Learn from Mahtub Zare Mochanloo, a current Staff Writer on Season 2 of Netflix's hit comedy series NOBODY WANTS THIS!

Only 5 Spots Left! Receive expert guidance, personal feedback, and one-on-one consultations to develop your rom-com screenplay from concept to a polished first draft!

Romantic comedies remain one of the most beloved and enduring film genres, consistently finding audiences on major streaming platforms, in theaters, and on television. With a perfect blend of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters, rom-coms require a unique balance of sharp dialogue, well-developed character dynamics, and emotional resonance. Whether you’re aiming for a major studio production or an indie festival darling, this exclusive Stage 32 private lab will help you craft a compelling and marketable romantic comedy script in just eight weeks!

Your host Mahtub Zare Mochanloo is currently a Staff Writer on Season 2 of Netflix’s hit comedy NOBODY WANTS THIS. A first-generation Iranian-American, Mahtub's journey into entertainment includes participating in the prestigious Disney ABC TV Writing Program, working at WME, and producing at BallenStudios. She has been instrumental in launching industry initiatives like The Diversity Fund Gap Initiative at The Creative Coalition. When she’s not writing, you can find her surfing in Topanga, queer line dancing, or hosting the stand-up show Gay Interrupted alongside her girlfriend. With her extensive industry experience and passion for storytelling, Mahtub is the perfect mentor to guide you through writing your romantic comedy screenplay!

In this interactive and immersive lab, you’ll develop your romantic comedy from a rough idea to a fully realized first draft. Each week, you’ll receive personalized feedback, structured lessons, and one-on-one consultations to help refine your story. You’ll learn how to craft memorable meet-cutes, develop engaging chemistry, and structure compelling conflicts that keep audiences invested. You’ll also gain insights into avoiding clichés while delivering satisfying romantic arcs, balancing humor and heart, and making your script commercially viable. By the end of the lab, you will have a completed first draft of your romantic comedy and a roadmap for revisions to make it production-ready!

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 Mahtub 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!

Session #1 – The Foundations Of Feature Film/TV Movies

• Course overview and expectations 

• What execs look for in a good story/screenplay

• Identifying the key elements: Meet-cutes, chemistry, and conflict

• Establishing tone, theme, setting, and world-building

• The importance of an emotional journey for both leads

Assignment: Develop a logline and an outline of your film. Focusing on key plot points and characters. 

Session #2 – ACT 1: The Meet-Cute / Conflict / Character Introductions

• Crafting a memorable meet-cute/opening that sets the tone

• Creating distinct, relatable characters with chemistry

• Setting up the central conflict and obstacles to love

• Building emotional stakes that keep your audience invested

• Writing distinct voices through dialogue

• Where to start and what to include in Act 1

Assignment: Revise your outline as needed. Draft your first 10–20 pages, focusing on opening, establishing your characters, and setting up the romantic conflict.

Session #3 – Act II, Part 1: Rising Action To Midpoint 

• How to heighten the romantic tension and stakes

• Plotting rising action: near-misses, misunderstandings, and romantic mishaps

• Deepening character arcs and building emotional resonance

• What makes a good midpoint: using the midpoint to reframe the story’s stakes 

• The importance of supporting characters and subplots

Assignment: Write another 20–30 pages, building toward the midpoint. Focus on further character development and escalating tension. 

Session #4 – Individual Consultations (Consultation #1)

Submit your material for a one-on-one consultation. We’ll review your progress, address challenges, and refine your script’s first half. 

Assignment: Make sure you’ve completed 45-50 pages of your script, implementing any major story notes.

Session #5 – Act II, Part II + Commerciality

• Raising the stakes: misunderstandings, secrets, and surprise reveals

• Building to the break-up or darkest moment

• Crafting set pieces that blend humor and emotional depth

• Avoiding clichés while delivering on genre expectations

• What makes a script commercial and its implications in the industry

Assignment: Continue writing, aiming for 60–70 pages here. 

Session #6 – Act III: Building To The Climax

• What makes a satisfying third act

• Character arcs and antagonistic plot turns 

• Building to the climax: stakes, reveals and set pieces 

• Resolving subplots and character arcs

Assignment: Complete 70–80 pages, focusing on the final turning point and resolution setup. We should be at least halfway through Act 3. 

Session #7 – Act III / Sticking the Landing & Wrap up

• Surprising and satisfying final turns and resolutions 

• Delivering on the emotional payoff: love declarations and grand gestures

• Final character arcs and tying up loose ends 

• Polishing: dialogue, character depth, and pacing

• Producibility  

• Open Q&A and final advice for next steps

Assignment: Write your final 10-15 pages and celebrate—your first draft is complete!

Make sure to resolve character arcs and conclude the central plot. 

Session #8 – Final Consultation  

Submit your completed draft for review. Discuss your script one-on-one. We’ll evaluate the shape and potential of your draft. Are you satisfied with the execution of your story outline? What do you like and dislike about this version? 

Assignment: Incorporate feedback, revise your script, and celebrate your accomplishment!

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an executive and 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 in-depth, practical, and detailed class roughly 2 hours in duration for each session with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.

• If you can't make a Zoom session live, don't worry! It will be recorded and you can watch it on demand at your convenience. 

• 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 where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the lab.

• Writers at all stages, from beginners to experienced screenwriters, looking to develop a romantic comedy screenplay from start to finish

• Screenwriters who want personalized feedback from an experienced industry professional

• Creatives who want to refine their storytelling skills and learn what makes a successful rom-com

Sunday April 27th, 10am-12pm PT

Sunday May 4th, 10am-12pm PT

Sunday May 11th, 10am-12pm PT

Sunday May 18th, 10am-12pm PT

Sunday May 25th, 10am-12pm PT

Sunday June 1st, 10am-12pm PT

Sunday June 8th, 10am-12pm PT

Sunday June 15th, 10am-12pm PT