Writing a Successful
TV Series Workshop

Developing ambitious, original TV series projects at any budget level for a global audience? Looking to find the most efficient design for each individual series? This online course was made for you!

Average Rating: 5.0 stars (based on 33 ratings)

The course had more jaw-dropping moments than Game of Thrones.

To sum it up in one word, INSPIRING! When I get stuck at a certain point, be it treatment or bible, I search high and low for a spark or key to unlock the issue so that I can move on. I now feel like the janitor walking about with a master key, no longer intimidated by the daunting task of holistically bringing everything together in a single document.

Danny McCafferty

Meticulously designed to make every bit of information comprehensible and enjoyable!

I am blown away by the attention to detail and care that was shown by Emmanuel in constructing this course. I have never been on a writing course that is so meticulously designed to make every bit of information comprehensible and enjoyable. […] I can’t wait to get stuck into my TV pilot knowing I have all the tools and material I need to make a compelling show.

Tania Notaro

Excellent, insightful and practical

Emmanuel’s approach is comprehensive, insightful and gives you the tools to design, test and troubleshoot your scripts or any Story writing project you undertake. The course is intensive and you really need to cover the material […] to get a complete appreciation of the principles involved. It has given me food for thought, ideas on how to approach my projects and I’m looking forward to troubleshooting the projects that need rewriting. Thank you Emmanuel!

Tom Halton
HMHmmmmm Limited

Thoroughly recommend this inspirational and practical course

The structure of the TV show you aspire to write – broken down for you, by a professional. That’s what this course achieves. It is extremely well researched, and uses very up-to-date references as examples of each story type. The tone of the live training is informal, humorous but practical and straightforward. Emmanuel […] knows his subject inside out, explains it in great detail[…]. I left this course excited about my project and would thoroughly recommend that anyone who aspires to TV screenwriting take these workshops.

Dara Flynn

Great Experience

I had high hopes for this course, that I would gain certain insights on how to progress my own project and learn what approach to take with different types of stories . This online course surpassed my expectations. I found it interesting and full of worthwhile information that I can use in a practical way going forward. I would certainly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the area.

Mark Hayes
Clear Haze Limited

A Toolbox Filled to Bursting

An excellent experience. Emmanuel doesn’t preach a magic formula for writing success, instead he presents a flexible set of dramatic tools that can be applied to any genre, format or process and which are far, far more helpful than any rigid creative doctrine. The course was both enjoyable in its own right and insightful on its topics. I would highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of your position in the screen sector.

Adam O'Keeffe

A superb and refreshing online course!

‘Writing a Successful TV Series’ is a superb online course. […] It is a welcome alternative to the plethora of other structural analyses out there that often appear to strive for adherence to time-based units of progression without prioritising the internal dramatic engine. […] I would thoroughly recommend the course for any aspiring and indeed many experienced writers.

Dominic Wright

Brilliant step by step guide in how to design a TV series

For a total novice, only started in TV writing and intimidated by the gargantuan task ahead of me, I really needed a course like this. Emmanuel broke down the elements into fresh, manageable parts, posed all the right questions, explained their importance and challenged me to think more deeply about the ultimate question – What’s really at stake? It opened my eyes to both the flaws and opportunities in my project.

Lisa Callanan

A fabulous insight into the structure of TV Series

“Writing A Successful TV Series” online course, provides a fabulous insight into the structure of TV series and how to troubleshoot your project. Emmanuel covers everything from story structure to constructing your own series bible, using great examples and case studies of some successful TV shows along the way. […]. Highly recommend this for anyone looking to learn more about structure and design.

Heather MacLeod

Easy to grasp and use in relation to your own work

Emmanuel breaks down story structure in a fresh way that really opens up the process of writing without hindering you with set rules and page numbers. His deep dive into case studies made his concepts immensely easy to grasp and use in relation to your own work.

Graeme

Helping me to understand and appreciate the stories I want to tell.

Emmanuel’s passion for storytelling throughout the course was infectious from the get go. Having such an engaging tutor was a huge help to me in bringing my own stories to life.
Sign up for his course today; you won’t regret it.

Paddy C. Courtney

Fantastic and in-depth course on the fundamentals of story and structure

I really enjoyed this course and think it will change forever how I approach writing and watching TV and film. I’ve read a lot of screenwriting books and almost all point to a narrow and often contrived approach to writing which never really sat right with me. Now, I understand why.

Nicola Cassidy

Thought provoking and practical

I found the ‘Writing a Successful TV Series’ hugely informative, thought provoking and practical in terms of giving you an additional ‘toolset’ for the development of stories. The case studies are excellent, and feature a forensic level of analysis of dramatic structure in hit TV serials. Highly recommended!

Bob Jackson

Great!

I did this course online and loved it from start to finish. I think it gives writers a very clear understanding of some really useful tools which can be used to design a story/storylines or to diagnose why a story might not be working and how to fix it. […] I think I will come back again and again to all I’ve learned here.

Fiona Diver
Writer

A deep dive into story structure

“Emmanuel’s course is like a deep dive into story structure. You think you’ve got it mastered and then you realise how much more there is to learn. I feel so much more equipped as a screenwriter and script reader after this course.”

Niamh O'Connor

Excellent course for those who work with story

Excellent course for those who work with story – writers, directors and producers. […] Emmanuel is an engaging and insightful teacher.

Imogen Murphy

Creating a common toolbox for writers working together

TV Series is a wonderful aid for writers and producers working together. […] Emmanuel’s methods put the audience at the heart, helping the writer to amplify their message and maximise the chances of getting their story out into the world.

Bláthnaid de Róiste
Danú Media Teoranta

A brilliant and comprehensive one stop shop

This course helped to focus my ideas and give them direction, steering me away from wasting my time. It’s a brilliant and comprehensive one stop shop that cuts through all the excess and illuminates the path to writing your best script.

JJ Ó Dochartaigh
Losta Plot

A great course

I found the course to be really comprehensive and practical. Emmanuels’ application and teaching of the ‘Story Type Method’ can be applied to every possible type of TV series genre including Hybrids.

Brian Ó Tiomáin

An engaging masterclass in storytelling

Emmanuel was engaging throughout and his passion for storytelling has definitely encouraged me to put pen to paper.

Proinsias Ó Coinn

An insightful, clarifying and fun workshop!

Emmanuel Oberg’s workshop offers an insightful and comprehensive way to approach tv series narrative and structure. […] It is also fun and I really enjoyed taking it. I can say that I feel much better equipped now to face the development of my series project.

Cristina Zumarraga

A great tool box to find your own approach

Emmanuel’s approach to dramaturgical structure is the right mix between craftsmanship and the knowledge that each project is individual. He gives you a great tool box to find your own approach.

David Keitsch
Komplizen Serien

Thanks, Emmanuel!

Of all the many international workshops I have done, I have rarely experienced one that offered such a steep learning curve. Thanks, Emmanuel.

Ivan Madeo

TV Series Workshop for CE Desk Latvia

The seminar was also greatly appreciated by the participants. Several of them saidd that these 3 days were like a month at a film school, all of them confirmed that having participated in the seminar will seriously improve the quality of their projects and all of them said they have a hunger for more!!! Thank you very much for being the turning point of the TV series writing in Latvia!!!

Lelda Ozola

An enlightening experience

Emmanuel uses practical examples to breakdown the theory into practice which I found very useful. I would definitely recommend this course if you want to dig deep into the heart and soul of your story and give it legs.

Sinead Collopy
Screenwriter

Great tools

This workshop is great. Leaving you with many tools to help with redrafting and reassessing your bibles and pilots. Thanks Emmanuel.

Paul Walker

Extremely enlightening and informative

Extremely enlightening and informative.

Conor Matthews

Brilliant!

This 4 day online course was really enjoyable. Emmanuel presented it very well and it was interesting from start to finish.

Niamh Ní Chualáin

Highly Instructive Webinar

I found Emmanuel’s course immensely beneficial. I could not recommend his courses more highly.

Peadar Cox
Ros na Rún

I would definitely recommend it!

The workshop was so well-structured, easy to follow and it felt like the focus was put on just the right things. […] I would definitely recommend it!

Daria Keršić

This is the way to go!

If you want to dig deep and even deeper: this is the way to go. It is explained well, every step of the way, so you can apply what is thought.

Helen Perquy

Impressive knowledge!

Emmanuel’s knowledge about the different screenwriting approaches is impressive.

Arash T. Riahi

Helpful, necessary and stimulating…

A helpful, necessary and stimulating approach to structure!

Laura Gragg

Transform the Way You Pitch and Develop Projects
for Television and Online Streaming in 20 Hours

Design an original series and increase your chances of reaching a wide audience, at home and abroad, without limiting your creative freedom!

Based on Oberg’s innovative Story-Type Method®, this workshop explores the crucial distinction between conventional TV Series formats (3-act, 4-act, 5-act, 7-act...) and the actual story structure lying underneath.

It aims to equip storytellers (writers, directors, creative producers, creators, showrunners, development execs, story editors) with a detailed understanding of the principles at play in the pitching and development of a high-end TV Series in order to help them design, troubleshoot and deliver outstanding stories!

Using examples and exclusive case studies from successful, recent TV series such as Stranger Things, Killing Eve, Sex Education, Occupied, Big Little Lies, Fleabag, Happy Valley, Transparent, Mr. Robot and many others, this workshop lifts the veil on the flexible yet powerful tools and techniques needed to master this popular storytelling form.

'Writing a Successful TV Series' will show you how to create an irresistible bible, a compelling pilot, unforgettable characters and addictive storylines that audiences around the world will want to watch week after week once they’re hooked on the first episode...

This hybrid workshop (part self-led, part live) is usually commissioned by independent producers, studios, national/regional film funds or training organisations. It is delivered online as standard to closed groups of five to forty-eight participants, though a larger audience is technically possible. Travel permitting, the last live Q&A session can be delivered in person if optional project work is included through one-to-one meetings or our hands-on extension.

You'll find more practical details in the FAQs below, after the testimonials. Otherwise, just keep reading...

What's Included in The Workshop?

90-day access to Writing a Successful TV Series interactive online course: 10 hours of content in 8 training modules, hosted on one of the most advanced online training platforms in the industry, featuring AI Chat Assistant, interactive quizzes, gamification, plus English subtitles and transcripts for each training video. Participants go through the content over one to three weeks and are free to revisit it in the week(s) following the workshop. Please visit the course page for more details.
Screenwriting Unchained - Advanced Development
Workshop Schedule
Suggested workshop schedule: Week 1 is for preparation (series watching); Week 2 is for Modules 1-3 (TV Foundations) ; Week 3 is for Modules 4-8 (Advanced Development) with optional one-to-one meetings at the end of the week; Weeks 4-12 are to revisit the content of the interactive online course and implement it. Note: It is highly recommended that participants do as much of the preparation as possible before starting the workshop (see notice below). The workshop can take place over a shorter time if needed (down to 3-5 days, excluding preparation).
LIVE: One onboarding session before Week 1 and up to three Q&A sessions including hands-on / group work as participants progress through the interactive online course.
Live Sessions
Advanced Development Vault
Permanent access to the Advanced Development Vault, extensive course materials including: all the slides shown during the course; Oberg's exclusive in-depth analysis of "Stranger Things" (detailed scene breakdowns, storylines and strands maps for the eight episodes of the first season); free samplers (first 70-80 pages of Oberg's books plus a Story-Type Method Glossary); recommended reading and links to libraries of produced bibles, pilots and episodes. Again, please visit the course page for more details.
Course Certificate: Participants who finish the course will receive a certificate of completion and 25% off a 'Script Chat' if they would like feedback on a project within 30 days of the end of the workshop.
Certificate
One-to-One Meetings
Optional one-to-one meetings can also be organised as part of the workshop, either on their own or as part of a rewrite workshop.

Here's an Overview of Each Module

In this first module, after discussing current trends, we’ll look at series types and how TV series are conventionally developed. It’s important to understand this logistical approach because although it’s only moderately useful when designing TV series, it still shapes most discussions around series development.

So this module might not be the sexiest in the course, but the idea is to lay out the fundamentals before we can go on to more exciting stuff...

Now we’re getting into more exciting territory, because this second module focuses on the underlying series design. It’s all about achieving a strong emotional identification for the audience rather than obsessing over an arbitrary number of pages or minutes for each act.

So we’re going to talk about the fractal aspect of story structure in a series, how we can use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to widen our potential audience, and how managing information is often what makes or breaks a series. It’s time to update your story structure software to the 21st century... Enjoy the upgrade!

Now that we’ve put aside the logistical approach to story structure and have started to look into the underlying design, let’s put this into practice as we explore the pitching and development of a series.

In this third module, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of designing a bible and writing a compelling pilot or first episode, using "Killing Eve" as a first case study.

In this fourth module, we'll see how we can handle the most classical story-type without being formulaic.

After a quick intro, we’re going to spend time on an in-depth case study of "Stranger Things", because understanding plot-led series design will be relevant for all series, irrespective of their story-type.

This case study includes detailed scene breakdowns and strands maps by Emmanuel Oberg for all the episodes of Season One of "Stranger Things".

In this fifth module, we’re going to see how we can structure a series or a season over the evolution of a main protagonist and in which way this design is different from the other story-types.

After a quick recap, we’ll dive deep into another case study to see how this works in "Sex Education".

In this sixth module, we take an in-depth look at theme-led series. While procedurals are primarily plot-led, many contemporary serials are theme-led or have a strong theme-led element. Theme-led series are multi-stranded narratives with more than one protagonist, usually one for each strand or storyline.

After a quick recap, we’ll dive into our theme-led case study, "Big Little Lies", and we’ll see how the different strands or storylines are designed, mapped and weaved together.

The previous case studies were clearly plot-led, character-led or theme-led, but many successful series, especially serials, are hybrids or exceptions in some way. The main challenge is to find out if the story works or not, and if it doesn’t, why and how it could work better.

The key to successful exceptions often lies in managing information. In this seventh module, after a short intro we'll take a look at a few examples to illustrate this.

Now let’s wrap it up in this final module with “The Rewrite Stuff: 12 Ways to a Stronger Series”, a flexible template designed to inspire you — and guide you — in the rewrite of your series.

After this tactical send-off, you should be ready to put into practice all the tools and principles we've explored in the course.

Important Note Regarding Preparation

The 'Welcome to the Course!' section is freely accessible to allow participants to look at the 'Preparation and Resources' topic and get a sense of how much preparation is involved. That way, should they want to, participants can prepare ahead of the workshop in order to maximise their access window to the course. You'll find more information about preparation (and everything else!) in the FAQs below, after the testimonials.

Writing a Successful TV Series Workshop
Fees on January 1st, 2024

Excl. 20% UK VAT when applicable
INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION COMPANY

£3,995
for 5-9 participants

  • Includes preparation and online delivery (using our course platform and Zoom)
  • Partial in-person delivery, travel & accommodation costs on top (please see the FAQs below)
  • A/V equipment / Meeting room not included
  • Maximum 9 participants

Would you like to bring your script development skills to the next level and put your TV Series projects in the fast lane?

This package will train creative producers, development execs, story editors and writer/directors working for the same independent production company, making sure that everyone in the team is on the same page and equipped with the best tools when discussing TV Series. A separate slate assessment service can be arranged (fee to be defined depending on the number of projects in development).

One or more extra day(s) for project work can also be booked alongside the workshop to allow meetings on individual projects immediately after the last day (see next column).

This add-on module is an extension of our Advanced Development Workshop. Participants are expected to have attended the main workshop / course or read Screenwriting Unchained.

OPTIONAL ONE-TO-ONE DAY

£2,995 (4 projects)
For project work meetings

  • Includes preparation and online delivery (using Zoom)
  • In-person delivery, travel & accommodation costs on top (please see the FAQs below)
  • Each meeting is an extended script chat (up to 90 min.)
  • £695 for each additional project
  • Actual fee varies, written notes optional

While the TV Series Workshop is very practical and allows the participants to focus on a specific project if they want to, there is no time during the workshop to discuss individual projects.

A number of extra days can therefore be booked along with the workshop to make time for specific projects, read in advance (max. 130 pages), to be discussed with the creative team (producer, writer, director, story editor) immediately after the last day. All the participants to the meeting have to have followed the workshop.

We'll focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each project, as well as the way forward.

For more extensive project work following this workshop, you might want to consider this new hands-on extension: The Rewrite Stuff - 12 Ways to a Stronger Series.

REGIONAL/NATIONAL FUND OR STUDIO

From £4,995
for 10-20 participants

  • Includes preparation and online delivery (using our course platform and Zoom)
  • Partial in-person delivery, travel and accommodation costs on top (please see the FAQs below)
  • A/V equipment / Meeting room not included
  • £249 for each additional participant

This version of the workshop is aimed at regional / national funds or organisations who would like to train a larger number of participants (up to 48, though more is technically possible). It's also the option a studio would go for to train their development team and writers developing projects with them.

The content of the workshop can be fine-tuned to a specific audience (for example producers, story editors and development execs, or writers and directors).

While the tools are the same, the approach can be different depending on the participants' role in development. This being said, the workshop works equally well with a mixed audience as long as participants have roughly the same level of experience.

This add-on module is an extension of our Advanced Development Workshop. Participants are expected to have attended the main workshop / course or read Screenwriting Unchained.

What People Say

Average Rating: 5.0 stars (based on 33 ratings)

Meticulously designed to make every bit of information comprehensible and enjoyable!

I am blown away by the attention to detail and care that was shown by Emmanuel in constructing this course. I have never been on a writing course that is so meticulously designed to make every bit of information comprehensible and enjoyable. It took one week with Emmanuel for me to understand story design, character and structure at an in-depth level I didn’t think was possible to attain in such a short time. I can’t wait to get stuck into my TV pilot knowing I have all the tools and material I need to make a compelling show.

Tania Notaro

A superb and refreshing online course!

‘Writing a Successful TV Series’ is a superb online course. The story-type method is a refreshing approach, driven by dramatic conflict rooted in causality and understandable character action, reaction and evolution. It is a welcome alternative to the plethora of other structural analyses out there that often appear to strive for adherence to time-based units of progression without prioritising the internal dramatic engine. I absolutely agree with the idea of the fractal aspect of storytelling at season, series, episode, sequence and scene level – nature is built on fractals so it makes complete sense that drama that resonates with us is too. I would thoroughly recommend the course for any aspiring and indeed many experienced writers.

Dominic Wright

Helping me to understand and appreciate the stories I want to tell.

Emmanuel’s passion for storytelling throughout the course was infectious from the get go. Having such an engaging tutor was a huge help to me in bringing my own stories to life.
Sign up for his course today; you won’t regret it.

Paddy C. Courtney

Great!

I did this course online and loved it from start to finish. I think it gives writers a very clear understanding of some really useful tools which can be used to design a story/storylines or to diagnose why a story might not be working and how to fix it. I loved having the ability to pause and rewind and take notes at my own pace. I also found the quizzes at the end of each module and the feedback on right/wrong answers super useful. I think I will come back again and again to all I’ve learned here.

Fiona Diver
Writer

A deep dive into story structure

“Emmanuel’s course is like a deep dive into story structure. You think you’ve got it mastered and then you realise how much more there is to learn. I feel so much more equipped as a screenwriter and script reader after this course.”

Niamh O'Connor

Creating a common toolbox for writers working together

TV Series is a wonderful aid for writers and producers working together. Since completing the ADW in 2018, and the TV Series course in 2020, I’ve come back again and again to Emmanuel’s methods when troubleshooting my own work or steering others in development. Recently, along a group of writers I’m working with, I completed the latest online TV Series course. It has created a common language with which to discuss story issues and character development that has been invaluable in shortcutting how we communicate. The course is thorough and well presented, with clips and case studies that make it easier to put these gems of writing wisdom into practice. Emmanuel’s methods put the audience at the heart, helping the writer to amplify their message and maximise the chances of getting their story out into the world.

Bláthnaid de Róiste
Danú Media Teoranta

An insightful, clarifying and fun workshop!

Emmanuel Oberg’s workshop offers an insightful and comprehensive way to approach tv series narrative and structure. His method is simple but very clarifying, a useful tool when dealing with episodes, pilots, bibles, strands, seasons, cliffhangers, franchise and all sorts of often confusing concepts even for the experienced film producer. It is also fun and I really enjoyed taking it. I can say that I feel much better equipped now to face the development of my series project.

Cristina Zumarraga

An enlightening experience

I did the Advanced Development Workshop and I really enjoyed the experience. It brought to the forefront the importance of a solid structure in order to enhance the impact of storylines without necessarily compromising creative expression. Emmanuel uses practical examples to breakdown the theory into practice which I found very useful. I would definitely recommend this course if you want to dig deep into the heart and soul of your story and give it legs.

Sinead Collopy
Screenwriter

Highly Instructive Webinar

I found Emmanuel’s course immensely beneficial. He combines an encyclopaedic grasp of his subject with a natural flair for communication and shares his knowledge with great generosity and passion. I was able to apply the information and insights immediately to my scripts. I could not recommend his courses more highly. [TV Series Online Workshop for Creative Europe Galway, May 2020]

Peadar Cox
Ros na Rún

This is the way to go!

If you want to dig deep and even deeper: this is the way to go. It is explained well, every step of the way, so you can apply what is thought.

Helen Perquy

Impressive knowledge!

I had the pleasure to attend two of Emmanuel’s workshops. His knowledge about the different screenwriting approaches is impressive and enables him to recombine and rethink them to a new approach. I highly appreciate his work no matter if you already know a lot about screenplays or not.

Arash T. Riahi

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