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Developing the TV Drama Pitch: AWG course
How do you develop a TV drama series idea into a compelling proposal for producers and networks? Find out at this Australian Writers Guild (AWG) course in Perth on December 5 and 6.
Scriptwriter Liz Doran will lead this AWG course on creating and developing successful adult television drama, especially short series (six to eight episodes) and miniseries. The first part of this course will include an overview of the Australian television industry and the development and commissioning role of the five free-to-air networks and the emerging significance of pay television.
The course will also investigate the importance of producer relationships, budget, location, audience, time-slot and especially genre. Recent examples of series will be discussed and their story elements will be explored. Some of the craft areas to be considered include creating engaging characters, working with the location/set split, combining serial and "story engine" elements, long form story arcs, plotting for ad breaks, generating dramatic tension, introducing and maintaining serial elements and understanding A, B and C storylines.
The second part of this course will focus on creating and writing pitch or proposal documents for producers and networks. Sarah Smith, screenwriter and producer with Southern Star Entertainment will also be participating on the second day.
This is an intermediate level course for writers, producers and directors who have a strong interest in television drama. Experienced and newer practitioners are welcome.
When: 9.30am to 4.30pm Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December 2008
Where: Theatrette, Building A, School of Isolated and Distance Education,164-194 Oxford St Leederville
Cost: $80 (AWG $60) Limited places
Closing Date: 5.00pm Tuesday December 2 (early application recommended)
Applications: Your email application should be addressed to Alan Payne, AWG WA Manager, and sent by email. In the subject heading of the email, please write ‘[SURNAME] TV Pitch'. Please provide a brief outline of your background and experience and why you would like to do this course, and a phone contact number. Your application will be acknowledged by email. Inquiries contact Alan Payne (08) 9201 1172.
This course is presented in association with ScreenWest. ScreenWest is offering funding of up to $2,000 each for up to three course participants to develop their TV idea into a proposal for consideration for further development support. Details will be announced at the course.
Background of Liz Doran
Liz has written for many prime time drama series including the new SBS six part series Carla Cametti PD, (on air January 2009) and the International Emmy Award winning, BAFTA nominated (Best Drama Series) UK drama series, Sugar Rush (Shine Ltd, Channel 4). Other credits include The Secret Life of Us, The Alice and Love Bytes. For several years she was the Drama Associate at SBS Independent responsible for script assessment and in-house development.
Liz also has several feature projects in development including Valve, a mystery thriller for Porchlight Films. She has worked as a script editor on projects as diverse as an animation series, television and various feature projects including The Square.
The Australian Writers' Guild acknowledges the financial support of ScreenWest and Lotterywest.
