Writing the TV Comedy Pilot

Online Classes
Writing TV Comedy Class
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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$699.00
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"Dying is easy. Comedy pilots are hard..." Paraphrasing a little bit here, but we believe anyone who has ever written a comedy script would agree.

There are many different factors to keep in mind when writing a Comedy Pilot:

  • Am I using a strong comedic voice? 
  • Are there enough jokes per page? 
  • Are my characters funny and relatable? 
  • Is there a compelling central theme? 
  • Am I telling an engaging, well-structured story? 
  • Is it hilarious? (or if it's a dark comedy) Is it insanely sad... and also hilarious? 
     

In this 6-week class, Emmy nominated comedy writer Michael Poisson (ROBOT CHICKEN, RAISING DION) will work with a small group of writers to teach all the ingredients that go into creating a strong and exciting pilot script. Each week, Michael will lead an hour long lecture covering different aspects of pilot writing. Starting with the concept, logline, and characters, writers will work with Michael to continue on to writing outlines for their pilots, and then script pages. And finally, each writer will learn how to bring their story home with a powerful conclusion meant to not only give a sense of resolution to the pilot story, but to also open the door to an overarching plot that can last for year of future seasons.

Each week, Michael will critique the writers' assignments personally, and give notes on how best to move forward. By the end of the class, writers will have completed a full comedy pilot script, as well as a final one-on-one phone call with Michael. Lasting about 20 minutes, this final consultation will be used to discuss Michael's thoughts on the completed script, as well as how to get it out to the marketplace, and any other industry questions the writer would like to ask. 


Leave this 6-week course with a first draft of your TV Comedy Pilot ready to market!

 

Week One - Introduction & Characters

Date / Time
Summary

This week: 

  • Instructor will talk about the current state of TV Comedy in the industry: types, sub-genres, buyers, etc. 
  • Instructor will explain loglines and how to structure them. 
  • Instructor will then explain characters in TV comedies: how to build them, what each character needs, and assigning them roles within the narrative. 
  • Instructor will explain the assignment due for next class and take questions from participants. 
  • Instructor will go over notes from the prep assignment, giving students thoughts on their concepts. 

Week Two - Outline

Date / Time
Summary

This week: 

  • Instructor will discuss any general notes based on the logline & character bios that were handed in.
  • Instructor will introduce outlines and discuss structure and common formats. 
  • Instructor will break down the 3-act comedy structure including the roles of Cold Open/Teasers and tags. 
  • Instructor will discuss the importance of tone based on the genres of the comedy pilots being written in class. 
  • Instructor wil talk about the importance of researching similar genre shows and give examples to class participants. 
  • Instructor will open the floor to Q&A on TV Outlines. 
  • Instructor will give individual notes on the logline and character bio assignments handed in from the previous week. 

Week Three - Cold Open & Act One

Date / Time
Summary

This week: 

  • Instructor will discuss the Outline assignment from the previous week, and give general notes based on the assignments handed in. 
  • Instructor will introduce the new sections: Teasers, Cold Opens, and Act One. 
  • Instructor will give examples, and discuss the importance of conflict, set-up, and how to not be too exposition-heavy in the first act. 
  • Instructor will give the assignment for next week: writing the first act of your comedy pilot. 
  • Instructor will open the floor to a general Q&A. 
  • Instructor will go through his notes for each of the outline assignments handed in. 

Week Four - Act Two

Date / Time
Summary

This week: 

  • Instructor will discuss the Act One assignment from the previous week - giving any general notes and clarifications that might be useful. 
  • Instructor will discuss the new section: Act Two. 
  • Instructor will discuss the importance of rising action, the act two climax (reversals, complications, reveals, etc.) 
  • Instructor will give the assignment for next week: writing Act Two. 
  • Instructor will open the floor to a general Q&A. 
  • Instructor will give each writer his notes on their act one assignments. 

Week Five - Act Three

Date / Time
Summary

This week: 

  • Instructor will discuss the Act Two assignments from the previous week - giving any general notes and any clarifications that might be useful. 
  • Instructor will discuss the new section: Act Three. 
  • Instructor will discuss the importance of the conclusion of the pilot while also setting up the conflict for the entire series. 
  • Instructor will give the assignment for next week: Writing Act Three/Conclusion. 
  • Instructor will open the floor for a general Q&A. 
  • Instructor will give each writer his notes on their Act Two assignments. 

Week Six - Final Consultation (time TDB)

Summary

For the final consultation: 

  • Instructor will have a one-on-one phone call with each writer to discuss their final TV Comedy Pilot that was turned in. It will be a 20-minute call that will include the Instructor's final notes on the script as well as allowing a chance for the writer to ask any questions about the class/industry. 
  • These phone calls will be set up with the Instructor via email and must take place within 3 weeks of the final Week Five Lecture. 
How it Works

Cancellation Policy: You may cancel for a full refund up to 5 days prior to the start of the class. Cancellations requested after this period will be ineligible for refunds.

Please ensure you are familiar with our Code of Conduct.

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The Roadmap Promise

Roadmap Writers prides itself on the quality of executives we bring to our programs and we work hard to get you the best feedback possible.

Our vetted executives are chosen by the legitimacy of the companies they work for and their ability to evaluate pitches and pages.

Only the executives you sign up for will be provided with your materials.

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