Hey Stu,
Community is everything
As writers, we spend a lot of time alone. Alone with our ideas. Alone with the blinking cursor. Alone, Alone, Alone. And yes, that solitude is necessary. We have to go inward to create. But too much isolation isn’t great for creativity, or sanity, or your sciatica.
That’s where writers groups come in. There’s nothing better than socializing while talking shop: bouncing ideas off trusted colleagues, giving and receiving notes, and building real relationships. Some of my closest industry friends came out of writers groups. I was in one for years.
And in the early Script Anatomy days I hosted a few instructor-led Writing Salons. Many of those writers went on to get into writing programs, staff or sell features. We brought that model back a few years ago, and now we have five ongoing instructor-led groups. If you’re craving accountability, feedback, and community, this is it. Just scroll down, there are a couple of rare vacancies...
OK, a couple of quick announcements!
If you're looking for a high level group to join, this is a great opportunity. For feature writers, Thane Economou's group meets on Tuesdays (tonight!). And for TV writers, J. Holtham's group meets on Saturdays.
You know the drill—if you've had 3 classes or more with Script Anatomy, contact tawnya@scriptanatomy.com with details. These spots don't open up often. We have 5 groups on going right now and almost all have waitlists. So this is a rare chance!
Applications go live in one month for the RISE Fellowship! This fellowship selects an annual cohort of Fellows who are supported financially and creatively in a 12-month program to make commercial film and television projects across all genres.
Fellows will develop an original pilot or feature as part of the program, and if you're a multi-hyphenate with directing aspirations, the program will support that too.
We've had Script Anatomy alums who've participated in the past and we think it's a great program! Applications open on May 1st.
So mark the date in your calendar and APPLY!!
Happy writing, everyone!
Tawnya |
Screenwriting Tip
with Aly Feltes |
⬆️ Click the Pic Above To Watch Video! ⬆️
In this tip Aly talks about about three questions to ask about your main character, and how the answers can shape your story.
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Instructor Spotlight Q&A
Aly Feltes |
We’re excited to introduce you to Aly, who has been a writer/showrunner in Canada, South Africa and the U.S, with stellar credits in each country. In addition to developing her pilot based on The Killing Of The Unicorn for Paramount Studios and Kennedy/Marshall, she’s developing an original series set in post-Apartheid South Africa. Prior to working as Consulting Producer on Mosquito Coast (Apple), she was an Executive Producer on First Lady (Showtime), an EP and writer on The Alienist: Angel of Darkness (TNT), and a Co-Executive Producer and writer on the award-winning Ozark (Netflix) for two seasons.
In Canada, she co-created Flash Forward for The Disney Channel and The Associates for CTV. She co-ran Traders for three Gemini award-winning seasons (including its two best dramatic series nods). In South Africa, Aly developed, wrote and was Showrunner of JOZI-H, for CBC, BBC and SABC, living in Johannesburg with her two young children for the duration of filming.
After relocating to Los Angeles, Aly became a Co-EP on Mental, a one hour-drama produced in Bogota, Colombia for FTVS and Fox and was a Consulting Producer for the The Firm (NBC/Sony International).
Aly is very interested in encouraging, developing and promoting writers. As a showrunner-in-residence at The Canadian Film Centre, creating a mock story department for the students there using a one-hour drama based on her original pilot script. In Los Angeles, she has taught television writing for Script Anatomy for many years. Most of her students have been accepted to fellowships and have been staffed. The recent Gordita Chronicles, written by Script Anatomy alum Claudia Forestieri, was developed in her class.
Now, let's jump into the Q&A!
Where are you from, and how does your personal backstory inform your writing?
I was born an “American Abroad” in Montreal, Canada, so I have dual citizenship from birth. I grew up as a girl in Atlanta, Georgia, then was moved, by my activist, somewhat defeated parents, to Toronto. I was schooled for a bit in England - bullied for being a “Yank” - and then went to college and law school back in Canada. I think my rootlessness inspires my life and my writing. Parts of me are deeply Canadian - happy to not be the leader of the free world, happy to live a non-fraught life - and I’m deeply American as well. My whole family history is here or in England or Ireland. Canada always felt like a refuge to me, without being my “home”. I think my life has made my characters always slightly “other”. In connecting them to people and place in my scripts and series, I also get to connect myself.
What do you love most about teaching?
I LOVE Script Anatomy students. The ideas that run through your brains, and the dedication you put into your work really thrills me. I get to guide, and then I also get the gift of learning something new from you. In every.single.class.
What is the one thing you have to have locked in before you go to outline?
I have to know my characters inside and out. What is their concrete GOAL in the pilot? What inner, psychological desire drives them toward that goal? What is their core wound? What is their flaw? And what do they need to learn from their pursuit?
When in the pilot does the lightbulb go off? Or does a lightbulb not go off at all in the pilot, saved for a later episode??
Do you prefer Original Ideas or IP? Are you working on an Original Idea right now or IP?
I’m enjoying working from IP at the moment. I am adapting a complicated, bestselling novel that is a real structural challenge. I’m enjoying figuring it out, and presenting something that I hope will be theatrically fresh and spectacular. I adapted a non-fiction book recently and loved the freedom to create characters and relationships that could bring out the rather dry science in a meaningful, dramatic way.
How have you navigated the recent contraction in the industry? What advice would you give new writers looking to break in?
Have SAVINGS. Get a side hustle and keep it for when times are lean. Don’t panic, or give up, but protect yourself as best you can. Make friends. Attend mixers. Join a writers group. Be bold and confident about yourself even if you don’t feel it in your heart yet - flip side - don’t be arrogant or boastful. Enter your work into contests and fellowships. Support each other.
And lucky for us, Aly is teaching a class for us! |
Apr 11 to Jun 6, 10:00am ● Instructor: Aly Feltes
Ozark (Netflix), Mosquito Coast (Apple), First Lady (Showtime)
Designed to help working writers level up in their careers, this course will guide you through the process of development, outline & draft with our signature tools and techniques to make sure your script reflects your unique voice and stands out.
This Master Class provides accountability and feedback from an amazing upper level professional to ensure your finished script is exceptional.
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Apr 12 & Apr 26, 10:00am ● Instructor: Jimmy Mosqueda
Schooled (ABC), Legacies (CW), Disney-ABC Writing Program
Now that Fellowship Season is upon us – let us help you get not only those bios and essays ready, but your entire application. Join us for this one of a kind course focusing on the architecture of the entire application, including your bio and essay.
Getting into a writing program is the fastest track to launching your TV writing career – getting you ready, repped, and into your first staffing job. |
Apr 12 to Jul 12 10:00am ● Instructor: Hannah Rosner
The Copenhagen Test (Peacock), Legacies (CW), Warner Brothers Writers Workshop
Before class begins, your instructor will provide detailed personal notes on your script, giving you a clear roadmap for your rewrite. Over five in-depth sessions, you’ll tackle Core Structural Beats, deepen Character and Relationship Dynamics, heighten Conflict & Stakes, and refine every layer of your story.
Whether you’re working on a drama or a comedy pilot, or a spec, this class will help you refine your script so your story lands with emotional impact and captures the attention of industry professionals. |
Apr 19 to May 31, 10:00am ● Instructor: Rowan Wheeler
Emmy award-winning Producer and Screenwriter, Rio In Love (Amazon), While You Were Breeding (Freeform), Obliterated (Netflix)
Your instructor will guide you through the Script Anatomy tools, a tried and tested process of crafting your script from concept to outline. Each week, you will receive lectures about the tools, and then a corresponding assignment in which you will apply those tools to your own project.
An intensive 5-week course that is perfect for both new and working writers who want to elevate their scripts by applying Script Anatomy’s unique tools. |
FEATURE CLASSES
Last Spots |
Apr 26 to Jun 28 10:00am ● Instructor: Natalie Light
Projects with Berlanti Productions, Appian Way (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Three Things Productions (Melissa Benoist)
It begins with a pre-class prep week in which writers hand in their outline and read a comedy or drama script chosen by the screenwriting instructor. In Week One writers receive notes on their outlines from their peers and the instructor. In Weeks Two and Three, they receive notes on the first and second halves of their scripts.
A structured 4 session class designed for screenwriters who have a completed outline and are ready to write their draft. |
May 3 to Jul 12 10:00am ● Instructor: Craig Fernandez
From Prada to Nada (Lionsgate), Biker Boyz (Dreamworks), Frankentein (Sony)
Through a collaborative approach, this advanced course will take you from the seed of an idea to a full outline. During the course we will troubleshoot story problems, refine structure, and create a dynamic roadmap for your script..
In every unforgettable movie, the magic starts long before “Fade In.” It’s born in the high-octane process of breaking story—mapping every pivotal beat (scene) — from the first spark to the final frame. |
May 17 to Jun 28 10:00am ● Instructor: Ross Lazar
Amazon Studios, Fifth Season, Screen Gems, Point Grey Pictures, Netflix
Each week, you will learn a new writing tool, and then receive a corresponding assignment in which you apply it to your own project. You will also give and receive weekly feedback, from your instructor and your peers, providing you with an honest evaluation of your material in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Feature Development Lab is the course upon which all of our feature writing courses are built. |
May 17 to Jul 12 10:00am ● Instructor: Scott Barkan
Edge of Fear (Netflix), I’m Just F*cking With You (Blumhouse), The Sun Always Sets in the West (Lionsgate)
It begins with a pre-class prep week in which writers hand in their outline and read a comedy or drama script chosen by the screenwriting instructor. In Week One writers receive notes on their outlines from their peers and the instructor. In Weeks Two and Three, they receive notes on the first and second halves of their scripts.
A structured 4 session class designed for screenwriters who have a completed outline and are ready to write their draft. |
Please put your hands together for these incredible alums!
!We have an alum in this year's Blacklist x WIF Episodic Lab:
Amanda Kohr
We also have a whopping 7 alums that placed in the Stowe Story Labs Finalist list for 2026:
Amanda Kowalski
Andy Yang
Lesley Fera
Merridith Allen
Nerris Nevarez-Nassiri
Radha Mehta
Zoe Reiniger
And here are some exciting updates from our alums! Congratulations!
"I just wanted to share that my pilot script, Hench, (which I drafted with Pilotpalooza) is an official selection for the Pasadena International Film Festival this year."
-- Chloe Hawker
"I'm happy to share that two of my half-hour comedy pilots, The Essential Male and Success Story were just named Quarterfinalists in the Emerging Screenwriters Comedy Screenplay Competition! (Both written through Script Anatomy classes, of course!)"
-- Mike O'Neill |
🎉 Got a win? Let’s celebrate together! 🎉
Share your success with us—email est...@scriptanatomy.com
or tag us on your IG story/post.
We can’t wait to cheer you on!
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