Web Series Writing and Development: The Essentials

Want to create a web series but don’t know where to start? This class is for you. At this day-long workshop, learn the essentials of how to write and develop a web series on your own, and also get insight on how to create a series with a network.

This course is taught by Sarah Salovaara, writer and director of the Gotham Award nominated series Let Me Die a Nun.

Come in ready to learn about the writing process, independent production (how do you self-finance and make strategic, cost-effective partnerships?), release strategies (how do you build an audience?), and after-release opportunities (are there opportunities to get your web-based project on TV?). Learn about how to pitch a series to a network, and learn about the scripting process — especially on how to incorporate network feedback without relinquishing too much control.

The latter half of the day, we’ll get down to basics and figure out what makes for a strong web series by exploring different approaches and formats of successful shows. And come to class prepared to discuss your projects and ideas for a series, with feedback from Sarah as well as time to ask her anything.

What You Will Learn

• How to script a series, both when developing independently and with a network
• How to finance and produce a web series independently and strategically
• Audience finding and building techniques
• How to pitch a series — what goes into the deck, outline, and budget?
• The most successful formats and approaches of strong web series