Jianna Maarten Saada

WHAT: EPISODIC WRITING WORKSHOP - Facilitated by Jianna Maarten Saada and Iz Rubenstein

WHEN:

WITH WHO: Jianna Maarten Saada and Iz Rubenstein

Jianna Maarten Saada - holds an MFA in Directing from the American Film Institute and a BA in Narrative Fiction from Columbia University. In addition to being an active filmmaker, Jianna is an Assistant Professor of Narrative Filmmaking at the University of Idaho. You can view her full Bio here.

Iz Rubenstein is a creative executive and writer based in LA. For nearly five years, Iz led story development at the Sundance Institute Episodic Program. During his tenure he provided creative and strategic support to over 200 writers and filmmakers, and produced hundreds of workshops. Many of the program's alumni have launched careers by staffing in TV writers rooms, and Episodic Lab projects have been developed at streaming platforms including Amazon, Apple TV+, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and Peacock. Prior to Sundance, Iz worked as a story consultant on the studio side, where he once read two unrelated scripts about space dolphins on the same day. He is the Head of Story for the New Market Discovery initiative, Consulting Story Advisor for the Flix Film Fund, and has guest lectured at the USC Peter Stark Producing Program and the UCLA Writers Program. Iz has an M.F.A. in Creative Producing from the Peter Stark Program at USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and a B.A. in Philosophy from Rutgers University.

HOW LONG: 8 Week Workshop Plus a One-on-One meeting with one of the Instructors with page notes.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The workshop is structured to support screenwriters looking to sharpen their episodic storytelling, with the goal of developing an original TV pilot from its inception. We will focus on the craft of outlining, writing, and revising episodic material. As a participating artist, you will engage in conversations around craft, developing your own material, and providing feedback to your peers. There’s no better way to write than by working on your own project, but just as important, you will practice giving, receiving, and implementing creative feedback. This is a great opportunity for any screenwriter interested in Episodic material who is looking to level up and find a pathway to their best work. 

$700. 1/2 Due upon registration and the remaining half due on the first day of class. *Payment options available.