Comedy Drama Masterclass: The 10 TV Writing Commandments of Ted Lasso
“Takin’ on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doin’ it, you’re probably doin’ it wrong.”
Ted Lasso
Are you writing a comedy drama series? The kind that would sit perfectly on the BBC, CH4, Netflix, Amazon or Apple?
If the answer is yes, join us for a one day deep dive into WHY and HOW the best of the best works so well, so that you can apply these lessons to your script too.
Nobody saw Ted Lasso coming. But this modest, amazing, witty, touching, emotional, brilliant show about the power of kindness and the impact of one sincere person has warmed even the most icy of hearts in its debut season.
Then they spread their wings in season two – examining mental health issues, confidence, and love in a touching, hilarious way.
Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence, and Jason Sudeikis got together and built a show on wit and heart, defying conventional wisdom. An American series about British football. A kind hero in a cynical world. A steadfast protagonist where we are taught heroes must change.
How did they do it? What magical alchemy have they found to capture the hearts of people from all countries, all genders, all walks of life? And how can we apply these lessons to our own writing?
In 2022 the world NEEDS comedy drama more than ever, shows that add levity to their audience’s lives, shining a little truthful-light into the challenging darkness.
In this masterclass we will answer…
- How do you build the perfect pilot?
- What beats must your story hit?
- Where and when do you introduce supporting characters?
- How do you introduce everything the audience needs to know in the first 5 minutes?
Smart writers now recognise that making Comedy Drama in the post pandemic world is not the same as writing it in 2019 … Enter Ted Lasso which captures this zeitgeist. We will address these questions…
- In 2022 and beyond, what are audiences and producers REALLY seeking and why?
- How can we leverage heart and soul in our writing and characters so we more deeply connect with audiences now?
- Why is the ever present need for a nemesis more important than ever?
- How do we make readers fall in love with the universe and characters we create, one’s that are infused with wit, charm and most of all, humanity?
Bob Schultz will guide you through the football defence and help you make that extra pass to assure you score the winning goal!
So… If you have an idea for a comedy drama series that you are passionate about, this full-day Masterclass will elevate your writing, story and characters in such a way as to make it MORE viable in 2022.
“As the man once said, the harder you work, the luckier you get.”
Ted Lasso
‘I immediately started applying the commandments to the pilot I am currently working on. Great examples, especially Severance and Nurse Jackie.’
Meera Thavasothy // Screenwriter
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‘This was the barbecue sauce of courses!!!!! It was as warm, meaningful and joyous as the show itself – praise can go no higher! I loved the idea that you should answer questions and create new ones ( the metaphor of a dog that will just get bored if he never gets the toy worked so well for me!) I also loved the idea of write music with language.’
Varsha Shah // Writer
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Read all feedback HERE
Mary Ann Hushlak // Writer and Dancer
‘I found all the workshops I have done with you very insightful and top-notch helpful, but this one was in a league of its own. Talk about astute and able to communicate so that it’s clear, clear, clear. I was able to use the material on a short story I am working on immediately. I don’t readily use the word revelation, but this time, yes, yes, indeed, yes, it was a ‘lightbulb’ moment.’
Abbie Heath // Writer
‘Watching the clips and breaking them down as we went really clarified the process. The whole day was really, really insightful and, most of all, practical. Working through the stages and writing them on the spot meant I moved forward much more quickly.‘
Varsha Shah // Screenwriter
‘I came away with real practical ideas on how to plan and improve my final act. It was so enjoyable! A fabulous, analytical and practical workshop that has transformed my ideas on writing an effective and, most importantly, emotional final act. Thank you!‘
This class is run by screenwriter Bob Schultz. For more than 20 years, Bob has been training screenwriters , helping thousands of writers clarify their stories, reorganise their ideas and build confidence to bring the very best version of any writer, to the opportunities they create.
