Directing for television requires you to master a unique set of skills to succeed. In this class you’ll learn specific techniques like:

• Camera blocking on set

• Working with actors

• Working with production department heads

• Addressing notes from the studio

• Prepping your shots

And much more… Whether you’re a beginning director or have experience, this class will help you relevant tools expand your knowledge base.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Morenike Joela is one of only a handful of African-American women directors working in multi-cam television. She directed an episode of the NAACP Image Award-winning series, Family Reunion, for Netflix, and has directed episodes of three hit Disney series— Raven’s Home, Coop & Cami Ask The World and BUNK’d. Recently selected as one of eight emerging directors to participate in the Alliance of Women Directors Industry Support program, she also directed the feature film, Deadly Dispatch for TVOne starring Tamala Jones and Dominique Perry that premiered in July 2019.

Her work directing Season 1 of the Google-funded digital series GODCOMPLX won the Jury Award at the 2017 Diversity En Cannes Short Film Showcase and earned her an Outstanding Director nomination at 2017 LA WebFest.  She was promoted to Co-EP/Showrunner for Season 2 of GODCOMPLX which premiered on Amazon in May 2019.  In addition to directing two episodes, she ran the writer’s room, and supervised the creative production of the series and it’s 4 other directors including the Last OG’s Allen Maldonado and Malik Yoba. 

She transitioned to scripted television after an impressive career producing entertainment and cultural lifestyle programming for MTV News, BET, NBC, TNT, OWN, TVOne and PBS. If she wasn’t working as a triple threat in the entertainment industry, she’d be Janet Jackson’s backup dancer, a detective, or an archeologist--in that order.

Follow her journey: @morenikejoela (IG & Twitter)

IMPORTANT: REGISTRATION IS A TWO STEP-PROCESS. After clicking the register button, you will be taken to PayPal to process the fee. Then you will be redirected to the webinar site to enter your information. YOU MUST ENTER YOUR INFORMATION AFTER YOU PAY OR YOU WILL NOT BE SENT LOGIN DETAILS. If you paid but not received the login info, please email info@inthecutla.org immediately. Thanks!

A strong writing sample is essential to landing work as television writer. But where to begin? We’ve received numerous questions about what a writing sample should be: spec, or original pilot? Screenplay or another art form, like a stage play, short story? How many samples should you have? In this class, we’ll explain how to craft an excellent writing sample to attract attention from showrunners, producers, agents, and managers. Taught by Elon Washington.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Elon is a screenwriter and community organizer who is passionate about providing visibility for underrepresented voices. She studied English, Film and Media at the University of Florida, Film and Television at Savannah College of Art and Design, and received her MFA in Screenwriting from the New York Film Academy. She is the founder of Black Film Allegiance, a virtual platform promoting collaboration and creative opportunity for up-and-coming filmmakers. Elon also works at Monkeypaw Productions in the role of Development Manager where she addresses current and upcoming projects.

IMPORTANT: REGISTRATION IS A TWO STEP-PROCESS. After clicking the register button, you will be taken to PayPal to process the fee. Then you will be redirected to the webinar site to enter your information. YOU MUST ENTER YOUR INFORMATION AFTER YOU PAY OR YOU WILL NOT BE SENT LOGIN DETAILS. If you have paid but not received the login info, please email info@inthecutla.org. Thanks!

Learn the necessary steps to find work and succeed as a Writer's PA. From the initial meeting with the showrunner, to on-the-job training and tips, this in-depth course will provide you with the resources and knowledge to land an entry-level job in Hollywood. The first hour is purely instructional, the second hour opens up to questions from participants. Taught by Shaniqua Y. Rivers.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: While attending the University of Florida, Shaniqua decided to change her major from Pre-Law to Telecommunications with a focus in Production. She was later accepted into the Screenwriting program at  FSU College of Motion Picture Arts. Two weeks after graduation, Shaniqua moved to Los Angeles . She started her journey as an intern at Will Packer Productions, which led to a position at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). After she departed from CAA, she landed an Office PA at Shondaland and was assigned to the hit show, “Scandal” (ABC). She was most recently the Showrunner’s Assistant on “Bridgerton,” the highly-anticipated upcoming series from Netflix and Shondaland.

IMPORTANT: REGISTRATION IS A TWO STEP-PROCESS. After clicking the register button, you will be taken to PayPal to process the fee. Then you will be redirected to the webinar site to enter your information. YOU MUST ENTER YOUR INFORMATION AFTER YOU PAY OR YOU WILL NOT BE SENT LOGIN DETAILS. If you have paid but not received the login info, please email info@inthecutla.org immediately after payment. Thanks!

Interested in making your own content but not sure where to start? Maybe you’re an experienced independent content creator, but want to learn how to translate your experience into a writing position at a major network or studio. No matter your situation, In the Cut’s DIY Content Creation class will teach you how to successfully produce and distribute your own content and jumpstart your career. Taught by Jeanine Daniels.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Jeanine Daniels honed her skills at KCET, ABC, WB, and Disney Animation before co-founding Black&SexyTV, a digital content studio and distribution network that focused on content starring people of color. HBO optioned the first series she created. Other series she created/produced were licensed to Interactive One, BET, and Centric. She’s written, produced, and/or directed alternative and scripted projects for companies like TV One, BET, and Stitcher. Most recently, she’s been a staff writer on Snowfall (FX) and Love Is (OWN). She currently has an original show on BOSSIP. An avid anime fanatic and cosplayer who has spent time as a persuasive writing coach for the Obama Foundation's Community Leadership Corps, Jeanine is also a 2019-2020 Humanitas New New Voices Winner. *she can also speak enough Chinese to save her life… if needed*

IMPORTANT: REGISTRATION IS A TWO STEP-PROCESS. After clicking the register button, you will be taken to PayPal to process the fee. Then you will be redirected to the webinar site to enter your information. YOU MUST ENTER YOUR INFORMATION AFTER YOU PAY OR YOU WILL NOT BE SENT LOGIN DETAILS. If you have paid but not received the login info, please email info@inthecutla.org. Thanks!

One of the most asked questions at In the Cut is: How exactly do I sell my script? Learn the process of pitching and developing a TV series with Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, an award-winning screenwriter and producer with a proven track record of selling high-profile projects. Whether you’re an industry newbie or an experienced writer that’s currently developing a project, this class is must for anyone who wants to know how to successfully sell a show to a major network/studio.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Selwyn Seyfu Hinds is a multi-faceted storyteller; a screenwriter, author, editor, producer, and more. After a bidding war, he recently sold the adaptation of the book Washington Black to Hulu with Sterling K. Brown attached. His episode of Jordan Peele’s revamped Twilight Zone was nominated for a 2020 Humanitas award. He was Editor-in-Chief of The Source magazine during its 90s heyday, and also served as Consulting Producer of Original Programming and Executive Producer of News and Docs at BET Networks.

IMPORTANT: REGISTRATION IS A TWO STEP-PROCESS. After clicking the register button, you will be taken to PayPal to process the fee. Then you will be redirected to the webinar site to enter your information. YOU MUST ENTER YOUR INFORMATION AFTER YOU PAY OR YOU WILL NOT BE SENT LOGIN DETAILS. If you have paid but not received the login info, please email info@inthecutla.org. Thanks!

Looking to break into the writer’s room? A Script Coordinator position is a great stepping stone to being staffed. Rae Benjamin, CEO of In the Cut and Script Coordinator on Netflix’s The Witcher, teaches you the necessary steps to find work and succeed as a script coordinator. From the initial meeting the showrunner, to on-the-job training and tips, to networking strategies, this in-depth course will provide you with the resources and knowledge to land a job in the writer’s room. The first hour is purely instructional, the second hour opens up to questions from participants. $15 to register. For more info about In the Cut, follow us on Instagram @inthecutla for daily tips and inspiration.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: After years of working as a graphic designer, Rae decided to quit her job and turn her screenwriting hobby into a career. Rae was the Writer’s Assistant for “Bridgerton,” the first scripted Netflix production from Shonda Rhimes’ highly publicized deal, set to premiere late 2020. She is currently the Script Coordinator for the international hit, “The Witcher” and provides graphic design and marketing assistance to Emmy-winner, Lena Waithe. Though she has worked on several high-profile dramas, comedy writing is Rae’s true passion. She is the co-creator and executive producer of the animated web series, “Julisa, Who?”, available to watch on Instagram and YouTube.

You may want to be a writer, but do you know how a writer's room actually functions? In this class, screenwriter, Jade Branion will teach you the inner workings of the room. Learn how a story goes from initial pitches, to whiteboards, to outline, and finally to script. This in-depth course will provide you with the resources and knowledge to succeed as a TV writer. The first hour is purely instructional, the second hour opens up to questions from participants. $15 to register.

Jade is originally from a magical place where sliders and deep dish pizza reign. She attended USC and graduated from The School of Cinematic Arts. After spending 8 years working in On-Air Creative where she wrote and produced promos for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Freeform, etc. she sold everything she owned to pursue her dream of traveling the world. She left the US with 2 suitcases to her name and traveled to 11 different countries in 1 ½ years. In 2017, she moved back to Los Angeles to seriously pursue her dream of writing for TV and Film. She’s been the Writer’s Assistant on Season 2 and 3 of Showtime’s The CHI. She co-wrote episode 7 for Season 3, and is currently consulting on an animated movie for Netflix.

You may want to be a writer, but do you know how a writer's room actually functions? In this class, screenwriter, Racquel Baker will teach you the inner workings of the room. Learn how a story goes from initial pitches, to whiteboards, to outline, and finally to script. This in-depth course will provide you with the resources and knowledge to succeed as a TV writer. The first hour is purely instructional, the second hour opens up to questions from participants. $15 to register.

Racquel is a LA native and screenwriter. She started her career as an assistant to Emmy-Winner Lena Waithe, before serving as writer’s assistant on BET’s Boomerang, where she also wrote two freelance episodes. Racquel was the writer’s assistant on Twenties and was recently staffed on the Freeform hit, “Good Trouble.”

You asked and we answered. In the Cut is proud to partner with Larry Powell to offer our Acting Foundations webinar. This class takes a back-to basics-approach to teach you core acting principles. You’ll learn how to deliver great performances and sustain the dynamic journey of being a working actor today. The first hour is purely instructional, the second hour opens up to questions from participants. $15 to register.

Larry Powell is a writer, actor, director and producer born and raised in South Central LA. Larry serves as Adjunct Lecturer at USC, as part of the of Dramatic Arts MFA. He is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama and the Founder/Creative Director of The Freedom Workshop: a master-class acting intensive program providing high-performance training and resources to marginalized artists on the rise in the mainstream entertainment industry. As an actor he has won and been nominated for multiple highly coveted awards having originated and premiered roles in some of the most exciting new plays in America. His new short film, Mother’s Milk, can be seen here: here

Al Plancher, former Showrunner's Assistant on The Chi and Yellowstone, teaches you the necessary steps to find work and succeed as showrunner's assistant. From the initial meeting the showrunner, to on-the-job training and tips, to how to land your next job, this in-depth course will provide you with the resources and knowledge to land one of the most coveted entry-level jobs in Hollywood. The first hour is purely instructional, the second hour opens up to questions from participants. $15 to register.

For more info about In the Cut, visit inthecutla.org and follow us on Instagram @inthecutla for daily tips and inspiration.

CEO And Founder of In the Cut, Rae Benjamin, teaches you the necessary steps to find work and succeed as a writer's assistant. From the initial meeting the showrunner, to on-the-job training and tips, to how to land your next job, this in-depth course will provide you with the resources and knowledge to land one of the most coveted entry-level jobs in Hollywood. The first hour is purely instructional, the second hour opens up to questions from participants. $15 to register.

Register here

Rae served as the writer’s assistant for the highly anticipated Shondaland/Netflix production, Bridgerton, set to premiere late 2020. She is currently the script coordinator on the Netflix international sensation, The Witcher and is also the co-creator of the new animated webseries, Julisa, Who?

Making the decision to follow your dreams can be daunting and confusing. At our event, you'll meet TV writers of varied levels and backgrounds who'll be able to answer questions, offer advice, and help you on your way. Hosted by Blackbird House.

• Learn how a writer's room works

• Gain advice on networking and building relationships

• Learn the differences between cable, streaming, and network television to better set career goals

• Learn about pitching and developing material

• Have the opportunity to ask questions and network with writers currently working on hit TV shows

• All attendees will be emailed take-home document with key points and information to review after the event ends

• Hear from writers currently working on TV’s most popular and critically acclaimed shows, across a variety of genres and levels.

Speakers

• Raamla Mohamed Producer, Scandal (ABC)

• Safia Diri Producer, Power (Starz)

• Daniel Willis Story Editor, TWENTIES, Boomerang (BET)

  Director, Grey's Anatomy, The Blacklist (ABC)

• Jeanine C. Daniels Staff Writer, Snowfall (FX)

• Selwyn Hinds Writer, The Twilight Zone (CBS All Access)

  Writer, Prince of Cats (Feature)

• Lucien C. Adderly and Robert Byrd Writing Team David Makes Man (OWN)

• Racquel Baker Staff Writer, Good Trouble (Freeform)

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT

Making the decision to follow your dreams can be daunting and confusing. In this panel we will go over basic standards of Hollywood etiquette including sending unsolicited materials and more. We will also describe the several types of writer’s room support staff positions on TV shows and share practical advice on obtaining these coveted jobs. At this event you will:

• Learn the do’s and don’t’s of Hollywood etiquette

• Hear key support stuff roles in the writer’s room (writer’s PA, writer’s assistant, script coordinator, and researcher)

• Gain firsthand knowledge from assistants to some the biggest names in Hollywood

• Get tips on how to get support staff jobs

• Have the opportunity to ask questions and network with current/former assistants and support staff

• Receive a take-home document with key points and information to review after the event ends