The Writers Room

TWO-PART REMOTE PROGRAM

An Online Writing Program for Episodics

UPCOMING WRITERS ROOM

The 2025 Application Season is now open. Apply here.

FOR WRITERS WANTING TO WRITE EPISODIC SCREENPLAYS. DEDICATED NUMBER OF PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS AND PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE BASED ON MERIT AND NEED.

This program is capped at 12 participants and is broken into two parts encompassing building a show and writing a show.

GOALS + RESULTS

At the completion you will have completed your pilot episode and created your series bible.

Program Delivered by David Pope

PART I: BUILDING A SHOW

Working with invited TV Writers, Show Runners, and Producers

INTENTION

Working with writers and creative producers currently working at a high level in the industry, this section of the Program will inform the development of each participants’ work through examining the real experiences confronted in developing a successful story and tackling issues in developing a project.

Confirmed contributors to Part One of the Program include Screenwriter/Showrunner Clive Bradley (TRAPPED, and CASTLEVANIA: NOCTURNE), Creative Producer Alex Boden (SENSE 8, TOKYO VICE), Screenwriter (and Stowe Alum) Melody Cooper (LAW & ORDER SVU, POWERBOOK IV), and Screenwriter/Showrunner/Creator Mark Protosevich (SUGAR, I AM LEGEND).

By the end of Part I participants will be:

  • Knowledgeable about how a successful show is built

  • Through that, learn some tools and approaches they might use (and how to think up their own tools and approaches)

  • Energized and empowered to dig into their own work through Part II of the Program

METHOD

Over the first four sessions of this program, established TV writers, creators, show runners, and/or producers will talk with program participants to break down episodes, discuss the fundamentals of building a successful show, and outline how to apply these techniques to new work.

The program consists of:

  • 4 weeks / 1 session per week

  • Each session is 3 hours long (2.5 hours with a 30 minute break)

  • Before the program starts, the group will be provided with reading and watching assignments for these sessions

SESSIONS WILL COVER

  • Envisioning a series: creating compelling lead characters, building an effective story engine, and clarifying the goal of the series.

  • Building a pilot, how to introduce characters effectively, how to raising compelling questions that will be addressed in series

  • Creating season-long character arcs, designing dynamic relationships between characters that drive your story forward

  • Create a season-long plot, orchestrate story turns and keeping an audience engaged

  • Nuts and bolts of the writing room process 

  • How an episode is “broken,” beat sheets, outlining an episode, and the draft process from writer’s draft to production draft

  • Pitching and selling a show

BY THE END OF THE FOUR SESSIONS, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE

  • Knowledgeable about how successful shows were built

  • Through that, learn some tools and approaches they might use (and how to think up their own tools and approaches)

  • Energized and empowered to dig into their own work through Part II of the Program

PART II: WRITING A SHOW

INTENTION

In Part II, writers will build on their initial work and produce an original screenplay.

By the end of Part I participants will have:

  • Written both outline and complete pilot episode

  • Be ready to create their series bible

METHOD

Part II of the program blends presentations, one-to-one meetings, group work, a writers room experience, and peer-to-peer feedback sessions.

  • 8 weeks / 1 session per week

  • Each session is 3 hours long (2.5 hours with a 30 minute break)

  • Participants should schedule in additional time for writing toward program deadlines

SESSIONS WILL COVER

  • Theme

  • Episode and Season Structure

  • Subtext and Scene Analysis

Alongside project development, participants will be encouraged to develop the collaborative skills so important for writers working in the episodic space.

“The constant reframing of my ideas and examination of process and style that [Stowe] workshops provide keeps me aching to do better.”

DOROTHY MACKEVICH MARKS, Writers Room alumnus, and author of Les Beaux Châteaux

SCHEDULE FOR 2025 WINTER/SPRING RUN OF PROGRAM

Sundays from 12 - 3 PM Eastern Time.

  • February 9, 16, 23

  • March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

  • April 6, 13

  • May 4, 11

INVESTMENT

Remote Program: $2,650.

Meet Your Mentors

Featured
David Pope
David Pope

David has worked as a script consultant with Academy Award and BAFTA-nominated producers and screenwriters.

Read More →

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Apply here.

  • There are a dedicated number of partial scholarships and payment plans available. If admitted, applicants can request partial scholarships and payment plans by submitting a statement of need. Scholarships awarded based on merit and need.

  • A team of two may apply and if admitted the team will share meetings with David Pope and peer sessions.

  • Yes!

  • Just email us at info@stowestorylabs.org.