TV Writers Room Workshop: Writing Jokes for Sitcoms + Participate In a Mock TV Joke Punch Up Room
Reviews Average Rating: 5 out of 5
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Julie Restivo Kirill had excellent information to share. It was incredibly valuable to participate in the mock writer’s room and get a taste of what it’s like to work as a staff writer…but without all the pressure. Kirill created a very supportive and nonjudgemental environment that allowed for experimentation and collaboration. Once the creative juices got flowing, our group felt like a real writing staff. It was so much fun!!
Other education that may be of interest to you:
Stage 32 Television Workshop: Writing Jokes for Sitcoms + Participate In a Mock TV Punch Up Room
**Learn the art of TV joke writing from long time TV comedy writer Kirill Baru and participate in an actual episode punch up room, working to improve scenes from a notable TV comedy.** Jokes don’t just come out of nowhere, and their success is completely reliant on the medium. Things that are funny in conversation or in front of an audience might not be funny on a television show. This is why being “naturally funny” just isn’t enough to make a funny series with great jokes. It takes an understanding of the medium and insight into the types of jokes that work on television. It also usually takes a team of people in a punch up room setting, utilizing multiple perspectives and senses of humor to arrive at the best joke for each situation. Understanding how to find the best jokes in an episode script and learning how to operate successfully in a punch up room setting will help make your own comedy pilot funnier and can give you the tools to be a more desirable member of any TV comedy writers room. Kirill Baru is a sitcom writer and executive producer who has staffed on and sold a variety of live-action and animated comedy shows like Freeform’s BABY DADDY and the critically acclaimed animated show DAN VS. on the HUB. He’s also written and produced several comedies in the kids space, from Disney’s SYDNEY TO THE MAX to Cartoon Network’s MAD: THE ANIMATED SERIES. When Kirill isn’t staffing on shows, he’s developing projects with networks such as Disney and Netflix. He attributes his career to writing comedy that finds a way to have a lot of edge without ever losing any of its heart. Kirill is very familiar with punching up TV scripts, finding ways to make them funnier and finding success in a TV punch up room. In this special extended workshop, Kirill will teach you how to craft effective jokes for any TV comedy. He’ll break down where good jokes come from and the elements needed to make a joke work. Kirill will also lay out the main types of TV jokes you can draw from and walk you through important comedy terminology that’s used in every writers’ room and punch up room. He’ll also go through how to make jokes work with an eye towards scene construction and explain what makes a great punch up room for any TV comedy. Kirill will then lead a TV comedy punch up room, similar to how real TV comedies run them. Everyone who signs up will be able to participate in this room and work with the group to add jokes, fill in pitches, and create alt docs for two scenes of an episode of an actual notable TV comedy. Kirill will provide feedback and analysis or all of the joke pitches. If you’re interested in breaking into TV comedy, it’s so important that you know how to craft great jokes in this specific medium. This workshop is the perfect way to help you get there. Praise for Kirill's Previous Workshop "The workshop was awesome! Going through this workshop and seeing the end result produced by our team of writers (classmates), not only shed light into how the sausage is made, but also showed me that this is something I can actually do. Well worth the investment!" -Kane B. "Kirill's workshop was a great experience. He's a natural teacher, professional, insightful, and encouraging. It was not only educational but practical, allowing the attendees to punch up an actual script as if in the writer's room, followed by him, putting on his showrunner hat and reviewing what had been created by the group. I would highly recommend anyone interested in working as a professional writer, with dreams of being in the writer's room to attend one of his classes." -Dave W. "This was the best online class tv writing class I’ve ever taken. There is only so much the brain can grasp and retain in a lecture format. Kirill did an amazing job structuring the class and providing an in the moment experience — the best way to learn. Thank you." -Barbara G.
How to Develop, Pitch and Sell a Kids TV Series for a Streamer or Network
If you've watched Netflix regularly, you are familiar with their top 10 list and more than likely noticed that kids TV content like COCOMELON, CARMEN SANDIEGO and HENRY DANGER tend to dominate the platform. The truth is there's never been a better time to get involved in kids' TV, especially since networks and streamers are actively looking for new content. Yet in order to write successfully in this space or find success with your own show, you have to know who you are writing for in order to do it well. When writing for kids, you need to be just as knowledgeable and intentional on your approach as you would with any other audience. Just like adults, there are certain aspects to master on how to craft a good and engaging story that younger audiences will latch on to. When writing for kids, you may feel limited in the elements you can include in the story. However, it’s important to remember that when you are writing for kids, you are really writing for a family experience. Kids often watch television with their parents, therefore, it is important to get an understanding of how to write engaging stories that will appeal to all viewers. In order to do this, you need to know what kids are looking for, and how your story aligns with the market’s demand. You not only need to have a compelling story that connects but the tools to pitch and sell your story to producers to get them interested in bringing your project to life. We have the tools and strategies to help you venture across this bridge. Kirill Baru is a sitcom writer and executive producer who’s staffed on and sold a variety of live-action and animated comedy shows and has written in the adult space, where he’s produced series like Freeform’s BABY DADDY and the critically acclaimed animated show DAN VS. on the HUB. He’s also written and produced several series in the kids space, from Disney’s SYDNEY TO THE MAX to Cartoon Network’s MAD: THE ANIMATED SERIES. When Kirill isn’t staffing on shows, he’s developing projects with networks such as Disney and Netflix. He attributes his career to writing comedy that finds a way to have a lot of edge without ever losing any of its heart. Kirill will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and resources on how to successfully craft your TV series for Kids. Kirill will give you an overview of Kids Comedy series and where your series fits in today’s market and discuss some unforeseen obstacles you may face. He will also give you tips on writing for Kids TV such as what kids are drawn to, how not to talk down to them, the difference between Nickelodeon and Disney, how to use POV to your advantage and much more. In addition, Kirill will also teach important aspects of pitching and selling your Kids TV - what makes it different from pitching adult TV, how to create something that kids have never seen before but that is familiar, and the power of co-viewing. Once you have completed this webinar, you will feel much more confident about writing and packaging your Kids TV series and making it market ready. Plus! Kirill will walk you through the pitch document he created for his show EAGLETON ESTATES that he successfully sold to Netflix Kids and provide you with homework of what your next steps should be to sell your own project.
Developing and Pitching Kids Programming
Have you ever wanted to see what it takes to sell a kids show successfully in today’s market? In this webinar, you’ll learn from an executive producer in kids programming what today’s audiences are looking for, how to deliver a great script, and how to pitch and sell your project successfully. Do you have a fantastic idea for the next great kids show? Do you want to inspire and shape the next generation? Or make their day a little brighter with relatable stories with heart? Some of the best comedy writing and storytelling on television comes from kids programming, but the space is rapidly changing as more platforms and networks arrive, each with their own unique needs. These networks need you and your stories to meet their programming demands. In this Stage 32 exclusive webinar, you’ll find out exactly how the pros create and sell their stories to the biggest networks and streaming platforms in town by creating projects with humor, heart, and knowing what kids are watching today. You’ll learn: Tips and current trends in kids television Obstacles and constraints How not to talk down to your audience The difference between Nickelodeon and Disney How to use point-of-view to your advantage Essential elements to seeing your pitch The differences in pitching for kids shows vs. adult shows The power of co-viewing And so much more You’ll be learning directly from executive producer and sitcom writer Kirill Baru. He has worked on and sold both live-action and animated comedy shows in both the adult and kids space, including Disney’s SYDNEY TO THE MAX and Cartoon Network’s MAD: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Kirill also sold the series EAGLETON ESTATES to Netflix Kids and, using this project as a case study, Kirill will walk you through creating his pitch that sold the show, providing you with the steps to sell your own. By the end of this webinar with Kirill, you’ll be confident about writing and packaging your kids television series as a market-ready project. PRAISE FOR KIRILL'S TEACHINGS: "Good information from a successful writer of children's comedies! " -Deborah J. "Loved Kirill and his openness and enthusiasm." Katy D.
Writers Room Workshop: Writing Jokes for Sitcoms + Participate In a Mock TV Punch Up Room
**Learn the art of TV joke writing from long time TV comedy writer Kirill Baru and participate in an actual episode punch up room, working to improve scenes from a notable TV comedy.** Jokes don’t just come out of nowhere, and their success is completely reliant on the medium. Things that are funny in conversation or in front of an audience might not be funny on a television show. This is why being “naturally funny” just isn’t enough to make a funny series with great jokes. It takes an understanding of the medium and insight into the types of jokes that work on television. It also usually takes a team of people in a punch up room setting, utilizing multiple perspectives and senses of humor to arrive at the best joke for each situation. Understanding how to find the best jokes in an episode script and learning how to operate successfully in a punch up room setting will help make your own comedy pilot funnier and can give you the tools to be a more desirable member of any TV comedy writers room. Kirill Baru is a sitcom writer and executive producer who has staffed on and sold a variety of live-action and animated comedy shows like Freeform’s BABY DADDY and the critically acclaimed animated show DAN VS. on the HUB. He’s also written and produced several comedies in the kids space, from Disney’s SYDNEY TO THE MAX to Cartoon Network’s MAD: THE ANIMATED SERIES. When Kirill isn’t staffing on shows, he’s developing projects with networks such as Disney and Netflix. He attributes his career to writing comedy that finds a way to have a lot of edge without ever losing any of its heart. Kirill is very familiar with punching up TV scripts, finding ways to make them funnier and finding success in a TV punch up room. In this special extended workshop, Kirill will teach you how to craft effective jokes for any TV comedy. He’ll break down where good jokes come from and the elements needed to make a joke work. Kirill will also lay out the main types of TV jokes you can draw from and walk you through important comedy terminology that’s used in every writers’ room and punch up room. He’ll also go through how to make jokes work with an eye towards scene construction and explain what makes a great punch up room for any TV comedy. Kirill will then lead a TV comedy punch up room, similar to how real TV comedies run them. Everyone who signs up will be able to participate in this room and work with the group to add jokes, fill in pitches, and create alt docs for two scenes of an episode of an actual notable TV comedy. Kirill will provide feedback and analysis or all of the joke pitches. If you’re interested in breaking into TV comedy, it’s so important that you know how to craft great jokes in this specific medium. This workshop is the perfect way to help you get there. Praise for Kirill's Previous Workshop "The workshop was awesome! Going through this workshop and seeing the end result produced by our team of writers (classmates), not only shed light into how the sausage is made, but also showed me that this is something I can actually do. Well worth the investment!" -Kane B. "Kirill's workshop was a great experience. He's a natural teacher, professional, insightful, and encouraging. It was not only educational but practical, allowing the attendees to punch up an actual script as if in the writer's room, followed by him, putting on his showrunner hat and reviewing what had been created by the group. I would highly recommend anyone interested in working as a professional writer, with dreams of being in the writer's room to attend one of his classes." -Dave W. "This was the best online class tv writing class I’ve ever taken. There is only so much the brain can grasp and retain in a lecture format. Kirill did an amazing job structuring the class and providing an in the moment experience — the best way to learn. Thank you." -Barbara G.
The Ultimate Guide to Networking When You Don't Know Anyone
Networking. The mere word puts a chill up the spine of many creatives, especially when you may not even know anyone or know where to start. But if there's been one thing that's been proven time and time again, it's that we work in a relationship business. Winning champions of you and your work is as important than creating and honing the work itself. Whether you're introverted and have a distinct fear of putting yourself out there, or if you're an extrovert who isn't getting the results you're looking for in your relationship building efforts, we're here to help. Let's start by merging the idea of networking with the mindset of relationship building. The truth is relationship building can be a fun exercise you'll want to tackle every day. It's all about setting a positive approach, embracing a long term mentality, and building upon every success. The most successful people in film, television and digital media have spent years cultivating relationships, and remember, they all started without knowing anyone. They've understood that by being likable, selfless, and collaborative, people are going to not only want to help you succeed, but work with you as well. This is why the tribe mentality is so prevalent. And it's why the people who put relationship building strategies into practice every day are those who have found longevity in the business. Industry veteran Jessica Sitomer has over 20 years in the industry as a development executive, producer, writer and career coach for the Cinematographers Guild. Through the years she has perfected the art of relationship building - helping creatives grow their networks from one to two people to hundreds to thousands. When she moved to Los Angeles, she knew two people and one of them moved the day after she got to LA. She made it her mission to learn how to survive and thrive in the creative industry. And survive and thrive she has. Not only is Jessica's network huge, but she has also written three best-selling books on the subject of networking and relationship building, And… Action! Powerful, Proven, and Proactive Strategies to Achieve Success in the Entertainment Industry, The Greenlight Coach and You Got This: For Those Who Work Hard and Play Hard - How to go From Burnout to Bliss. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, Jessica brings her unique brand and boundless energy to help you advance your career by giving you concrete steps and tools to build relationships that lead to roles, jobs, reads, financing, and more. Jessica will show you how to best approach social media and how to utilize this valuable tool in a way that takes away the intimidation factor to meeting people. She will show you how to be more collaborative, to check your ego at the door, and to make sure you're communicating in the right fashion. She will tackle live events and how you can make sure you get the most bang for your buck. She will teach you strategies to help you grow as a communicator and collaborator. You'll even learn how to reach out to those you may have previously thought untouchable and show you that no one is off limits! You'll walk away from this webinar with the tools you need to take your networking and relationship building skills from good to great. You will learn everything you need to know to step up, stand out and change the course of your career. Praise for Jessica's Stage 32 Education "I've been following, reading, and listening to Jessica for years. It's little wonder why she's been so successful. This webinar challenged me to put all my self-made BS to the side and just let myself go. And the results are already speaking for themselves. She's a superstar in every sense of the word." - Miriam P. "Jessica is an amazing teacher and industry professional.
Budgeting for Feature Documentaries
Documentaries are more popular than ever. No longer are these films the world of small grants and shoestring budgets. Instead, demands are rising, so are the production quality and budgets. Filmmakers need to lay a solid groundwork in their finances to ensure they have everything they need for the long haul. Documentary filmmakers have a vital role in entertainment and social causes. The passion you have to tell an important story or bring awareness might be all that matters to you, but have you thought about what it’s going to cost to make it? As demand for documentaries grows, so do the quality and budgets. To stay competitive, you’ll need to create a budget that’s accessible without forsaking quality. In this Stage 32 webinar, you’ll walk away knowing every element you need to be accounted for in your budget and why it’s there. You’ll learn: How to construct a schedule Your essential story elements Your variable and fixed costs How to build a budget from the ground up How to budget against the schedule How to maintain your records and cost reporting And more You’ll also have foresight into the potential pitfalls to avoid in budgeting feature documentaries. From not paying yourself, to not planning for enough shoot days, to not understanding what you’ll need to get through post-production and marketing. Guiding you exclusively through Stage 32 is the acclaimed co-founder and co-president of CreativeChaos vmg, Ilan Arboleda. CreativeChaos and Ilan produce feature films, documentaries, and television rooted in social action. He is currently in production with Viacom on a documentary series, and he’s in post-production on THE GREAT DIVIDE and THIS IS PLANET Z. His most recent projects include KING OF COOL (TCM), THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (Starz, Netflix), BLEED OUT (HBO), LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE AT FOLSOM PRISON (Netflix), THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE (Hulu), KEDI, and CASTING BY (HBO). Ilan’s films have been nominated for an Emmy award and have won the Latin Grammy, the National Board of Review, two Critics Choice Awards, three LA Press Club awards, and two Gracie awards. Most importantly, his films have inspired industry change, policy overhaul, and legislation at the state and national levels, with Ilan co-writing legislation with Congressman Seth Moulton that became part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Ilan’s ability to treat documentaries as both a business and art allows him to continuously produce fantastic projects that audiences love and lead to a larger impact. With Ilan’s guidance in this webinar, you’ll have everything you need to create an expertly made budget so that you can focus on telling the story you want the world to see.
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