Film + TV Development for Indie Artists

Learn about the traditional 'Development' phase in Hollywood, including story and project development. Explore the process of concept creation, script refinement, and resource gathering. Understand how relationships and IP can influence project progression. Discover insights into pitching to executives and securing funding for production.

Discover the essentials of writing a film treatment, including its purpose and key elements. Learn how to create a compelling treatment to pitch your project, covering vital aspects like story summary, character profiles, tone, and influences. Understand what to include for features, shorts, and episodic content, and find tips for showcasing your vision to potential buyers and producers.

Understand the importance of a show bible in TV series pre-production. A show bible outlines characters, plots, settings, and themes, serving as a vital pitch tool for securing production agreements. Learn how this living document evolves with the series and discover tips for creating a unique and engaging series bible to stand out to network executives and production companies.

Learn about the different aspects of script formatting, including scenes, dialogue, and character introductions. Understand how to develop your story for various formats, such as feature films, short films, drama pilots, and comedy pilots. Discover the importance of a repeatable premise for TV shows and how to distinguish between a feature film and a short film based on the story's scope.

Understand the difference between protecting your idea and your script. While ideas cannot be copyrighted, your script is automatically protected under US copyright law from the moment it's created. Learn about the benefits of registering your script with the US Copyright Office or the WGA, and the importance of sharing scripts for feedback and growth as a writer.

Explore the pre-production phase, where planning and preparation take place before filming begins. Learn about the roles of key team members, including the director, cinematographer, producers, and others involved in the process. Understand the essential tasks and considerations for pre-production, tailored to the project's budget and scale.