new parent pilot class
“This space encouraged us to carve out time to write for the goodness of our craft and our souls because, ultimately, being a complete, fulfilled human is how we can best serve the tiny humans we love.”
Did you know that taking care of an infant changes your brain as much as puberty does?
YIKES!
This transformative ongoing class operates on a 5-weeks on, 1 week off schedule, and is based on my (No) Idea to Detailed Outline and Write/Rewrite curricula. Students sign up for one 5-week cycle at a time (or can commit to 3 cycles for a discount).
Besides being a container to develop and execute outstanding half-hour television samples, this class is also a space for new parents* to reconnect with their creativity! The vibe is gentle, supportive, reflective, and community-building. I have adjusted my class and syllabus to include more flexibility - absolutely no worries if you need to step away from the zoom at any point.
Students set intentions and goals at the beginning of each 5-week cycle, but are very patient with their process and accepting of delays, detours, and pauses. If we don’t end up meeting our stated goal, but do walk away with some new familiarity with ourselves as a writer and a parent, we will call that a win!
I guide my students in creating a one-sheet, story area document, detailed outline, and first draft of a half-hour television pilot. We start by developing your idea into a full tv show, and then we figure out what the first episode of that tv show should be. I help my students make decisions about structure and story to communicate with viewers/readers, put that story into scenes and make sure their idea is singing on the page.
*no child age limits - if you identify as a new parent, that’s all I care about :)
Also note: I am a working screenwriter. If I get a job that I cannot schedule around this class, I will convert the remaining sessions to private meetings scheduled at your convenience or refund you a prorated amount for the remainder of the class.
ABOUT JULIA
Julia is a working screenwriter, writing teacher, and mom of a two-year-old.
When Julia's son was five months old, she got back to work on her first job after becoming a parent - writing a feature film for Amazon Studios. She managed to carve out childcare and time and space to write - no small feat in itself! - and still, she found it unbelievably challenging. And her next project - a spec feature on her own schedule and at her own pace - she found it almost impossible. All her tricks, defaults, and mechanisms for getting writing done seemed to have vanished. It was almost like she... had a completely different brain??? (Reader, she did!) She became very interested in how parenthood changes the adult brain, and passionate about preventing parents from opting out of the culture-defining industry of entertainment.
Julia is currently getting certified as a parenting coach through the Jai Institute for Parenting, and as a matrescence guide through Seasons of Matrescence.
Upcoming cycles
(Thursdays 1-4pm)
9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24 (enrolling now - $375 or 5 monthly $75 payments)
11/7, 11/14, 11/21, [skips thanksgiving], 12/5, 12/12, 12/19 (special 6 week holiday cycle - $450 or 6 monthly $75 payments)
1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6 - $375 or 5 monthly $75 payments
Commit to all 3 cycles for $1000 ($200 discount)
Join Waitlist
"Julia's class was a lifeline to me as a new mom and screenwriter. I can say wholeheartedly I have truly never felt so safe or supported as a writer. By the end of her class, I had a full draft of a new TV Pilot. It's no surprise because I felt held and supported throughout the process from outlining to draft. Julia's gentle but extremely knowledgeable and advanced notes lead to me finding the best version of my story. I'd recommend this course to moms, screenwriters, or anyone who needs a reset on their confidence as a writer and storyteller. Thank you Julia I am so grateful for you!" - Ruthie
"Julia created an environment that fostered creativity, love, and growth. I feel so lucky I got to be a part of it and improve as a writer and a human. The class makes you feel accomplished as a writer, parent and creative. I highly recommend it." - Aysha
"Taking Julia's class was the best thing I did for my writing. She is an incredibly thoughtful, inspiring and supportive teacher. Any roadblocks I ran into, she had a brilliant, insightful solution. I learned so much from her and the group dynamic she fosters. Can't recommend taking her class enough!" - Maya
"No shade, but I have an MFA in screenwriting from Columbia and I learned more about pilot writing from Julia in just a few HOURS than I did in my TV writing class at school (that cost me bazillions of dollars in student loans). She is legit brilliant at this, so nurturing to all of us no matter the genre or style of pilot, and is helping me write my pilot during a tricky post partum time of no sleep. I was hesitant at first to spend MORE money learning about writing after going to film school, but the truth is that I was spinning my wheels without structure, writing is hard even for the most seasoned writers, and a brilliant teacher is a gift worth grabbing if you need clarity or a boost for any reason. Thanks Julia, you rock." - Sonya
"Not everyone who can “do” can teach, but dear God, can this woman teach. I wish I’d found her 15 years ago; it would’ve saved me a lot of heartache. Julia is an intuitive and prepared teacher. She is fully present in the class and has always spent time living in the world of our scripts beforehand. Her notes and guidance are super specific to each project, and she freely shares her insights, wisdom, and ideas. She isn't stingy or self-indulgent with her thoughts. There’s literally no ego—she just wants you to succeed! (I’ve had some teachers say they didn’t want to give specific advice without receiving a writer’s credit. Let’s be honest, when I sell something, I will be begging Julia to write on it, and she can have all the credits she wants!)
On top of her preparedness, she is straight-up talented. I’m in awe of the warp speeds at which her brain moves, always thinking of fresh perspectives and multiple angles. She’s direct while being kind and open-minded. Sometimes she’ll say, “Take that note or don’t, but I’d take it.” Other times she will say, “Nope, I take that back. Thank you for defending your choice. Here’s how to make that choice stronger…” (Excuse the paraphrased quotes, but you get the idea.) Her willingness to engage in constructive dialogue is truly inspiring.
Julia's classes are structured in a way that provides just the right amount of guidance, allowing for freedom and creativity within a safe and supportive environment. She ensures that every participant feels heard, and I can confidently say that I have become a better writer and thinker because of her class. I saw tremendous growth in my classmates as well. From newbie writers to cynical professionals, anyone could benefit from Julia’s expertise.
Julia is not only a remarkably talented artist but also an exceptional human being. As a mom, she truly understands the balance between parenting and creating, and recognizes that each aspect of our identity can enhance the other. She empowered me to believe that I am in a position to be an even better writer and creative because I am a parent. Throughout her Parent Pilot class, she was so patient and generous with us that I became more patient and generous with myself. I feel like a calmer mother because she provided an outlet for those of us who often forget to take care of ourselves (who needs lunch or a shower?). This space encouraged us to carve out time to write for the goodness of our craft and our souls because, ultimately, being a complete, fulfilled human is how we can best serve the tiny humans we love. I highly recommend Julia to anyone and everyone. I will sing her praises evermore." - Kelsey