TV Pilot Bootcamp: Week 1 (May 15 2022)

Week 1: Concept and Loglines (May 15)
We begin this course by zeroing in on the high concept core premise, and developing two separate loglines to express this idea. The first is the series logline, and the second is the pilot logline. These will act as guideposts to keep us on track through construction of your script. We’ll also start brainstorming a few different episode ideas from our prospective first season, to get a sense of where your show should begin, and where it’s headed.

The complete six-week TV Pilot Bootcamp course meets weekly every Sunday. Pro screenwriter Conor Kyle takes you from blank page to the first draft of a complete original pilot screenplay. You’ll attend a two-hour class session each week in which we’ll walk through the entire process of conceiving, outlining, and writing an original TV pilot.

How to enroll in the complete 6-week TV Pilot Bootcamp:
• You can either purchase the course “a la carte”: https://scriptcamp.net/product/classes/
• Or start your free trial Unlimited Script Camp membership with access to over 70 hours of live classes, workshops and bootcamps every month, including the weekly Script Camp Writers Lab: https://scriptcamp.net/membership/

About the Instructor:
Conor Kyle has written for Shudder’s Creepshow (2019) and placed twice in the Nicholl Fellowship with his scripts “Peter and the Wolves” (quarterfinals, also Launchpad top 10) and The Tube (semifinals). His screenplays have also been featured on the annual Hit List, Young & Hungry List, Spec Book, and on Tracking Board’s “Best Writers of the Year” booklet. He writes everything from stage musicals to Westerns to horror movies.

Complete 6-Week Bootcamp Course Schedule:

Week 1: Concept and Loglines (May 15)
We begin this course by zeroing in on the high concept core premise, and developing two separate loglines to express this idea. The first is the series logline, and the second is the pilot logline. These will act as guideposts to keep us on track through construction of your script. We’ll also start brainstorming a few different episode ideas from our prospective first season, to get a sense of where your show should begin, and where it’s headed.

Week 2: Story Beats (May 22)
Now that you have a solid grasp on the basics of your show, you’ll begin sketching out the key characters, plot points, and set-pieces in your pilot episode. Whether you’re planning for a 30-minute or 60-minute episode, you’ll need to carefully structure and pace your outline to ensure that you’re delivering on the promise of your premise quickly and efficiently enough.

Week 3: Scene Cards (May 29)
Time to start getting concrete. This class focuses on nailing down every scene from your pilot as a “scene card,” which is essentially a synopsis for every single major moment in your show. ScriptCamp heavily emphasises this part of the process, and we will make an exhaustive roadmap through your entire story before starting pages next week.

Week 4: Beginnings (June 5)
Now is when you’ll put pen to paper and begin drafting pages. You’ll have to write an act a week in order to keep up with the group’s milestones, and this is the first of three weekly check-ins in which we’ll evaluate your progress, troubleshoot issues, and give feedback.

Week 5: Second Act (June 12)
You’re in the thick of your script, and this class will feature both a short lecture on second acts and setpieces, as well as a lot of feedback on your in-progress pages. The goal is to keep your energy and momentum up as you approach the finale of your story, so we’ll ensure that your pacing, plot progression, and character arcs are all taking the reader in the right direction.

Week 6: Endings (June 19)
Time to finish strong. We’ll again diagnose issues with your in-progress scripts, and discuss crafting the ideal “unexpected but inevitable” finale. Plus, where do we go from here? Once the script is done, we’ll discuss show bibles, contests and fellowships, and all the steps on the long road toward those coveted TV writing jobs. But more importantly, congratulations: by the end of week 6 you will have finished a complete pilot script!