Overview
Please read the instructions very carefully!!
This assignment serves as a professional development portfolio piece and an opportunity to independently create or further develop an original scripted or unscripted series project. Drawing on the development, audience, positioning, packaging, and marketplace concepts explored throughout the quarter, as well as the experience gained through developing your group project, you will develop a professional individual project package suitable for presentation within today's television and global streaming landscape.
Please note that the individual project must be your own original project and should be distinct from your group project.
Core Development Materials (Required)
Create a 2-page treatment that clearly outlines your series concept, including premise, tone, central conflict, and overall narrative direction.
Scripted Projects
In addition to the treatment, include:
Unscripted Projects
In addition to the treatment, include:
Pitch Materials
Develop the following materials:
Pilot Development
Develop the opening of your pilot:
For scripted projects:
First 10 pages of the pilot screenplay (industry-standard format; students are encouraged to use dedicated screenwriting software such as Final Draft, WriterDuet, Fade In, Arc Studio, Celtx, or comparable tools. Several of these offer free versions, educational discounts, or trial options.)
A 2–3 page outline of the full pilot episode, summarizing the episode's major story beats and key developments from beginning to end.
For unscripted projects:
A 1–2 page treatment covering the first 10 minutes of the pilot episode, including structure, key moments, and participant dynamics
Comparable Series Analysis
Identify a comparable streaming series and provide a brief overview including:
This analysis should help contextualize your project’s positioning within the marketplace.
Industry Interview and Professional Insight
As part of the Individual Development Assignment, students are encouraged to conduct a brief informational interview with an industry professional working in film, television, or streaming.
The purpose of this component is to help students connect course concepts with real-world industry practices, gain insight into professional pathways and expectations, and begin building the networking and relationship-building skills that are an important part of a successful career in the entertainment industry. Informational interviews can also provide valuable perspective on project development, creative collaboration, audience strategy, and the realities of today's television and streaming marketplace.
Students should submit a short reflection (1–2 pages) addressing:
Key insights from the conversation • How the discussion relates to their project and development approach • What they learned about industry expectations, workflows, or positioning • How the interview informs their own career direction and next steps
Students may also submit a recording or transcript of the interview, provided that the interviewee has given consent.
If you are unable to secure an interview, you may instead submit a short research paper (2–3 pages) analyzing the career path, professional responsibilities, and industry insights of a film, television, or streaming professional whose work is relevant to your project or career interests. Please discuss how the lessons learned from your research relate to your project and professional goals.
This component should be included as part of the final submission.
Optional Advanced Materials
Students who wish to further develop their project beyond the required components are welcome to submit supplementary materials. These may include:
A full pilot script • Additional episodes or extended outlines • Expanded series bible materials • Advanced visual materials, including a sizzle reel, proof-of-concept short film, or AI-assisted previsualization elements • A recorded pitch presentation (approximately 3–5 minutes) introducing the project, creative vision, target audience, and marketplace positioning
Submission of these materials is entirely optional and is not required for successful completion of the assignment.
Submission Guidelines
Ideally, all required written materials should be combined and submitted as a single PDF document. If you choose to create a sizzle reel or other video components, please submit them as separate video files (e.g., .mp4 or .mov).
Please submit all materials directly through Canvas. To avoid access and permission issues, please do not submit Google Docs, Canva links, Dropbox links, WeTransfer links, or other cloud-based links.