Get Your FAQs Right :-)

Topics

• General
• Intellectual Property
• Registration and Payments
• Credits and refunds
• Other
• Important Notes

General

 

Why are you offering this course? 

 

So many people have asked me how I sell TV shows, and I thought this was easier than taking everyone out for coffee and talking about it. 

 

As an actor, I was frustrated that I wasn’t getting the type of roles that I wanted or projects I was passionate about, so I started writing. But as a writer, it took some time to figure out how the buying process works, and I had to figure out how to make it work for me. Flashforward to the present, I have optioned or sold five TV shows. Looking back now, I noticed that the way I approached my projects and my relationships was very different from how I saw other people doing it. At the best moments, it just felt like there was… flow.

 

Through this course, I hope to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in the last decade to lower the barrier of entry for aspiring writers and actors interested in selling their own shows. Beyond that, I’ve helped people who don’t identify as creatives sell a show - the last show I sold to CBS came from an idea that a lawyer texted to me, and we developed it together. So I want to debunk the idea that you have to be a writer to sell a show. I’d also like to debunk many misconceptions about selling television shows so that creatives can begin pursuing their dreams with confidence rather than fear. Clarity: we love to see it.

 

Wow… are you really into puns?

 

Yes.

 

What makes this different from other courses? 

 

Most courses focus on how to either write a great script or deliver a killer pitch. But when I looked back on the shows I sold, I realized how important the relationships were to even having the opportunity to pitch or have someone read my work. Most courses focused on the content, but not on the how of actually getting that content sold. I’ve had instances where the buyer makes a decision before they’ve even heard the full pitch, just based on our relationship. So, we will obviously talk about how to create excellent content, but we will also talk about how to build relationships that will give you repeated opportunities to sell. 

 

How do you define “selling” a show? 

 

I define selling a show as getting a yes from a studio, a production company with an overall deal at a studio, or a network to develop a TV project together.  

 

 

When is the course taking place?

 

Access to the course material opens on May 1st. The material is designed to take about 3 months to complete if you do 1-2 hours of work per week. However, in the Starter Tier you can move through the material at the speed you like - do it all in less than a week, or take up to 6 months to complete.

 

The Finisher Tier includes live Q&As and 1:1 coaching with me (Adrienne). Those live virtual sessions will take place on Saturdays at 10 - 11 am Pacific Time on the following dates:

Live Group Q&As: Saturday, May 6th, May 20th, June 10th, June 24th, July 8th, July 22nd, August 5th

Live Office Hours (for 1-on-1 Coaching): Saturday, May 13th, May 27th, June 17th, July 1st, July 15th, July 29th

 

Elevator pitch feedback w/ exec: Sunday, May 21st at 1 pm Pacific Time

(No meeting June 3rd! Might also reschedule July 1st)

How does the online course work?

 

There are two tiers, depending on how much support you want.

 

Starter Tier

 

You’ll get access to video lessons on how to build both the content you need (the elevator pitch, one sheet, pitch script) and your team (lawyer, executive producer, buyers) so that you can sell your TV show. 

 

There’s about 1 hour of content to watch each week for 12 weeks, but you can move faster or slower if you like. As you watch, you’ll do exercises to complete your pitch documents. By the end of the course, you’ll have written your one sheet and a second draft of a stellar, compelling, undeniable TV pitch. 

 

You’ll also do exercises to help you find your aligned partners and actually get pitch meetings so that you can sell your show.

 

Not sure of your writing or organizational abilities? You’ll get templates for pitch materials, outreach emails, and so on. You’ll get the step by step guidance you need to sell your show, at your pace.  

 

You’ll have access to the videos, templates, and exercises for 6 months. I want you to get this done, and there’s nothing like a deadline to get you moving ;)

 

Finisher Tier

 

In the Finisher Tier, you get everything in the Starter Tier, plus…

 

• A professional graphic designer will design the visuals for your one sheet and pitch deck (up to 10 pages total)
• An industry professional will give you feedback on your elevator pitch (more on industry professionals here)
• An industry professional will give you feedback on your 10-15 minute full pitch (more on industry professionals here)
• Every Saturday for 3 months, you’ll have access to Adrienne for either group Q&A or 1:1 coaching to get personalized feedback and support as you go through the course. (Look at the live coaching schedule here)
• You’ll be part of a community of like-minded TV creators who are also assembling their pitch and selling their shows. Capped at 12 projects, this cohort will have fun as we hold each other accountable to get these pitches DONE and these shows SOLD.

 

 

Who is this course geared towards?

 

Any creatives who want to sell a show. Specifically…

• Screenwriters who have a pilot script, but don’t know where or how to pitch or sell it
• Screenwriters who have staffed on other shows, but have not yet sold their own
• Screenwriters who have a concept they want to develop, and have written other pilot scripts
• Screenwriters who have just started out, and want to learn how to build a network so they have the opportunities to sell a show when they are ready
• Writers who have a book, article, or intellectual property that they want to develop into a TV show and sell 
• Actors who want to write a script and create a vehicle for their acting career
• Actors who *don’t* want to write a script, but do want to create a vehicle for their acting career
• Multi-hyphenates who want to have multiple roles in the creation of a show (i.e. writer/director/actors)
• “Non-creatives” who have an idea or a story to tell, haven’t worked in entertainment before, and want to put together the team that can bring it to life
• Professionals who are burned out on jobs that don’t allow for creativity, and are looking to have and outlet, a community, and a TV show

 

If you are a person with disabilities and have concerns about accessibility, please contact [email protected] and we will happily work with you to accommodate your needs. 

 

Who is this course NOT for?

 

• People who want a “get rich quick” scheme. Relationships take time, development can take a lot of time, and the Business Affairs department of a studio or network can take it’s sweet time. If you need money next month, this isn’t the way to get it. This is a way to build a career, not to make a quick buck.
• People who aren’t ready to show up for their dream. In any new venture, there will be challenges along the way, and you’ll have to grow to step up and meet them. If you have a fixed mindset, and not a growth mindset, this course may not be for you.
• If you are racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory against any marginalized community. Those aren’t the voices I’m here to amplify. 

Is your course limited to narrative shows, or is it also applicable for documentary/unscripted/non-fiction/reality projects?

 

My experience is in selling TV comedies and dramas. Since I haven’t sold any non-fiction projects I wouldn’t be comfortable promoting this course as a path towards selling an unscripted project. That being said, many of the principles are the same, and I have some connections in that arena, but I want to be upfront on where my expertise lies. 

 

What tools or resources do I need to take this course?

 

You don’t need anything. You could take this course just to get a lay of the land to set up the foundation for your career. Now if you want to sell a show soon, it is helpful to have the following materials ready to go: 

• Writers, to sell a show where you are attached as a writer, you need to have a sample script. Now this script does not have to be the script of the TV concept that you want to sell, but you do need a sample of your writing. 
• Actors, you literally don’t need anything…actually, a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and build a team. Just channel Zendaya.
• Professionals, you need to carve some time into you schedule for this and come in with an open mind. You likely have an ability to execute tasks that’s going to put you way ahead in terms of crafting the materials; for you, this course is going to be about tapping more into your creative, generative, playful side. Let’s play!

 

Who are “industry professionals and creatives”? What kind of feedback will I get from them in the Finisher Tier? 

 

Industry professionals and creatives will be studio executives, showrunners with overall deals, and other writers who have sold TV shows without previous credits. I’ve facilitated conversations for previous students and mentees with executives and executive producers at Apple TV+, ColorCreative (Issa Rae’s production company), CBS, and Avalon Entertainment. 

 

Participants in the Finisher Tier will receive feedback on their elevator pitch from one studio executive, and feedback on their full 10-15 minute pitch from an industry professional/creative. I will match participants up with an industry professional with experience that is relevant to their project, so that they receive feedback that is specific to selling a show in that genre. We’re laser-focused, baby!

 

 

After you finish the application, there will be a short interview with me. I’m going to ask you some questions so that I can find people who are the right fit for this work, people who are ready to level up, take next steps in their career, and actually sell a show. People who are going to come in and be kind and creative and supportive of one another. I’m very conscious of creating a group that can become a community.

 

I want to book the Finisher course, but I’m going to miss one or two sessions. Should I still book? 

 

I would! The group sessions will be recorded so you won’t miss any important content, so it’s still worth it. But it should be noted that Office Hours with 1:1 feedback will not be recorded for others to watch later - that’s what makes them 1:1!

 

Do I have to read other people's work?

 

No, you don’t. And no one will read your work, unless you want them to.

 

Will my work be treated respectfully?

 

Strong yes! When you sign up for this course, you will be signing a contract that you will not take another student’s intellectual property. Furthermore, students will not be commenting on each other’s work, beyond noting what works well or resonates. I will give any constructive feedback that I think is necessary to get your pitch in shape, and cultivate a supportive environment where you can do that. 

 

Intellectual Property

 

How will I know my idea is kept safe from plagiarism or not released without my consent?

 

Everyone entering the course must sign a contract with language around protecting their intellectual property rights. That being said, I also recommend registering your materials with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). It’s quick, inexpensive, and a well-respected cyber-paper-trail. Here’s the link to do it.

Registration and Payments

 

How do I register?

 

Click the link to register for the Starter Tier or apply for the Finisher Tier. (If you’re accepted to the Finisher Tier, you’ll be e-mailed a link to register.)

 

We’ve tried to answer as many questions as possible in these FAQs, but if we’ve missed something, please email us at [email protected]. 

 

You’ll get a response within 48 hours on business days, and usually much sooner. If you don’t get a response, please check your spam folder. 

   

What payment methods do you accept?

 

You can pay for the course using…

• Visa, MasterCard, American Express 
• If you prefer to do a Zelle or wire transfer, please email [email protected]

 

Credits and Refunds

 

If I need to withdraw from a course, what are my options?

 

Unfortunately, no refunds will be offered. However, if I offer this course again, I’m happy to extend some credit, to be determined at that time. If I don’t offer the course again, I may be able to offer some private coaching or consulting, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

Other

 

Important notes

• Only those who pay the tuition in full can be guaranteed a place in class. If an installment in the payment plan is missed, access may be paused until payment is made.
• Something Truly Brilliant reserves the right to remove any student at its discretion.
• Something Truly Brilliant does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, or marital status.

 

If you have questions that aren't addressed here, just e-mail [email protected]. Looking forward to connecting with you!