Learn from Jodie Platt, former VP of Current Series Programming at Disney/ABC, who shepherded hit comedies like The Goldbergs and Fresh Off the Boat

Receive a downloadable practical Comedy Outline Template!

Outlining your comedy TV pilot is the essential first step to creating a script that hooks readers and builds a sustainable series. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll learn how to develop a clear premise, craft memorable characters, and establish a tone that carries across episodes and seasons. You’ll discover how to build ongoing conflict and story engines that keep your pilot—and your series—fresh, funny, and engaging. By the end of the webinar, you’ll walk away with a practical outline framework and the confidence to pitch a pilot that executives and audiences can’t wait to watch!

Many comedy pilots struggle to gain traction beyond a strong first episode because the underlying premise doesn’t sustain a full series. Writers often miss key elements like defining tone, developing long-term character arcs, or creating a clear “engine” for humor and conflict that lasts. This webinar will help you avoid these pitfalls by showing you how to build a pilot outline that is both immediately engaging and primed for longevity.

Your Stage 32 educator Jodie Platt is a seasoned television executive and producer who has overseen popular comedy and drama series at Warner Bros. Television and Disney/ABC, including Gossip Girl, The Goldbergs, Fresh Off the Boat, and Black-ish. With over 20 years of experience managing and developing pilots, series, and writers, Jodie brings unparalleled insight into what makes comedy pilots succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

In this interactive webinar, Jodie will guide you step-by-step through the process of outlining your pilot, from concept and characters to tone and structure. You’ll learn industry-proven techniques to create an outline that excites producers, showrunners, and executives alike. Walk away with the tools to develop a pilot with lasting appeal and a strong foundation for your series.

PLUS! You will receive the following handout to help you:

-Comedy Outline Template

Introduction & Getting Started

• Why You Should Outline

• Challenges of Not Outlining

• When to Outline

• Who Your Outline Is For

• Key Elements to Include and Why

Establishing Specificity Of Concept

• Solidifying the Premise and Hook

• Crafting a Succinct Logline or “Elevator Pitch”

• Creating an Informative Title and Marketing Tagline

• Maintaining Consistency in Tone and Voice

• Building a Compelling Setting or World

• Defining the Type of Show

• Connecting to Subject Matter and Timing (“Why Now?”)

• Identifying the Target Audience

Defining Structure & Template

• Understanding Format: Multi-Cam vs. Single-Cam

• Weighing Pros and Cons of Narrative Devices

• Identifying the Target Buyer: Broadcast, Cable, or Streaming

• Deciding Whether to Include Acts/Act Breaks

• Correlating Outline Length to Script Page Count and Running Time

Creating Compelling Characters

• Establishing POV and Access Point

• Maximizing Relatability Through Flaws

• Prioritizing Drivers of Humor, Conflict, and Emotion

• Advancing Character Dynamics and Relationships

• Considering Growth, Change, or Regression

Generating Storytelling For Longevity

• Establishing Central Conflict and Tension

• Creating Ongoing Story Drive

• Identifying and Integrating Recurring Themes

• Escalating Obstacles Over Time

• Building to and Earning the Payoff

• Setting Up for the Future

Q&A with Jodie

• Comedy writers and TV writers at any stage looking to strengthen their pilot outlines for submission and production

• Creatives at any stage wanting to develop a pilot with a clear, sustainable premise and compelling characters