Publishing

Tune into live conversations with authors, editors, and literary agents sharing their journeys and expertise in the world of publishing.

Screenwriting

Watch live panels featuring screenwriters as they break down their techniques for crafting compelling scripts and navigating the entertainment industry.

Filmmaking

Discover live streaming events where directors, producers, and cinematographers discuss the creative and technical processes behind their films.

How a Book Becomes a Movie: What Authors and Screenwriters Need to Know

October 28, 2026
The filmmaking business is complex and baffles many—even those working in it. The reality is, there is no single way to get a film made. But there’s no question that Hollywood loves adapting intellectual property. The more authors and screenwriters understand the different adaptation paths, the better their odds of success.

Book Pipeline

Book Pipeline connects writers to publishers, agents, and the film industry through competitions and workshops, providing hands-on support to bridge the gap between emerging authors and the industry since 2014.

Script Pipeline

Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.

Film Pipeline

Film Pipeline connects filmmakers and writers with agencies and executives, focusing on diverse storytelling and playing an active role in developing and promoting projects, reviewing thousands of submissions annually since its launch in 2018.

Signing Smart! What Authors Should Know About Contracts

Held

October 15, 2025

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Subjects

Filmmaking, Publishing, Screenwriting

Topic

Business

From publishing deals to agent agreements, film/TV deals, merchandise licenses, and even cover art commissions—contracts can shape your author career.

In this webinar, we’ll break down what rights and obligations you’re taking on, how to spot risks, what key terms really mean, and how to protect yourself when the other side doesn’t deliver.

Together we’ll demystify tricky topics like representation and warranties, indemnification, reserved rights, reversion, naked licensing and implied licenses.

Whether you’re signing your first deal or renegotiating, this session will help you approach contracts with clarity and confidence.

What Attendees Have Said ...

"Lauren Emerson is extremely knowledgeable, and she brought to light contract and IP considerations that I didn’t even realize I might have to think about! She presented information in a way that was very approachable (even to someone like me, who has no background in law) … and she packed A LOT of information into a 90-minute webinar. I’m so happy I had the chance to be part of this Symposium course."

"Amazing!"

"Super insightful in what to look for when looking over a contract!"

Host

Lauren Emerson
Lauren Emerson is a lover of stories and the people who tell them. As co-chair of the Trademark and Copyright Practice Group at Leason Ellis, Lauren weaves her passion for intellectual property with her deep appreciation for the written word. A lifelong reader with a degree in Japanese Language and Literature from Dartmouth College, she […]

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Upcoming Events

How a Book Becomes a Movie: What Authors and Screenwriters Need to Know

October 28, 2026
The filmmaking business is complex and baffles many—even those working in it. The reality is, there is no single way to get a film made. But there’s no question that Hollywood loves adapting intellectual property. The more authors and screenwriters understand the different adaptation paths, the better their odds of success.

The Power of Short Story IP—From Concept to Execution

November 10, 2026
Short stories are emerging as essential IP for an intro to the studio system, and some of our most iconic films began with only a handful of pages. Using short fiction references from Stephen King and more, this course explores how writers can recognize the cinematic engine (and core dilemma) inside a short story and to brainstorm or refine an idea of their own. 

Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting for Writers

November 18, 2026
Hosted by goal strategist, author, and The Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling, this session will introduce you to The DEB Method®, her system for goal-setting simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, and Brainstorm Your Path. Writers will define their goals, prioritize projects, and create a plan to turn their vision into reality.

Latest Streaming

A Book Proposal Coach’s Secrets to Selling Your Book—Non-Fiction or Fiction

October 21, 2026
Even your fiction book can benefit from examining it like a business person. Because that's what editors and publishers do. Your proposal, which outlines your project for a publisher, has to be so good that editors fall in love with it and believe that readers will, too. In fact, writing a proposal will set you up for success even if you plan to self-publish. The problem? Most writers have no idea how to create a winning proposal. They simply don’t think like business people which is exactly what's needed. And this is a problem for authors. But Amy B. Scher is going to change that.

Stop Waiting for Permission. Write and Produce your Proof-of-Concept Short!

October 14, 2026
Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Merridith Allen, guides you step-by-step through making a proof-of-concept short film that will get you noticed ... and expand your options for either financing or representation.

I Finished My Script—Now What?

October 7, 2026
Timothy Michael Cooper shares the insights earned during his decades-long career, teaching you how to interpret and incorporate feedback, find the true heart of the story, focus your rewrites,cut away characters and scenes that aren’t pulling their weight, and build strategic relationships to get your script into the right hands.

Symposium, presented by Pipeline Artists, is a year-round virtual conference empowering creatives with honest, no-nonsense guidance across the arts. Through seminars, industry panels, and Town Hall discussions on screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, and career-building, Symposium offers grounded advice from working professionals to help you forge your own unique path.

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