Date:
(awaiting dates)
Duration: 2 days
Times: 10am-4pm
Capacity: Max.12 participants
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