TV DEVELOPMENT LABThe TV Development Lab is a 7 week intensive designed to immerse writers in the art and craft of television development across classic & new genres. By working in genres ranging from workplace comedy and near-life dramadies to procedurals and anthologies, you’ll not only master the essential structures and storytelling techniques behind great television, but also gain the versatility needed to say “yes” to any professional opportunity-no matter the genre.
You will learn the psychology of what makes some TV shows irresistible and binge-worthy and why you return to some shows over and over again. Each week, you'll dive into two TV genres and analyze their core elements. You will then have one week to create an original pitch and treatment for your own show in one of those genres. The course culminates in writing a full pilot script for your strongest concept and a practice pitch session. Course Objectives
Weekly Structure Each week follows a consistent format:
Possible Genres Covered
Final Outcomes
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upcoming workshopDATES Saturdays July 26th - Sept 13th 2025 (skips 9/6) TIME 9am - 10:30am (LA) 12pm - 1:30pm (NYC) 5pm - 6:30pm (London) SESSIONS 7 Sessions LOCATION Online, Live via Zoom PRICE
$575 Early Bird Tuition $575 (until June 26th) Regular Tuition $645 "I learned more in one session with Jess than I did in four years of NYU film school." - Jenna, NYU Film Graduate "Jess always made me feel like I belonged. Her unique ability to adjust her approach based on where the writer is in their journey shows her passion and dedication to actually helping us move forward. I’ve taken other classes, and I know how Hollywood works. Jess finds a way to lift people up as she teaches instead of putting them down." - Ellie W, Screenwriter "Jess's classes and meditations have gotten me through some very severe blocks. These are professional-grade tools that short circuit the fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism that stands in the way of you doing your best work. I rely on them regularly!" - Carly Wray (Writer/Producer, Mad Men, Westworld) |
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FAQs Can I write in any genre or mix genres? Yes! Each week is a new challenge, and hybrid ideas are welcome. Will I get useful feedback? Yes! Feedback is curated for usefulness and relevance to your goals. Is this for beginners or experienced writers? All levels are welcome-assignments are designed to stretch your skills, wherever you’re starting. Do I have to write a full pilot? You don’t HAVE to do anything. You are an adult. But we hope you do! |
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"Jess' unique ability to adjust her approach based on where the writer is in their journey shows her dedication to actually helping us move forward. This class was the first time I ever really felt safe to share. The way Jess handles giving feedback is like therapy for a writer’s soul."
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"Jess's classes and meditations have gotten me through some very severe blocks. These are professional-grade tools that short circuit the fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism that stands in the way of you doing your best work. I rely on them regularly!"
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- Ellie Waitt, Writer
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- Carly Wray (Writer/Producer, Mad Men, Westworld)
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"I was amazed not only at the number of tools I learned but the psychology behind them. I've read every book on screenwriting and felt overwhelmed with what I was 'supposed' to do on the page. I was tired of following someone else's path; it felt forced. This class gave me tools I could actually use on all my scripts. Jess helped me understand the psychology of how a reader reads a script vs how an audience watches TV and unconsciously what brings an audience back to a show. This has changed my career."