SPA Masterclass | Structuring TV Development: From IP to Writers’ Room – With development costs rising, the sustainability of scripted development has never been more uncertain. This members only SPA Masterclass tackles the legal, creative, and strategic elements that underpin successful development — from acquiring IP and contracting writers, to building productive writers’ rooms and improving pitch materials using emerging tools.
We start with a legal and commercial overview from Stephanie Scott (Media Arts Lawyers), covering the agreements that underpin most development work — option and purchase deals, co-development arrangements, funding agreements, and early engagement of writers and directors.
Next, Sara Richardson (Endemol Shine Australia) and Jason Burrows (Jungle Entertainment) join us to unpack how they’re structuring writers’ rooms across different formats and budgets. This session will cover team structures, budgets, timelines, and how to get the most out of the room — whether you’re working with local talent or international showrunner-style models.
To close, Lin Tam (Immix Studios) delivers a practical demonstration on how producers can use generative AI tools to visually elevate their pitch materials — including bibles, mood boards, and tone-setting visuals — without compromising originality.
DATE & VENUE DETAILS
Date: Thursday, 7 August 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 4:30pm AEST
Venue: Online – Zoom
SPA Members Only: $95.00 (incl. GST)
*Registrations for this SPA Masterclass close at 12:00pm AEDT, Thursday, 7 August, 2025*
Register HERE
By registering, you confirm you have read and agree to the
SESSION STRUCTURE
Part 1 – Legal Foundations for Scripted Development
A focused legal presentation on the key agreements and approval terms that shape early development. Topics include acquiring underlying IP, negotiating co-development partnerships and securing funding without losing control.
Key Topics:
- Option & Purchase Agreements
- Co-Development Deal Terms
- Development Funding Agreements (broadcaster/agency clauses to watch)
Speaker:
- Stephanie Scott – Senior Lawyer, Media Arts Lawyers
Overview on Contracting Writers and Directors
This segment will explore key considerations when engaging writers and directors during early development. The focus will be on when to lock in contracts and how to structure them effectively to ensure clear roles and responsibilities.
Key Topics:
- Structuring writer agreements under MATA/SASA
- Key considerations when engaging directors at the development stage
Speaker:
- Andy Barclay – Director, Industry Growth, Screen Producers Australia
Part 2 – Designing the Development Process
This segment will explore the key decisions involved in setting up and running a writers’ room, including the approach to structuring teams, managing budgets, and ensuring effective creative output.
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Key Topics:
- Approaching the makeup of the writing team
- Budgeting for the writers’ room and development process
- Managing the dynamics and effectiveness of the writers’ room
- Best practices for developing pitch materials
Speakers:
- Sara Richardson – Director of Scripted Content, Endemol Shine Australia
- Jason Burrows – Producer, Jungle Entertainment
Part 3 – Enhancing Pitch Materials Using AI Tools
Commissioners and buyers are overwhelmed with pitches — standing out now requires clarity, creativity, and visual polish. This segment explores how producers can use AI tools to enhance the look and feel of their pitch materials once the creative foundations (script, bible, world) are already in place.
The session will feature a pre-recorded 30-minute demo, walking through how a rough script and bible can be transformed into a visual pitch asset using accessible AI tools.
Key Topics:
- Creating consistent, stylised character visuals from written descriptions
- Bringing a scene from the script to life with AI-generated visuals
- Adding visual effects to communicate tone, genre or production ambition
This session is focused on practical, non-writing applications — helping producers elevate existing material, not replace creative development.
Speaker:
- Lin Tam – Producer, Immix Studios
SESSION TIMING Total Duration: 3.5 hours
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| HOST |
Media Release – SPA
Link to SPA HERE
TV Central Screen Australia content HERE
SPA Masterclass | Structuring TV Development: From IP to Writers’ Room
