Class starts on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

The class will meet on Tuesdays via Zoom (6:00PM PST - 8:00PM PST).

Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us.

Instructor Mark Melara is a WGA and TV Academy member whose writing and producing credits span streaming and network television, web content, and video games. He served as showrunner and executive producer of SNAP, a timely anthology drama for AMC Networks, and spent two seasons writing on CBS’s Superior Donuts. In gaming, he co-wrote the music-driven, side-scrolling comedy shooter Freedom Finger, and he is especially proud of a United Nations–produced documentary he wrote about Yemen. His most recent project was with Sony TV, adapting PlayStation IP into a comedy series with Payman Benz directing, Jermaine Fowler starring, and Tony Hawk producing.

Read an Interview with Mark in our Meet the Teaching Artist series.

This course is for writers who want to develop an original TV pilot from the ground up. Whether you’re new to screenwriting or looking to sharpen your craft, you’ll walk away with the foundation, structure, and momentum to bring your series to life.

Every great television series begins with a compelling pilot: the episode that introduces the world, characters, central conflict, and the engine that will drive the show forward.

In this workshop, writers will learn how to take their initial spark of an idea and shape it into a fully realized, industry-ready pilot script. We’ll cover the nuts and bolts like structure, character arcs and motivations, tone, conflict, and stakes. We'll also look at the bigger picture: what makes your show different, how to make the premise sustainable, and what executives, producers, and reps are actually looking for in a pilot.

Drawing on my work writing for AMC Networks and CBS and developing projects with FX, Sony Pictures TV, and Conaco, I’ll guide you through the same approach I use in the writers’ room. This isn’t about writing a formulaic script; it’s about finding the voice and story only you can tell. You’ll get practical, actionable feedback every week, plus insider knowledge that helps your draft not just read well but feel ready to pitch.

This class is for anyone with a TV idea, whether you’re new to screenwriting or already have a draft you’re wrestling with. It’s also about building community. You’ll leave with peers you can lean on long after the class ends. I’ll also offer one-on-one check-ins, giving you the mix of group energy and personalized support.

By the end of the workshop, you will:

• Develop a clear and engaging concept for your pilot.
• Build layered characters and dynamic relationships.
• Outline your pilot using professional TV structures.
• Receive actionable feedback tailored to your project.
• Map out a revision plan and next steps for your script.
• Walk away with the tools to take your project into queries, fellowships, or generals.

WRITING GOALS

In this workshop, students will develop a clearly defined concept for their series and pilot, a cast of characters with distinct voices, goals, and dynamics, and a working outline that maps out the structure. Depending on where a writer is in the process, they'll craft at least one fully written act or a polished revision plan for an existing draft.

FEEDBACK ON YOUR WRITING

Feedback is a crucial part of this class. Throughout the course, I’ll be giving both big-picture and page-level notes.

That means students can expect: Developmental feedback on their concept, structure, and characters, making sure your foundation is strong before they get too deep into pages. Practical, scene-level notes on what’s working in the writing itself (dialogue, pacing, tone) and what could be sharpened. Ongoing guidance as their pilot evolves, so students are not just getting one round of notes but a conversation about how to improve the script at each stage.

My approach is collaborative; I’m not here to hand down “rules” but to help writers see what’s already working in their writing and give clear next steps for making it stronger.

TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve worked with Mark for several years, and he’s been instrumental in leveling up my scripts. He’s organized, insightful, and has an uncanny ability to zero in on both the creative and structural choices that actually matter. Every project we’ve worked on together has gotten stronger because of his input.” - Stephen Hoover, WGA screenwriter & practicing attorney

"Mark is phenomenal. I have scripts, decks, and treatments that Mark has worked on with me, and he has totally brought my work to life so seamlessly without changing "my voice." He's knowledgeable, funny and extremely intelligent. I plan on leaning on him for his expertise for as long as I'm a writer and he's available." - Ayana Ellis, Author and Screenwriter

"I am incredibly grateful for Mark’s expertise in helping with my feature script and now in adapting it to series. His insights into my theme and story are invaluable, and his suggestions immediately resonate and inspire me to go deeper into character development and arc. Mark is a present and authentic guide and generous with his attention. I feel so lucky to have found him." - Clementine Moss, Musician, Author and Screenwriter

"I have been working on a script with Mark for nearly a year, and he has been amazingly helpful in so many different ways. His ability to take a high-level, strategic approach and provide a breakdown and feedback on characters, story arcs, and plot points is well complemented by his attention to detail and ability to make poignant line edits. He is not only a master of his craft but is creative, flexible, and open-minded, which makes him easy to work with! I cannot recommend him enough! Anyone would be lucky to have the opportunity to work with him." - Nick M

COURSE OUTLINE: WEEK BY WEEK

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

This class meets on Tuesdays via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each weekend and plenty of writing, reading, and talking!

• Instructor: Mark Melara

• Class starts on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

• The class will meet on Tuesdays via Zoom (6:00PM PST - 8:00PM PST).

• Tuition is $1,999.