TV Drama Writing: Idea To Outline
Drama Writing For Comedians: Idea to Outline in 4 weeks
Are you a comedian or comedy writer/performer who's interested in moving into TV drama or dramedy writing? This is for you!
Mastering the structure of an hour-long pilot will prove invaluable. The good news is that the best dramas are funny, from The Sopranos to Bad Sisters. In fact, your comedy background will be a huge asset as you write your first drama script.
I’m a WGA-Award-nominated screenwriter who started out in comedy. I did improv at UCB, posted viral sketch videos online, and eventually got my first job in TV, working for The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper (Comedy Central). From there, I transitioned to -- get this -- writing for Apple TV's Emmy-winning drama series, The Morning Show.
In this class, you will learn how I made that leap and prepare yourself to do the same.
Bring an idea to this class. Within four weeks, I will work with you to break a great story, ensure it's structurally sound, and help you write a detailed outline.
Breaking the story is the hardest part of writing. Nine out of ten writers fail at the premise stage. They have an idea, rush to complete it without a proper outline, and the script fails to live up to the concept. Most of the time, they’re not even sure what their story is really about. Then, they get so overwhelmed fixing their mess of a script that they give up altogether. Don’t fall into these traps.
In this class, we will work through your premise to ensure you’re working with the best idea possible. Then, we will break your entire story, scene by scene. We will work thoroughly through your character arcs, plot, and story, with a heavy focus on both structure and theme. By week four, you’ll have a foolproof outline detailing your script — the same type of outline you’ll be expected to write on a professional level.
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This class comes with the bonus of written feedback on your outline to be delivered within two weeks of class ending.
Highlights of this class include:
Breaking your entire story with the help of a professional writer
Mastering crucial story elements, including tone, theme, story engines, hooks, drive, character conceits, and much more
Learning and feeling confident in dramatic structure
Learn how to use your comedic background to both strengthen your writing and appeal to drama showrunners
Weekly assignments to help you improve your story, which you will receive notes on
Detailed notes on your final outline
8-10 students max to ensure personalized attention
End the year setting yourself up for success in 2024!
Dates: Thursday, November 9, 16, 30 & December 7 *Note: you will be expected to email me your logline/premise prior to the first class*
Time: 5:30-7:30/8pm PST & 8:30-10:30/11 EST
Cost: $525 $425 until November 1st! Then, $525
Paying newsletter subscriber rate: $375 (Discount code here. Upgrade your subscription here.)
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Pay on Eventbrite or Venmo @alison-vingiano the class cost
See all additional class offerings here.
Katy:
“I've recently been in a rut writing-wise while trying to finish edits on a pilot, so I decided to take Ali's Zoom workshop. I left with excellent notes and a possible young adult pilot idea for the future. This is the perfect reboot if you feel stuck in your creativity.”
Sharilyn:
“Ali was there for everyone no matter where they were on their creative journey. I arrived with a vague idea of what I wanted to write about and left with clarity and a great start to a pilot I am now finishing a second draft of.”
Katie:
“Ali gave extremely thoughtful notes on every assignment I turned in. She had an incredible ability to point out flaws in my story structure and character work without making me feel bad. Rather, I left feeling excited and motivated to keep doing the work.”
Diana: