Writing for Television Advanced Workshop
March 31/April 1 (Sat/Sun)
9am-5pm
Matt MacLennan - Writing for Television
While many writers dream of writing the next great blockbuster, the greatest opportunity for screenwriters in Canada lies in television. But before an emerging writer can break into writing for a television series, they must first understand both the fundamentals of the craft as well as the business realities of episodic television.
The Writing for Television advanced workshop is designed to give emerging writers a foundation of fundamental skills and insight that will prepare them for a journey into the world of television writing. The material will cover advanced screenwriting technique, a background on the current landscape of Canadian television, and a background on the business realities such as pitching series ideas.
After completing the writing for television advanced workshops, trainees should be able to start writing quality television spec scripts and begin the process of creating and pitching their own series ideas.
Specifically, they will emerge with the following skill sets:
A comprehensive understanding of story
structure for episodic television
Deconstructing a television series
Understanding the composition and dynamics
of a series writers room
Identifying the process of episodic television
script development from pitch to final rewrite
Creating and pitching your own series concept
Effective pitch techniques
Writing effective spec scripts
Acquiring representation with a talent agency
Prerequisite:
Intro Screenwriting
Background on the Instructor
Matt got his start as a production assistant on A&E's "Nero Wolfe" where he was known for making a mean cup of coffee and volunteering in the story department.
Three years later his dedication earned him writing positions on top rated productions such as the Gemini nominated, "15 Love", and Showcase's "Naked Josh". Since then he's worked on productions which include, "Billable Hours" (Showcase), "Life With Derek" (Disney, Family Channel) and most recently CTV's "Whistler".
Leveraging his television experience to branch into the world of film, Matt has worked as a writer and story editor on films such as "Vampires of Suburbia," "Stopover," and the Irvine Welsh feature adaptation of "Ecstasy". Recently his short film, "Frankly" was produced by Monument Productions in L.A. and another, "Fact Is" was produced by Walker Films in Montreal.
Matt compliments his knowledge of story with development experience garnered while developing series television (Capri Films) and by working as a script reader and story consultant (Telefilm Canada, Alliance Atlantis, etc.)
He still makes a mean cup of coffee.
