Turning ideas, Into Stories
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Turning ideas, Into Stories
Details
APPLICATION GROUP 3
Applications Open:
2/6/25
THIS CIRCLE IS PERFECT FOR
- Aspiring writers and writer/directors
- Graduates who want to develop their own IP
- Anyone who has a lot of ideas, but is unsure what to do with them
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Informal, relaxed space to explore
- Practical examples to teach the steps used to generate and develop ideas
- Examining, workshopping and honing ideas
- Group discussions
- Some extra curricular time to work on own ideas
- Guest speakers from development/production
- Using all the above to write a compelling one-page pitch
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT
- Contact info for producers/development execs
- Feedback on scripts
Qualification Criteria
Aspiring Professional (0 yrs of experience)
Entry Level (1-2 yrs of experience)
Day / Time
Times Per Month: Weekly
Day / Time: Tuesday at 6:30 PM
Timezone: IST (GMT+1)
* You must meet the qualification criteria AND be able to attend the posted day/time of the circle (please note the timezone posted)
CIRCLE DESCRIPTION
Have you ever had an idea for an animated short, series, or feature but are unsure how to develop it further? This mentorship circle will look at the steps used to mold initial ideas into compelling stories.
Perfect for aspiring writers, directors, graduates, or anyone who has ever had an idea (but was unsure what to do with it!) the circle will cover how to generate ideas and how to recognize what ideas work and what ideas don’t.
We will develop our ideas to find the themes and the ‘who, what, where, when, and why’ of stories. Once the ideas are honed into stories/premises, we will look at how we turn these into compelling one-page pitches that production companies will want to read and develop further.
The course will be a mix of real-life examples, group workshops, discussions, and guest speakers. Participants are welcome to bring their own ideas or they can generate an idea throughout the course.
ADDITIONAL Application Requirements
Please submit the following as part of your Application Profile:
*(AFTER you click to apply, you must go into your member profile and complete the member-specific portion; these requirements should be submitted through that profile):
- Resume
- Personal Statement explaining why this circle is right for you
Circle Leader
Damien O'Connor
Damien O’Connor has worked as a writer/director for over 15 years on shows for NETFLIX, DISNEY, NICKELODEON, and APPLE TV.
In 2018 Damien received three EMMY nominations for writing/directing work on Angela’s Christmas, an adaptation of Pulitzer prize-winning Frank McCourt’s (Angela’s Ashes) only children’s book, Angela and the Baby Jesus.
In 2020 Damien received a further two EMMY nominations for the 45-minute sequel – Angela’s Christmas Wish (Jared Harris, Ruth Negga, Caitriona Balfe).
Prior to the Angela’s Christmas films, Damien directed over 30 episodes of the Peabody award-winning Doc McStuffins for Disney. He was Supervising Director on Butterbean’s Cafe for Nickelodeon and most recently, Supervising Director on Eva The Owlet, a series based on the New York Times bestselling Scholastic book series “Owl Diaries” by award-winning author Rebecca Elliott for Scholastic Entertainment Inc. and Apple TV.
Damien is currently working on a new, unannounced Christmas Special.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Current Title: Writer/Director
Studio / Employer: Freelance
