What makes a compelling TV Concept?
This event will take place over Zoom on March 11th 6pm to 7:30pm (BST)
Welcoming Zia Holloway!
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What separates a forgettable TV idea from one that sparks industry buzz?
In this in-depth workshop, Zia Holloway (writer for BBC, World Productions, Fully Focused, and more) will demystify what makes a TV concept truly stand out. From the initial idea to a marketable pitch to the first steps of a pilot, this session will break down the essential elements of crafting a concept that sells.
More than just structure and storytelling, this workshop will explore the intangibles—what makes YOU the right person to tell this story, and how that authenticity becomes part of your project’s appeal.
Workshop Focus:
✅ Concept Stage: How to develop an idea that is both original and commercially viable
✅ Pitching & Positioning: How to frame your concept to attract producers and commissioners
✅ Pilot Development: Understanding what makes an idea sustain a full series
✅ You as Part of the Package: Why your personal connection to the story matters and how to use it to sell your project
✅ Case Studies: Breakdown of successful series, including one of Zia’s projects that built industry buzz from a simple concept.
This event will take place over Zoom on March 11th 6pm to 7:30pm (BST)
Welcoming Zia Holloway!
—
What separates a forgettable TV idea from one that sparks industry buzz?
In this in-depth workshop, Zia Holloway (writer for BBC, World Productions, Fully Focused, and more) will demystify what makes a TV concept truly stand out. From the initial idea to a marketable pitch to the first steps of a pilot, this session will break down the essential elements of crafting a concept that sells.
More than just structure and storytelling, this workshop will explore the intangibles—what makes YOU the right person to tell this story, and how that authenticity becomes part of your project’s appeal.
Workshop Focus:
✅ Concept Stage: How to develop an idea that is both original and commercially viable
✅ Pitching & Positioning: How to frame your concept to attract producers and commissioners
✅ Pilot Development: Understanding what makes an idea sustain a full series
✅ You as Part of the Package: Why your personal connection to the story matters and how to use it to sell your project
✅ Case Studies: Breakdown of successful series, including one of Zia’s projects that built industry buzz from a simple concept.
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Zia Holloway is a prolific Wales based writer represented by Penelope Killik at the Artists partnership. Her numerous original projects in development include THE DEATH OF WHALES with The Development Partnership and The immigrant (director Alonso Ruizpalacios is attached to direct), QUEEN and KING with Objective Fiction, and a television adaptation for 5x Media, CANAL 16. She was part of BBC Welsh voices and won the BBC Wales writer’s award in 2021. She also has two exciting features in development.
Across the span of her career she has worked both within the UK and US television markets, most recently working on a television adaptation for Fifth Season and Joy Coalition. Her characterful work focuses on the representation of her generation in an ever-changing world and bringing to screen distinct perspectives, using the elements and genres of propulsive thrillers, grounded sci-fi, and magical realism.
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ATTENDANCE
If you can't attend the event on the day. We’ve got you covered. This workshop will be recorded and available for you always.
CAPACITY
We have a limited number of concession tickets available on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you identify as working class, are currently on benefits, or if you consider yourself to be financially disadvantaged in a way that is hindering your progression in your career, these tickets are available to you.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Underscore Studios is unfunded and comprised of three volunteers. We believe that upskilling yourself should be affordable, engaging, and transparent. The money towards Workshops such as these means that we can keep them as low as they are, pay our Freelance Workshop leaders, support the organisation to be sustainable, and when we can, make more of our services available for Free._
We are aware that even the cost of a concession ticket may be a key barrier for many people.From time to time we are able to offer Bursary places, please email info@underscorestudios.co.uk for more details.