Class Info
Enjoy a beginning scriptwriting workshop that will cover the essentials of writing scripts for TV, Film and Web Series. Create a character driven script for your audience and turn your script into a film, television series or a digital media series. Our professional instructors have successfully guided writers in developing scripts for film and television.
Scriptwriting Essentials will offer tips on pitching your script to such major content platforms as OWN, Netflix, BET and HBO. You will learn how to write strong and richly layered women characters as well as the nuts and bolts of writing scripts that sell. Enjoy a nurturing and open creative environment where you will have a chance to write your first script or develop a work-in-progress.
The workshop is being presented by Reel Sisters, the first Oscar Qualifying Festival for short narratives devoted to women filmmakers, and BRIC, the leading presenter of free cultural programming in Brooklyn, and one of the largest in New York City. Scriptwriting Essentials is a Trademark of Reel Sisters, the nation’s leading film festival devoted to women of color.
BRIC presents and incubates new work by artists and media-makers who reflect the diversity that surrounds us.
African Voices thanks the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, Brooklyn Arts Council and private funders for supporting Scriptwriting Essentials.
About the Instructor
Jeff Rivera is a dynamic and multifaceted producer who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As the co-founder of Collective 5 Entertainment, Rivera has demonstrated a keen eye for talent and a knack for groundbreaking television series development across a variety of genres. His career is adorned with significant achievements, including winning three prestigious Telly Awards, which underscore his exceptional skill in producing compelling content.
Before embarking on his illustrious career in production, Rivera served as the Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Ebony Magazine Publishing, where he honed his skills in identifying and promoting top-tier talent. His passion for nurturing the next generation of creatives led him to found the Showrunner Mentorship Academy alongside industry titans such as David E. Kelley and Rodney Barnes. This initiative has been pivotal in shaping the careers of aspiring showrunners by offering unparalleled access to seasoned professionals.
Rivera’s creative genius also gave birth to The Poplock Kids, a music-driven intellectual property for preschoolers, showcasing his versatility and ability to create content that resonates with diverse audiences. Recognizing the importance of mentorship in the entertainment industry, he founded the 1-Hour Mentorship Program, which bridges the gap between emerging creatives and industry veterans like Julianne Moore, Michael Douglas, Lee Daniels, Ed Harris, Annette Bening, Steven Soderberg, and Patty Jenkins, to name a few.
In an astonishing span of under two years, Rivera secured over 22 TV development deals, further establishing his reputation as a prolific producer. His role as a co-executive producer of the American Reality Television Awards, featuring luminaries like Vivica A. Fox, Simon Cowell, and Courteney Cox, highlighted his ability to orchestrate large-scale productions with star-studded casts.
Rivera’s literary talents were recognized early on with his first novel being published by Warner Books/Grand Central Publishing, setting the stage for a career that would blend storytelling across mediums.
As a respected panelist and speaker, Rivera has played a crucial role in securing TV deals for talent across major networks and streaming platforms.
Rivera’s extensive network within the industry, encompassing Emmy nominees and winners, major Hollywood production companies, and top-tier book publishers, underscores his influence and reach. His current projects include producing a project based on a book by NYT bestselling author E. Lynn Harris and facilitating a landmark screenwriter’s deal with a major production company.
