FROM SCHTICK TO SCRIPT
TV Comedy Pilot Writing Program
Have you tried multiple comedy writing programs but still have not written a script you truly love, or the one that changes the trajectory of your career?
That was me, as a frustrated comedy student, until I honed in on a process I loved, one that took away my own previous writing blocks, then set out to share it with others by creating the program I wanted to see in the world. Twelve years later, From Schtick to Script has led my students to numerous finished scripts, awards won, and scripts optioned - including from some of my first-time writers, which is generally unheard of in the industry. But I also love hearing over and over again from the experienced writers I have been lucky to teach: "Your program wasn't the first script I wrote, but the first script I wrote that I actually liked."
From Schtick to Script is designed for writers looking to explore a character-based, personal process. I have honed and use this process myself, and it's the proces that took me to numerous contest wins, WGC membership and a Top 1% rank internationally on Coverfly, and helped multiple alumni of mine go even further. It's a process I call The Writing Before the Writing.
This program is about writing an original TV comedy pilot that is authentic to you, and viable in the marketplace. A third of my students apply the unique personal comedy writing process I teach to write other genres, but I will always teach through a comedy lens. Comedy writing involves the same basic skill sets as other genres, plus several others, so you get more here than in the average screenwriting program.
I have put together a package for the training program, as well as a SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT BUNDLE offer for those who want to continue with small-group coaching as they write their pilot with me with me after the core training.
Here's Everything You Get With From Schtick to Script, even if you don't purchase the Writer's Room Bundle:
FROM SCHTICK TO SCRIPT
Lifetime access to my flagship TV comedy writing training program, including all future updates. This program has been launching careers and changing lives since 2012.
5 modules x 10 lessons each, pre-recorded (over 16 hours of content). Includes direct feedback from me on the premise, character work and story outline on one of your TV pilot projects.
[$697 Value]
ACCESS TO LIVE ONLINE GUIDED SESSIONS and IDEA JAMS FOR 1 FULL YEAR
Jump on to any of the multiple scheduled five-week guided sessions via Zoom with me and some of your international comedy writing peers to ask questions or idea jam on your ongoing premise, character and story ideas for up to one full year after purchase. The next Idea Jam session starts March 29, 2025 and the following sessions happen in June, August and October It's like having a go-to writers' room to work out in!
[$497 Value]
BONUS #1: THE 5-DAY PERSONAL TV COMEDY SERIES PREMISE CREATION CHALLENGE
A 5-day challenge with a series of unique daily writing prompts designed to lead you to at least one personal, marketable and funny premise for a TV comedy series in one hour or less per day. Tested on hundreds of writers in five countries. Some award-winning scripts resulted from this process!
[$97 Value]
BONUS #2: PRO SCRIPT FORMATTING TECHNIQUES
A lecture on pro script formatting for all screenwriters, along with access to a database of dozens of classic and current TV comedy pilot scripts for study and reference purposes, including examples in both industry standard comedy formats (single-camera and live-to-tape).
[$97 Value]
BONUS #3: ARCING A SEASON
Free lifetime access to a lecture by Daniela on how to create a season arc for your comedy series, using current examples.
[$97 Value]
BONUS #4: WHAT NEXT? CREATING YOUR PITCH DECK and PITCHING YOUR TV SERIES
A recorded private talk Daniela did with her alumni on the components of a pitch deck and personal stories about the pitching process in L.A. & Canada.
[$97 Value]
THE SCHTICK SOCIETY FOR COMETURGY
Lifetime access to the private Facebook group and any related Special Events for the alumni of all my comedy writing programs in Comedy Feature Film, TV, Story Editing and Punch-up. Not only can you ask questions of Daniela as your career progresses, you can network with your peers internationally and keep up-to-date on comedy writing competitions and industry news.
OFFER SUMMARY
FROM SCHTICK TO SCRIPT & all updates for life
IDEA JAMS & GUIDED SESSION for 1 year
5-DAY PERSONAL TV COMEDY SERIES PREMISE CREATION CHALLENGE.
PRO SCRIPT FORMATTING TECHNIQUES
ARCING A SEASON
CREATING YOUR PITCH DECK & PITCHING YOUR SERIES
THE SCHTICK SOCIETY FOR COMETURGY
AND discounts off related courses like PITCH DECK BOOTCAMP and PUNCH IT UP
.. plus, doing this training program is the pre-requisite for TV WRITERS' ROOM, the most affordable way to develop your screenplay with me in a small group setting. Our next TV WRITERS' ROOM starts October 6, 2024
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Within the first 5 minutes of Daniela’s writing course, I knew I’d already gotten my money’s worth.
Peter C. Hayward (Winner of the inaugural comedy.co.uk award)
Los Angeles
From Schtick to Script was an amazing experience - I took the class twice - and I still use things I learned in the TV writing rooms where I now work. It's an excellent, comprehensive and super fun workshop.
Zoe W. (TV Writer - Schitt's Creek, Crawford)
Toronto, Canada
Everything in Daniela's 'From Schtick to Script' course clicked. It was like listening to a song for the first time and immediately feeling as though it had already been the soundtrack to my entire life. The 5 weeks are filled with one 'a-ha moment' after another. The course has fundamentally changed the way I understand stories and therefore create them.
It's given me the confidence to write without the pressure of making things perfect, but actually giving me a roadmap of how to get it there. I've taken countless Masterclasses, paid for many webinars and read quite a few books - but this course has taught me more than all of them combined. As much as there is an art to writing, there's also an art to teaching and Daniela has mastered them both. You won't regret signing up!
Tommy Cole
British Columbia, Canada
I always thought sitcom writing was some kind of secret skill only known to God-tier comics in LA writer's rooms across the sea. Daniela's well-structured and thoughtful lessons made me realise it's a skill anyone can learn by trusting their imagination and embracing their inner funny.
Joe Leather (Actor: Jersey Boys Tour)
London, U.K.
Daniela’s straight forward, dive right in approach was exactly what I needed to get motivated to develop my own work. I’ve walked away with a solid comedy premise and the tools I need to get my pilot written, and a method of working I know I’ll use well into the future.
Wendy Hanna (Screenwriter)
Sydney, Australia
I had never done any comedy before taking Daniela's class, but her class made me want to write more!
Daniela created course content that is rich and accessible. She is funny, humble and her passion is contagious. She makes the process practical and enjoyable. Daniela is extremely generous with her knowledge and her time. Her methods help you come up with story ideas really fast. You definitely get way more than you pay for.
BONUS: you get to meet incredibly inspiring people from all around the world!
Chrystelle (Writer, Director)
Toronto, Canada
As an experienced physician but novice writer, I have had the privilege of taking Daniela’s “From Schtick to Script” and “TV Writers’ Room” classes.
There are not enough words to express my gratitude for her commitment and talent. Her group classes are comprehensive and she devotes a significant amount of time above and beyond what would be expected to each of her students to ensure they develop the best script possible from beginning to end.
Lance C. (Physician)
Toronto, Canada
After taking Daniela's 5-day premise creation challenge, the From Schtick to Script training program was a must-do for me. Daniela's process, attention to detail, ability to pinpoint what needs to be corrected, her guidance, and her constructive feedback were paramount! I enjoyed the way From Schtick to Script flowed and transitioned thru the phases of developing content for the script. It's all there, plus more! ...Daniela provides you with the tools and knowledge you need, because she wants you to succeed!
John P. Smith, Jr (Performer, Writer, Comedian)
Pasadena, California
This was my first time working with Daniela and hopefully not the last. She starts with the fundamentals, her methods are clear and she sets each writer up for success. She meets questions with kindness and generosity and it's glaringly obvious she's passionate about this craft. Highly recommend: ten out of ten!
Sharon Spell (Writer)
New York, NY
I loved this program! As a writer I’m always trying to find a way to better myself and my craft and this program really helped. Daniela has a way of getting you to really dig into character development that makes your writing so much better. As a first-time screenwriter, this program made the process less intimidating and a lot of fun.
Elizabeth (Writer, Winner of the 2008 Dorothy Shoemaker Contest)
Kitchener, Ontario
From Schtick to Script is another jam-packed course that Daniela offers for developing your comedy script. Her information is probably the equivalent of reading 10 books on Comedy. One-stop shop. I feel like my script will be 1000% better because of this course than attempting it on my own. The support of the other members in the group is like having another dysfunctional family, but the fun kind you want to hang with every day.
Roblyn Williams (former Script Reader for Austin Film Festival turned Screenwriter)
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
I learnt an awful lot on this course. Daniela provides not a formula to write to, but a process for developing a script and an awareness of the nuts and bolts of what's required - with generous online materials and personal input. Great value, recommended, thank you.
William Vandyck (Writer, Winner - Pozzitive Funny Dot Comp 2021)
Penarth, Wales
Daniela's courses set me on the path of exploring my comedic voice in both series and feature writing. She is fabulously entertaining and a deft award winning screenwriter. She works with our industry's finest and teaches what she knows from an insiders perspective. If you're looking to hone your craft, find your voice, or explore comedy writing as a professional, Daniela Saioni is the real deal. I highly recommend any and all of her courses whether it's in the room or virtual, you won't be disappointed.
Leslie Ann Coles (Filmmaker, Quarterfinalist PAGE International 2020 and ScreenCraft Drama 2020)
Toronto, Canada
Daniela is a natural teacher who can bring out the best of your ability with much encouragement and patience. This, combined with her knowledge of the industry, ensures that your class is immensely informative and at the same time, thoroughly entertaining.
Nobumi K.
London, U.K.
I came to Daniela from an improv background and despite having comedy experience I didn't really have a clue on how to consistently write or develop comedy beyond an improv sketch. I don't say this as some exaggerated testimonial comment : there is no one out there with Daniela's talent for writing who has her talent for teaching.
The thing that just wows me is that she truly and deeply cares about every student. If you have struggles, she helps you through them (but if you are really high maintenance don't take the class because I want her to have some time for me).
Rob Watts
Toronto, Canada
Daniela is a very supportive teacher. She breaks down the writing process into more digestable chunks and makes the process less daunting.
Danielle A. (Actor / Director / Writer)
Toronto, Canada (Acting: What We Do in the Shadows, Streams Flow From a River, The Handmaid's Tale)
Being an emerging anything at this stage of my life comes with lots of fear and resistance. Daniela took me under her wing and helped me fly! Her process is user friendly, even for a gal like me with ADHD, fun and interactive. Daniela meets every student exactly where they are in the craft of writing and is my biggest ally. With Daniela you feel safe and supported and answers questions and concerns in real time, which is absolutely unheard of with other instructors.
Tonjha Richardson (Winner: 5-Day Comedy Feature Premise Challenge)(Winner, 5-Day Personal TV Comedy Series Premise Challenge)
Toronto, Canada (Actor, Creator, Writer: Confessions of a Mixed Chick)
Since I began taking Daniela's courses I've been hired as a freelance satire writer, a Story Contributor on a series, and I've had a film in development. She has given me both the tools and the confidence to succeed. I can't think of a better endorsement than that! Thank you.
Veronika (Writer/Performer)
Calgary, Canada (CBC, The Beaverton, I Can't Hear You Laughing)
Daniela infuses her courses with knowledge, passion, care, sensitivity and vulnerability. She approaches each student with the hope that they will be massively successful. Her transparency is out of this world and these personal lessons directly teaches students that the path to perfection comes with practice of work. She teaches what she lives.
Ryan Singh (Director / Producer / Writer)
Toronto, Canada (Ray of Hope, Awake, Downsizing)
Turning my life's traumas into a comedy series seemed like emotional suicide, but this workshop made it feel more like an episode of a sitcom where everything hilariously just falls into place! Not only did I find a unique way to spin my tales of woe into witty narratives, but I also learned the ins and outs of the industry, saving me from turning my real-life drama into unintentional comedy. This program is a must for anyone looking to laugh at life's curveballs and then write them down for others to enjoy.
Matty Sadowski (Screenwriter / Comic)
Toronto, Canada (The Brief, Pretend We're Kissing, The Right Hand)
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Daniela Saioni is a multi-award-winning WGC comedy screenwriter, an in-demand story editor, and a punch-up artist whose former work as a stand-up aired on CBC Radio One's Laugh Out Loud.
She has trained working comedians and laypeople alike in her various comedy writing programs since 2012, which has allowed her to shepherd the creation of over 100 original scripts from concept to completion. In the past 18 months alone, four of her brand new writers had their first series pilots optioned by notable production companies, which is not typical in our industry.
In 2022, she was the Story Editing and Punch-up Instructor at the Pacific Screenwriting Program’s Scripted Series Lab in Vancouver, served as live Story Editor at Female Eye Film Festival, taught at PEI Screenwriters' Bootcamp and was a Story Editor Mentor for Reelworld E20.
A former script supervisor on major motion pictures and TV (Shazam!, A Simple Favor, Suits, My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Daniela has worked closely with top directors, writers and showrunners for decades and she brings this knowledge into her programs and her work. Her talents are varied but her mission is singular: change the world, one laugh at a time.
Daniela's Recent Screenwriting Honours
A few of Daniela's students and alumni have been staffed, landed agents, won awards, and even gone into development with pilots they wrote in this program - many with no prior screenwriting experience or training! Here's Keisha Prince's acceptance speech for Best Fresh Voice at the 2022 Female Eye International Film Festival, one of the many awards and honours she won for her pilot before going into development:
FAQ
My Guarantee to You
If you're still on the fence, remember: If you complete the first two modules as well as the premise and character work and are still not convinced this progam is for you, just send me an email showing your completed homework within 30 days of purchase and I will refund your entire investment.