Crash Course: Nuts and Bolts of TV Comedy

What to Expect

Whether you’re starting a new project, working on a rewrite, or want to learn new skills - join us to hone your craft.

All Classes take place 100% online utilizing free video conferencing software ZOOM so you can participate from anywhere in the world with an internet connection!

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Who doesn't love a good TV comedy? Whether it's an old classic (I LOVE LUCY or CHEERS) or a more recent favorite (BROOKLYN 99 or THE GOOD PLACE), we all have our personal favorite. A good comedy seems effortless, but the truth is TV comedy is anything but. Writers put a lot of work into their stories and characters in order to stand out in the marketplace.

In order to help you take your TV comedy to the next level, Roadmap invites David Chien to host this special two week clinic!

This 2 Week Clinic Will Cover:

Structure
Characterization and POV
Jokes
Feedback on your first 10 pages
Live Q&A

Week One - Understanding TV Comedy

Date / Time

Mon, 09/13/2021 @ 04:30PM - 5:30PM PT

Summary

This week, we will focus on the essential elements of a TV Comedy.

We will cover:

Structure
Characterization and POV
Jokes
The marketplace

Week Two - Feedback on Your Pages

Date / Time

Mon, 09/20/2021 @ 04:30PM - 6:30PM PT

Summary

This week, your Instructor will give you feedback on the first 10 pages of your comedy pilot as well as answer your questions.

More about

David Chien

Talent and Literary Manager

Crossover Entertainment

David Chien is a talent and literary manager with over ten years of experience working with actors, writers, and directors. David fell in love with the business as a kid when he immigrated to America and absorbed the culture through his TV screen, experiencing firsthand how tv and film can connect people.

Starting in the business in 2008, working for talent agent Mark Scroggs, he helped launch the careers of Danny Pudi on COMMUNITY, Fiona Gubbelman on WILFRED, and Kaitlyn Black on HART OF DIXIE, amongst others. Realizing his love of building long-term strategies and 360 brands for clients, he decided to pivot from the agency side to talent management.

Joining Art/Work Entertainment in 2012, he discovered Awkwafina on YouTube and acquired her first television deal with Comedy Central. Through that experience he found his passion for working with multi-hyphenates and literary talents. With his then client, Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park, he set up three pilot development deals as well as his first feature deal, K-POPS, starring and directed by Anderson.Paak, which premiered at TIFF. While at Art//Work Entertainment he started their director division. He found an exceptional young director, Bola Ogun, and helped her advance from directing short films to directing the season 3 finale of THE WITCHER. In addition, he worked with writers, such as Tom Westfall, who co-created a limited series with Academy Award nominee, Lee Danials, as well as other writers and showrunners of high pedigree.

In the Fall of 2024, David left Art/Work Entertainment and founded Crossover Entertainment. Today, he identifies and brings to light underrepresented and undervalued voices and talents.

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Crash Course: Nuts and Bolts of TV Comedy

Online Classes