Learn from a seasoned TV writer with credits on CASTLE, NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, and BLINDSPOT!

Walk away with a fully written procedural pilot and the insider knowledge to develop a long-running TV series!

According to Deadline.com, “A Foundational Building Block”: The Procedural Is Back & Streamers Are Aboard – MIPCOM Scenesetters." Procedural television series have captivated audiences for decades, and the demand for fresh, engaging stories in this format remains high. Whether it's a gripping crime drama, an intense medical thriller, or a riveting legal battle, procedurals continue to thrive in the ever-evolving TV landscape. With networks and streamers always on the hunt for the next great procedural, now is the perfect time to develop your own. This exclusive Stage 32 lab gives you insider knowledge and hands-on experience in crafting a procedural that stands out in today’s industry. You will walk away with a fully written procedural pilot and the insider knowledge to develop a long-running TV series!

Many writers struggle with the unique demands of procedural storytelling—how do you craft a compelling case-of-the-week while developing rich, evolving characters? How do you balance episodic structure with long-term narrative arcs? And most importantly, how do you create a procedural that stands out in a crowded marketplace? This lab is designed to demystify the process and give you a clear roadmap to success.

Your educator, Kate Sargeant, is a seasoned TV writer with an impressive resume that includes hit shows like CASTLE, NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, and BLINDSPOT. She launched her career with a successful original play in London and has since built a reputation for crafting engaging, multi-dimensional characters. With her extensive experience in both writing and producing, Kate is uniquely qualified to guide you through the process of developing your procedural pilot.

By the end of this lab, you will have a fully written procedural pilot and a deep understanding of how to craft a compelling case-of-the-week structure while developing dynamic characters and long-term story arcs. You'll gain professional insights into what makes a procedural stand out in today's competitive market and leave with a polished script ready to showcase your writing skills. This course is designed to demystify the art of procedural storytelling and give you the tools to create a show with strong episodic structure and long-term potential.

This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with Kate and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to her. You will have access to her for the duration of your class by email to ask her any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

PLUS! You Will Receive the Following Handouts:

• Procedural Pilot Structure Breakdown

• Case-of-the-Week Storytelling Guide

• Character Development Workbook

Praise for Kate:

"What a unique and rewarding experience to live the life of a writer on a show. I was always curious how writers' rooms worked and now I not only know, but feel that my writing has drastically improved as a result of this lab. Thanks, Kate!" -- Samuel S

"I've taken a lot of screenwriting courses and workshops but have never experienced anything quite this fulfilling. Kate's instruction is top-notch." -- Sabrina R.

"I wish I could do this as a career! I loved being in the mock writers' room and feel that this lab really set me up to pursue the career I've always dreamed of." -- Morgan M.

Session #1 – Introduction To Procedural Television & Series Development

This week, we will cover the syllabus, discuss your goals for the class, and introduce the core elements of procedural storytelling. We’ll explore the different types of procedural shows (crime, legal, medical, supernatural, investigative, military, and workplace-based) and analyze their narrative engines. We will also break down the structure of the pilot. 

We’ll also examine what makes a successful procedural: strong central characters, an engaging series premise, a defined case-of-the-week structure, and ongoing character arcs. You’ll start developing the concept for your own pilot, including its world, tone, point-of-view, and structure.

Assignments:
🔹Write a half-page description of your pilot concept.
🔹 Identify a “template show” that aligns with your vision.
🔹 Write a half-page breakdown of your lead character(s) and their role in the series.

Session #2- Case-of-the-Week Vs. Series Arc: Finding Your Balance

Procedural pilots must strike a balance between episodic storytelling (the case-of-the-week) and long-term arcs (character development and mythology). This week, we’ll analyze different approaches to procedural structures and discuss how to craft an engaging A-story (the case) and B/C-story (character-driven subplots). We will also discuss the “True Crime Timeline” for procedural crime shows (if this is applicable to enough students) 

We will also cover:
🔹 How to introduce a case effectively in a teaser/opening scene.
🔹 Pacing and act breaks in procedural pilots.
🔹 How subplots evolve alongside weekly cases – balancing A with B/C stories
🔹 How to establish an engine that can sustain multiple seasons.

Assignment:
🔹 Outline your A, B, and C storylines for your pilot.

Session #3– Pilot Outline Consultations (One-on-One Meetings – No Class This Week)

Each writer will submit a pilot outline in advance and have a one-on-one consultation to discuss structure, pacing, and areas for improvement.

Assignment:
🔹 Revise your outline based on feedback.
🔹 Continue refining your character backstories.

Session #4– Acts One And Two: Building The Foundation

This week, we will break down the key story beats in Acts 1 and 2 of a procedural pilot. We will explore:

🔹 How to introduce your main character and their world.
🔹 How to establish the “rules” of your show.
🔹 How to set up the mystery or conflict that drives the episode
🔹 The importance of a strong first act break – declare the story by end of Act 1
🔹 Balancing exposition with action and dialogue.

Assignment:
🔹 Write Acts 1 and 2 of your pilot.

Session #5– Crafting High-Stakes Investigations & Case Development

Procedurals rely on tension, momentum, and layered investigations. This week, we will focus on writing compelling investigative beats, twists, and turns while avoiding predictable storytelling. Topics include:

🔹 Building a mystery with escalating stakes.
🔹 How to plant clues and red herrings effectively.
🔹 The art of an unexpected but earned resolution.
🔹 How to weave procedural elements with emotional storytelling.

Assignment:
🔹 Continue writing your pilot.

Session #6– Acts One And Two Consultations (One-On-One Meetings – No Class This Week)

Each writer will submit Acts 1 and 2 and receive individual feedback in a one-on-one consultation.

Assignment:
🔹 Revise based on notes and continue developing the next acts.

Session #7– Acts Three, Four, And The Series Launch

The final acts of a procedural pilot must resolve the case-of-the-week while setting up long-term arcs. This week, we will cover:

🔹 How to craft a compelling resolution that feels satisfying but leaves room for future stories.
🔹 The role of supporting characters in procedural storytelling.
🔹 How to establish the series launch point—what keeps audiences coming back?
🔹 Thematic layers and deeper messages in procedural storytelling (overarching mystery) 

Assignment:
🔹 Complete the first draft of your entire pilot.

Session #8– Final Pilot Consultations (One-On-One Meetings – No Class This Week)

Each writer will submit their completed first draft and receive in-depth notes in a one-on-one consultation.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

• This is an intimate, in-depth, practical, and detailed class held on Zoom where you will be interacting with your instructor.
• Your instructor will be available on email during the 8 sessions to answer any questions you have about your project.
• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a dedicated Stage 32 Lounge post where you can meet, connect and communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the class and beyond. Let Stage 32 help you find your tribe!

PLUS! You Will Receive the Following Handouts to Help You:

• Procedural Pilot Structure Breakdown

• Case-of-the-Week Storytelling Guide

• Character Development Workbook

Wednesday, April 9th, 2pm-4pm PT

Wednesday, April 16th, 2pm-4pm PT

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2pm-4pm PT

Wednesday, April 30th, 2pm-4pm PT

Wednesday, May 7th, 2pm-4pm PT

Wednesday, May 14th, 2pm-4pm PT

Wednesday, May 21st, 2pm-4pm PT

Wednesday, May 28th, 2pm-4pm PT

"What a unique and rewarding experience to live the life of a writer on a show. I was always curious how writers' rooms worked and now I not only know, but feel that my writing has drastically improved as a result of this lab. Thanks, Kate!" -- Samuel S

"I've taken a lot of screenwriting courses and workshops but have never experienced anything quite this fulfilling. Kate's instruction is top-notch." -- Sabrina R.

"I wish I could do this as a career! I loved being in the mock writers' room and feel that this lab really set me up to pursue the career I've always dreamed of." -- Morgan M.