Screen Ireland in association with MediaXchange is pleased to offer Series Accelerator. Run across 3 modules with internationally renowned tutors and contributing speakers, Series Acccelerator is designed to build the key skills for developing and producing a TV series.
This programme is supported by Fís Éíreann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme.
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:
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.
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 (Executive Producer, 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 2023’s 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:
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 forum will enable producers, writers, directors and executives to directly ask their questions and consider the applications to their own process.
A confirmed list of speakers will be announced ahead of the start of the programme. Please click here for updates on speakers and topics.
To view a list of our speakers to our previous edition please click here
As the role of the showrunner continues to evolve, courses such as MediaXchange’s Series Accelerator programme are invaluable to screenwriters and producers wanting to add value to their projects through a better understanding of the TV development and production process. The particular inclusion of working showrunners and executive producers as guest speakers makes this programme a must for any screenwriter or creative producer serious about getting their own show greenlit. I found it excellent.
- Sheena Lambert, Series Accelerator 2024 participant
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.
This course is no longer accepting applications.
For further information, please email neil.murphy@screenireland.ie
Screen Ireland skills opportunities are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. If you require supports, please let us know in advance so we can put these in place to assist your learning.
