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.
REGISTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:
One lucky attendee will be chosen at this live event to win an original Sinners caricature by artist Jeff York. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the session.
Note: To be eligible you must attend the live event on June 3rd.
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:
- The director’s primary responsibility: shaping story through performance.
- How actors interpret scripts and translate text into behavior.
- Why emotion-based or “result” direction often fails—and what to use instead.
- Rehearsal, blocking, and finding playable beats within a scene.
- Letting go of rigid ideas and allowing actors to become collaborators.
- How writing with performance in mind leads to stronger, more producible scripts.
- Q&A with practical, real-world advice.
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:
- How to reinvigorate your creativity and enthusiasm for a project that has slowed down or is stuck
- How to create a plan and schedule that will lead to you actually spending productive time on your project
- How to leverage your family, friends, and fellow creatives to help you achieve your goal
- How to quickly move through common obstacles that contribute to creative slowdowns
- How to measure and celebrate progress, and what “finishing” really means.
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:
- Understanding the commercial surveillance economy
- Real world examples
- Risks of social media
- Examples of data collected from common apps
- Myths that prevent action
- Best practices
- Q&A
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:
- A brief history of pitch decks
- The difference between pitch decks and series bibles
- Key components for decks and bibles (sections/categories)
- Formatting and referencing
- Good VS bad (what not to do)
- Examples of different decks and bibles
- Q&A
*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:
- The Art of Editing and Sound Design
- Transformative Power of Music and Color Grading
- Navigating Film Festivals and Maximizing Exposure
- Strategies for Distribution Channels and Selling Films
- Release Strategies and Innovative Marketing Tactics
- Adaptability and Seamlessly Transitioning to Future Projects
- Self-Release and Industry Insights for Aspiring Filmmakers
- Building a Brand and Maximizing Impact through Post-Production Excellence.
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:
- Transition from Script to Production
- Crafting Pitch Decks and Engaging with Investors
- Rewrites and Networking
- Casting and Crew Chemistry
- Budgeting and Scouting Locations
- SAG, Contracts, and Administrative Processes
- Deliverables and Physical & Mental Health
- Routines, Habits, and Creative Process
- Industry Insights: Hollywood and Legal Aspects
- Communication and Setting the Right Energy on Set
- Dynamic Relationships and Handling Challenges
- The Art of Management and Achieving Momentum
- Adaptability, Problem-Solving, and the Ultimate Moment of Filmmaking Success.
This session is offered at various times throughout the year and not available on-demand.
All registrants receive a FREE entry to the 2026 Script Pipeline Pitch Competition.*
Everything you need to know to sell your story and yourself … in just one sentence.
There are two questions every writer must be able answer clearly and quickly:
“What’s your story about?"
“What do you write?”
The answer to the first question will reveal the genre, tone, hook, premise, and stakes of a single project. The second question will reveal what you as a writer care about in your work, and why you're the best person to to tell the stories you do.
You need your story idea boiled down to a single, compelling pitchable sentence to get the attention of a manager.
Our logline workshop will teach you how to do just that ...
In this exclusive two-hour event, we'll:
- Discuss the definition and purpose of a logline.
- Look at great examples of loglines that work.
- Explore different ways to construct loglines based on who you might be pitching to.
- How to use a story logline to sharpen the hook of your project.
- How to manage the fear of marketing yourself and your project with one sentence.
- Discuss the reasons not everyone will respond to your logline—and why that’s actually a good thing.
- Workshop attendee's loglines in real time (Merridith will review as many as time allows. We do not guarantee she can get to everyone).
- Open Q&A
You may have never written a logline before. Great! We’ll do a lot of that together.
You may have been banging your head against the wall trying to construct a great logline, but you’re frustrated that you can’t quite hit the mark.
We'll workshop the loglines you love and the loglines you hate. You’ll leave with the tools you need to whip them into shape and build future loglines with ease.
While we hope to get to as many of the attendees' loglines as possible, we will only be able to get to a handful for live feedback. First come, first serve.
However, during the workshopping of loglines, you'll see how Merridith's advice will apply to your own process, and now you'll have the tools to use to get to the next level. If you're interested in working with Merridith in a one-on-one session after the event, we'll send all attendees her information to reach out.
*Rules for Free Contest Entry Bonus: Any Symposium event that offers a free entry to one of our contests applies to future submissions, not refunds on past submissions.
**CONFIDENTIALITY: In an effort to best facilitate event participation, the recording will only be shared with the registrants and not available on-demand. If you're uncomfortable sharing your logline, that's fine, too, as it's not required.
What Attendees Have Said ...
"The Symposium gave me a whole new way to think about the logline. Loved it!"
"Merridith was professional, knowledgeable, and encouraging. The logline info that Merridith shared is spot on and will help me tremendously, And that's the whole point!! Thanks very much."
"Great information that can be immediately put to use. Appreciated not only the content but also the facilitation of the workshop. Not too many workshops provide the course materials at the beginning of the class. Kudos!"
"It was awesome and incredibly helpful for someone like myself who is just learning about screenwriting and the various skills one needs to have. Really enjoyed it. The two hours just flew by, and it was of real benefit. Thank you."
"I had a fabulous time—very knowledgeable instructors. They kept things moving along and gave attendees great suggestions."
