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Course Profile

Screen Ireland in association with MediaXchange is pleased to offer Series Accelerator. Run across 3 modules with internationally renowned tutors and guest speakers, Series Accelerator is designed to build the key skills for developing and producing a TV series.

This programme is supported by Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme.

Module 1: Realising the Vision of a Show with Jeff Melvoin

The demand for more drama series puts pressure on writers and producers regarding their roles in the creative team for a show. This is a unique opportunity to examine your role, as a writer or producer, in the ongoing management of the production of a TV drama series  and the steps necessary in constituting the lead creative role, with all that this would entail regarding your responsibilities.

Jeff Melvoin is a Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer with credits including Killing Eve (Season 3); Designated Survivor; and Army Wives. He is Founder & Chair of the Writers Guild of America West’s Showrunner Training Programme and author of forthcoming Running the Show: Television from the Inside.

The Module aims to provide a comprehensive picture of how a show is managed by the creator, showrunner and department heads. It will draw on Jeff’s extensive experience of the American tradition of writer/producer, and contrasts the UK/European and US production models.

Core topics:

  • Best practices and models put under a microscopic lens to analyse how to manage the creative process into production. 
  • How producers and writers can better synchronise the creative process, and management of the different departments for pre-production, production and post-production, to achieve the most effective results for the vision and delivery of a show.
  • Developing the Role of the Writer/ Producer in the Management of Shows

Schedule: 14th & 15th March 2023, 10-11.30am, 12-1pm, 2.30-4pm 

Module 2: Developing a Series with John Yorke

The effective development of a series requires a creative storytelling skillset, strategic positioning, and personality management. John Yorke has been behind some of the biggest hits in television and has distilled that knowledge into Developing a Series. 

This course explores the core skills that go into creating and selling a TV series for either the local or international market. Focusing on exploring the role of the method of consumption in dictating story structure, how to develop a story, how to approach character arcs and characterisation, and take a deep dive into the key characteristics constituting all successful formats. We will look at the elements that go into creating a story bible, how to create them, and how to present them to broadcasters. Budget and logistics will be explored and how best to match concept with network expectations, and we will do all of that by getting you to create your own show.

Core topics:

  • Creative Architecture – what to look for in a project?
    • Story structure
    • Format
    • Longevity
  • Managing the Process
    • Working with talent: notes, deadlines, personality management
  • Business Questions Underpinning Development
    • Key business questions when considering a project
    • Development slate management & strategy
  • Pitching & materials
    • Key details you need to communicate in a pitch
    • Preparation and materials needed to pitch a broadcaster / SVoD
    • Group practical pitch exercise. Consider a specific format and buyer.

Please be prepared to workshop an idea which you, or other participants, may bring to the table or which may be initiated during the sessions as part of the course work. This will be subject to usual industry practice IP and copyright provisions and the terms and conditions applying to the course.

Schedule: 20th-24th March 2023, 11am-12:30pm & 3:30pm-5pm

Module 3: The Role of the Showrunner – Showrunning Forensics webinar series 

A webinar series providing inspiration and insight by comparing and contrasting best practices as shared by US and international showrunners and executive producers of TV drama series.

Core Topics:

In each one-hour session a selected theme from each speaker’s creative process and experience will be examined ranging across:

  • The creation of the concept and pitching
  • The role of the creative producer
  • Writing and writing room alternatives
  • Collaborating with directors and other creative partners
  • Navigating the paths through development, adaptation and production in the global marketplace.

The forum will enable producers, writers and executives to directly ask their questions and consider the applications to their own process.

Speaker details TBA. For examples of previous editions of this series please click here to see speakers and topics.

Schedule: 8 x 60mins sessions – Each Tuesday & Thursday – 25th & 27th April; 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th & 18th May 2023, 4pm-5pm

Participant Profile

Aimed at experienced creative producers, writers and executives who wish to gain further expertise in developing, writing and producing television drama series. Participants must have an industry track record with at least two paid professional producing/writing/executive television or film credits.

Participants must be available to attend the complete programme. Participants of Series Accelerator will be invited to apply for The Showrunner TV Drama Exchange, Los Angeles with MediaXchange. Please note places are limited and we expect a high volume of applications.

Screen Ireland courses are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

Application Procedure

This course is no longer accepting applications.

For further information, please email Neil.Murphy@screenireland.ie