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Marilyn Horowitz

Marilyn Horowitz

Screenwriting Classes, Coaching, and Resources

212-600-1115
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Writing

Sitcom Success: Write the Perfect Pilot in 6 Weeks

What is a perfect sitcom pilot?

The perfect pilot is the one that sells. A pilot that sells has: 1) a great story, 2) great characters, and 3) is very funny and original. You need all three elements. With only one or two of these, it’s a “no sale.” You need 3 out of 3.

The Perfect Pilot is well-written, funny, easy to pitch, fills the basis for more than one season, and satisfies the buyers’ financial and demographic needs.

How to write the perfect sitcom pilot?

How do you do all of that? These comprehensive packages walk you through the entire process, from blank page to the funny final draft. Whether you have a new idea, or you’re already writing one, in order to succeed, the perfect pilot must get written fast!

Package #1: From Idea to Pilot – You write it

  • Step 1: I’ll help you design your series. This includes defining the series concept, and creating memorable characters along with a strong plot.
  • Step 2: I will show you how to properly structure your story, then guide you through the process of writing and revising your script.
  • Step 3: I will then review your draft and give it a little TLC (a professional polish and comedy punch up) so your script is market ready.

Optional:  Help you create the necessary series “Bible” and a Pitch letter.

Package #2: From Idea to Pilot – I write it for you

  • Step 1: I’ll help you design your perfect pilot. This includes defining the series concept, and creating memorable characters along with a strong plot.
  • Step 2: I write the series pilot
  • Step 3: You review, I do one set of revisions
  • Step 4: Final review – a few small tweaks
  • Step 5: Professional copy edit and proof read

Optional: Create the necessary series “Bible” and a Pitch letter.


The Comedy “Punch up”

“Dying is easy, comedy is hard.” – – words from the great comedian Jack Benny, but if you’re writing a screenplay and you wait that long to find out, you probably won’t sell your script!

Comedy writers always have extra help. Comedy writer’s rooms are 6-12 writers. Why? It’s not easy. Different writers have different strengths, no one does everything.  You may have a great story and characters, but if your jokes aren’t top shelf, buyers will pass.

Why lose a sale because you have two out of three? You wouldn’t let your kid play in the street wearing a blindfold, so don’t let your screenplay out the door without a coat. Get some comedy insurance!

How I can help:

I’ll take you to the finish line, gut-check your story structure and give it the nice comedy punch up it deserves. Funnier is better, make ‘em laugh! Remember what’s great can always be improved.

Here’s what you get:

  • A professional script evaluation to make sure your story structure is perfect
  • A dialogue clean up and polish
  • Dozens of jokes, one-liners and comedic buttons to spice up your screenplay or teleplay
  • Copyedit
  • Proof reading

Here’s how the process works:

  1. Set up a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss.
  2. You submit your screenplay or teleplay.
  3. I evaluate the story structure and comedy to determine what it needs to be market ready.
  4. We meet, discuss and agree.
  5. I revise the script.
  6. You review it.
  7. We make changes.
  8. You review it.
  9. We finalize the draft.
  10. The script is copyedited and proofed.
  11. You’re ready to go and retain all the rights and credit.

Optional: I can also help you write your pitch.


Screenwriting Blog

For more blog posts, Click here


Writing Classes

To take advantage of the opportunity to learn from Professor Horowitz in person Click Here for her upcoming classes, seminars and conference appearances.


Writing Guidance

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned writer who wants to improve, Professor Marilyn Horowitz’s intensive personal coaching will help you complete and/or revise your screenplay, novel or non-fiction book, more efficiently than you ever thought possible.  Her unique evaluation process ensures both the artistic merits and sale-able commercial qualities of your script or other written work. Her students’ works have been produced by studios such as Warner Brothers. and published by companies like Simon and Schuster.

Are YOU ready to succeed? Read more

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Testimonials

You are always a light. Thank you.

Desiree

“Working with Marilyn Horowitz has challenged every aspect of my creative process from conception to preparation, and most importantly, execution.… Read more “– Larry Lowry”

- Larry Lowry
Writer/Producer, Nickelodeon

For the first time, in all my years of taking various classes, I feel like I have found “my teacher.”

Audrey M.

“Marilyn, It’s been an amazing year developing my script. Thank you for your mentorship and friendship.”

- Larry G.

“Just wanted to say I read your book and think it’s terrific. You took a process that can seem overwhelming… Read more “Allison-Author 101 University”

- Allison-Author 101 University
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Contact the office at 212-600-1115

MEDIA & SPEAKING INQUIRIES

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Contact Koehler Books at 757-289-6006

  • Home
  • About
  • Writing Services
  • Writing Guidance
    • Writing Evaluation
    • Writing Guidance
    • Comprehensive Packages
    • Ongoing Coaching
  • Classes & Seminars
    • New York University Classes
    • Seminars
    • Free Video Tutorials
    • Movie Breakdowns
    • Online Stores
  • Books & Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Scripting
    • What is Scripting?
    • Scripting Cheat Sheet
    • Free Scripting Class
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