Screenwriting – Adults – Mondays 10:30 to 12:30 – Fall 2023
Writing for Television
With GiGi Rios New
Limited to 6 students
How many times have you watched a TV show and thought, I have an idea that’s just as good, if not better. And chances are, you might, but you just aren’t sure how to execute it. Before you even start typing you’ll need to know what—exactly—the story is and how to execute it.
You will learn that here, with veteran TV writer and teacher GiGi Rios New.
In this workshop, you will learn what elements are essential for developing a strong comedy, drama, or dramedy script. Is your idea better suited for platform television (Amazon, Hulu, Apple+, Netflix etc) or network (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX)? What genre Is your show? Is it a multi-cam or single camera? Is it episodic or serialized? These are some of the elements we will address to bring your idea into focus.
What are some of your favorite TV shows? Ted Lasso? Stranger Things? Hacks? (Or GiGi’s favorite, Only Murders In The Building.) What exactly do these strong shows have in common? Clear, concise character arcs? A clear world? Emotional or physical stakes? Snappy dialogue? If your answer is “all of the above” then you are already in tune with what is needed to create an interesting and compelling script.
With GiGi’s guidance, you will examine all aspects of story development, as well as write the first five pages of your own TV script. Please note that having Final Draft software is not a requirement for this course, but it is recommended and necessary in order to adhere to the proper formatting for submitting your work to festivals or competitions.
No worries about what level of writer you are. Whether you are a seasoned writer or a true beginner, all that is required is that you have an interest in creating a TV script. That, and a willingness to have a good time and a few laughs over the course of seven weeks.
Mondays, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
7-week session: Sept 11, 18, (skip 25); Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
This class will be held in Room 211 at Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East, Westport (park and enter in back of the church).
PLEASE REGISTER HERE OR CONTACT US TO PAY BY CHECK: triplethreatacademyct@gmail.com (preferred).
GiGi Rios New
A finalist for The Disney Fellowship, GiGi began her career as a personal assistant on Everybody Loves Raymond. She moved on to write for the award-winning Nickelodeon series The Brothers Garcia, as well as the groundbreaking FOX series The Ortegas.
GiGi returned to write for the The Brother’s Garcia reboot—The Garcias—which aired on HBO Max.
GiGi has developed series for Olivia Colman as well as Matthew Broderick. Oscar and Emmy-award-winning producer Killer Films is attached to GiGi’s TV project Mercy, and her feature script Public Emily was recently optioned by Emmy-nominated AGC Studios.
GiGi has developed and written numerous features for several studios and independent producers, among them: Disney, Lifetime Television, and Paulist Productions.