Finding Your Niche: Buck Trends to Build a Career with Purpose

Most filmmakers are told to “stay open”: to write anything, direct anything, be everything. But in today’s industry, that approach often leads to a pile of scripts with nowhere to go.

In this Pipeline Symposium, writer/director Zach Bandler challenges the myth of the generalist filmmaker and makes the case for something far more effective: finding your niche. Drawing from his own shift into storytelling at the intersection of healthcare, empathy, and neuroscience, Zach will share how this evolution led to partnerships with medical institutions, an artist residency, and new pathways for funding and distribution outside traditional industry channels.

Zach will offer a practical framework for identifying the thematic lane you’re uniquely positioned to explore, and connecting that work to communities, institutions, and ecosystems that are actively seeking those stories.

Attendees will learn how to move beyond chasing traditional industry pathways and instead build a personal storytelling identity that attracts collaborators, funding, and audiences.

Because the goal isn’t to do everything. It’s to do something that only you can do, and build a career around it. 

What attendees have said ...

"Substantive recommendations and specific advice.  Very helpful, thanks so much!"

"I like Zach's approach and perspectives on establishing one's creative identity. It's helpful to me right now in solidifying mine."

The Anatomy of Representation: Everything You Need to Know

For most writers, getting repped represents a critical career step aimed at building that all important bridge into the industry that will lead to becoming a bonafide working industry professional.

To pursue representation effectively and get your work the exposure and advocacy it deserves, it’s important to understand the industry landscape, what reps are looking for, and how to get their attention in order to land meaningful representation that will help push your career to the next level. 

In this symposium, we will explore the representation landscape, determine what type of representation is right for you, and identify the requirements and all-important next steps you should take to build a lasting career-spanning relationship with the right rep that will help make the difference in your career. 

What attendees have said ...

"I loved Lee's effort to make the information relevant both to her audience and to the current state of the industry. She really seems to be on top of current trends, and helps writers see things from an industry perspective, while also being very sensitive to writers."

"I loved everything! Lee was great, per usual!"

"The energy and authenticity kept me captivated. This was my first screenwriting symposium and it was great value."

"The main thing is that it introduced me to Lee Jessup with whom I plan to look into taking additional sessions."

"Great session with a lot of visible info. Thank you"

"Very actionable advice. Well informed straight talk."

"Thank you for explaining that an agent is less imperative for a starting writer."

Directing Actors: Practical Tools for Writers and Emerging Directors 

Improve your writing with deeper insights into the filmmaking process.

Directing actors is often viewed as something that happens only after a script is finished and production begins—but understanding the actor process can dramatically improve storytelling long before cameras roll.

In this educational session, writer and director Anthony DiBlasi breaks down the fundamentals of working with actors in a way that is accessible to writers, emerging directors, and storytellers at any stage of their career. 

The session focuses on practical tools that help translate intention on the page into authentic, playable performance. Using real-world examples from rehearsals and set experience, this session explores how directors communicate with actors, how actors interpret scripts, why certain types of direction unlock stronger performances, and how writers can shape scenes that invite behavior rather than simply describe emotion.

By the end of this presentation, attendees will gain actionable techniques for writing and directing, and leave with a stronger understanding of how story is translated from the page into human behavior. 

The session will cover:

What attendees have said ...

"I liked the concrete examples he gave from his own experience. I also enjoyed him going though his scripts line by line and sharing the prompts he'd shared with the actors to get them to approach their performance in a certain way."

Finish Your Project This Year

How to reignite your passion for a long-term project and complete it by the end of the year.

Whether it’s a screenplay, novel, or memoir, it takes a long time to complete a longform project. And yet many projects stretch out longer than they need to, the finish line receding farther in the distance as we wonder if we’ll ever reach our goal: a complete manuscript. January can be a painful reality, leading us to lament all we did not achieve in the prior year, to doubt we’ll ever get there.

But this year will be different. This year you CAN finish your project. If you have a plan.

In this session, we will explore what it means to finish a project, how to create structures that create forward progress, common obstacles that slow writers down, creative solutions to the ever-present challenge of finding time and space in this busy world, and what relationships are essential to getting to the finish line.

In this session you will learn:

You will walk away with renewed determination to tackle a project you really care about and a clear path toward achieving your creative goals. This year, you’ll finish it.

What attendees have said ...

"I really enjoyed Julia’s presentation. Her honesty and self-compassion are qualities we writers need reminding of. I hope I have opportunities to enjoy her work more in the future. She is very inspiring to me."

"I loved the concrete suggestions!"

Signing Smart! What Authors Should Know About Contracts

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!"

Privacy for Writers: Why Writers Should Care about Privacy in a Connected World and What They Can Do About It

Facebook. Twitter. Tiktok. Snapchat. You’re a writer and you thought writing books meant, well writing books. But now you have to be online, build a platform and be accessible. But in today’s hyper connected world, the risks to an author’s privacy are exponential. 

But privacy is hard and its designed to be hard by the companies that profit from surveilling our lives.  How do you protect your privacy so that you can both have an online platform and connect with readers while protecting yourself, your family, and your reputation? 

As an author and a privacy professor, she understands that privacy often doesn’t matter to people - until it does. 

By the end of this presentation, you will be better prepared to understand what you’re giving up when you sign click agree to the terms and conditions, why it matters for actors, and specifically what the minimum steps are to take to raise the bar on personal privacy without having to sell your firstborn to hire a personal security consultant.  You’ll get actionable steps to take to start protecting your privacy, cleaning up your information from the internet, and giving yourself piece of mind that in the event you end up going viral for something you didn’t plan, you’ll be better able to keep the conversation online instead of showing up on your doorstep.  

This presentation will cover:

What Attendees Have Said ...

"The speaker was super informed, I only wish we had had more time for discussion around the specificities of writers sharing/virtual rooms, etc."

"Depth of information more than expected. I appreciate that we will get Jess’ slides as there is much to absorb."

"The speaker knows her subject matter; the content is excellent."

One-on-One with Producer Michael Peterson

Pipeline Executive Director Matthew Misetich talked with Michael Peterson, Vice President of Development for Phoenix Pictures, to discuss the art of screenwriting and filmmaking through the lens of a producer.

As always, our Symposium one-on-one conversations are a community event, welcoming the audience's questions, too.

Relevant Symposiums Sessions:

How to Build Pitch Decks for Development and Inspiration

How to create a stunning deck to inspire, to help sell your feature or TV series, or to aid in financing your project.

Pitch decks are useful for more than just pitching your script. Many writers create them for story inspiration—to set the tone, help them develop characters, or create an outline. Creating a formal pitch deck can help, even in the early stages of writing!

And, of course, they're good for their original purpose ... pitching your vision.

As a screenwriter and graphic artist, Maya Zivkovich will focus on tips to help you create a stunning pitch deck worthy of any producer's consideration.

Some say pitch decks or series bibles are some of the hardest things you’ll ever write. But, with the right tools, guidance and a dash of inspiration, you can easily build a kick-ass pitch deck & series bible.

Maya will walk you through the importance of this document and break down the different components needed for your deck to truly stand out from the rest. No design experience necessary—you’ll get plenty of her best tips and tricks from her many years and expertise as a graphic artist (and no, you do NOT need to use A.I. ...)

By the end of the presentation, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, tools, templates, and the motivation to get you on your way to creating your very own deck. 

The presentation will cover:  

*includes worksheets/templates for participants

What attendees have said ...

"Most detailed lecture on pitch decks and show bibles. Really like the Q&A and found that many questions were also my questions."

"I really appreciated that the presentation was long enough to cover all of the content and have a robust Q&A session, and that Maya provided templates for us to use so that we can implement the knowledge she shared with us. I feel confident that I can create a decent first pitch deck when the time comes!"

"The topic was covered thoroughly and the talk was full of great information and practical tips. The presenter spoke well and had clearly taken the time to organize her material in a clear and natural way. She also took the time to answer all of the participants' questions, even though that meant staying a bit over the talk's allotted time. Definitely got my money's worth on this one."

Indie Filmmaking Crash Course, Part 2: Navigating Post-Production

In Part Two, we delve into post-production essentials that can elevate your film to new heights. From the intricate art of editing and sound design to the transformative power of music and color grading, this symposium offers a comprehensive exploration of the creative elements that shape the final product.

Discover strategies for navigating film festivals, understanding distribution channels, and mastering marketing tactics to ensure your film reaches its intended audience.

Gain valuable insights into selling and self-releasing films, and learn how to seamlessly transition from one project to the next in the ever-evolving landscape of independent filmmaking.

Topics Covered:

Indie Filmmaking Crash Course, Part 1: From Script to Screen

In this symposium, we delve into critical aspects of independent filmmaking, guiding you through the transition from script to production, engaging with investors, crafting pitch decks, managing rewrites, networking, casting, budgeting, and scouting locations.

Discover the intricacies of SAG regulations, contracts, and administrative processes, as well as the importance of physical and mental health during the filmmaking journey. Uncover the secrets of routines, habits, and creative processes that contribute to successful filmmaking endeavors.

Gain insights into the Hollywood landscape, the art of communication, and the significance of setting the right energy on set.

And explore the dynamics of relationships, crew chemistry, and handling unforeseen challenges, empowering you to navigate the unpredictable journey of indie filmmaking with confidence and finesse.

Topics Covered: