*Note: In May 2023, the Industry 101 Event Series was put on pause due to the Writer’s Guild of America strike. The series returned in January 2024.

There are a handful of generally agreed-upon conventions and “rules” that screenwriters tend to abide by, but these might not always be clear to writers first starting out. What do "INT" and "EXT" mean? What is an "act?" What is a slug line and why does everyone argue about whether or not you're supposed to bold them? Aren’t rules meant to be broken? 

This panel will demystify the very basics of screenwriting, starting with the formatting of a screenplay and the best way to get started writing your own.

What types of businesses and organizations frame the Hollywood system? What are studios, networks, streamers? Production companies? What are Agencies/management companies, boutiques v. majors? How do these entities engage each other? What role(s) do lawyers play? What role(s) do Guilds play? How do screenwriters interact with each?

INDUSTRY 101 EVENT SERIES

The Industry 101 series introduces topics that are foundational to understanding and launching television and film writing careers. Join Humanitas for free online workshops inspired by components of the New Voices Fellowship.

In addition to the 55 people involved with the Industry 101 programs, we had close to 3,000 folx register, with 1,400 joining as guests across the five events in 2023. Guests from Los Angeles County, states across the US, as well as Singapore, Chile, Bolivia, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and the Philippines joined.

Recognizing audience growth at the early-mid-career level—folx desiring community and mentorship due to a drop off in apprenticeship across the industry—Humanitas has expanded the slate of events from five to ten panel conversations. The new topics can be explored below.

Humanitas's Industry 101 event series is made possible with support from our series sponsor Sony Pictures Entertainment. American Sign Language interpretation services will be provided by Pro Bono ASL.