscape, but Hal provided opportunities to craft compelling characters, as well as pitch projects to a room filled with newbies and veterans, alike. His feedback was constructive, thoughtful, and steeped in helpful strategies designed to elevate each person’s writing, regardless of skill level. Add in Hal’s trademark humour, and the result was a weekend filled with intensive learning, laughter, and fun. Thanks, Hal!" - Mary (International Screenwriters Association)
 
"Enlightened, that the "puzzle" of what TV streaming is all about started to yield. Was good to be able to grasp an insight." - Debbie, 2019

"Hal was always a breath of fresh air in our feedback sessions and I really appreciate the wit, wisdom, and straightforward approach he brought to each conversation." - Will, 2019

Tutor profile: Hal Cantor, Screenwriter

Hal Cantor's workshops at LFS

Further information:

Social links

HAL CANTOR writes television, film, and theater. He is currently writing on the second season of GREAT ESCAPES with MORGAN FREEMAN for The History Channel. His comedy, TO HAL & BACK, was optioned by SONY PICTURES TELEVISION. He wrote on FUSION channel's acclaimed special, THE NAKED TRUTH: DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, which broke The Panama Papers story. Prior to that, his drama pilot, MOUTHPIECE, was bought by FOX TELEVISION STUDIOS. He wrote THE LAKE EFFECT, a one-hour drama pilot for SHOWTIME, developed with Emmy-winning director Scott Winant. Hal also sold the drama pilot, TWILIGHT, to SONY PICTURES TELEVISION. In features, he developed a comedy with John Davis Productions.
 
Hal’s had multiple plays produced. His one-man show, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ANXIOUS, debuted at London's Camden Fringe. CUBICLES,which he wrote & directed in Los Angeles, garnered 7 Valley Theater League nominations including Best Play, Best Writing and Best Director. He's currently adapting his play, THE BONUS ROUND, into a musical with a UK composer.
 
On the teaching front, Hal has developed and presented courses at New York Film Academy, London Film School, Met Film School: Berlin & London, Raindance: Berlin, aFilm International in Barcelona, and the Northwest Film Center in Portland.  He also represented Met Film School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in collaboration with PINEWOOD STUDIOS.