Sooo... you've tried
script coverage,

But you still feel stuck in your screenwriting?

​​development notes are the secret sauce to beefing up your writing portfolio

Hey, you. Yes... YOU!
  • The screenwriter who has been writing screenplays for a while and is frustrated  because you get constant PASS ratings in your script coverage with no actionable feedback to develop your writing skills. 
  • The screenwriter who is tired of readers pushing their personal ideas on their story instead of giving objective feedback.
  • The screenwriter who is disappointed that coverage fails to address the unique strengths and weaknesses of their screenplay as if scripts are one-size fits all.
  • The screenwriter who seeks clarification in their feedback and next steps to improve their writing.
We're talking to you. Because at this point, it's easy to feel unsupported in your writing process.

The Professional Pen (TPP) is a team of Story Experts
who work 1:1 with screenwriters to help you reach your writing goals more efficiently to make you a better writer ready to take on Hollywood. 

​Development Notes are our signature service. We use the TPP methodology crafted by our CEO + Head Consultant Shannan E. Johnson, a former Hollywood executive, that has a proven track record of getting writers unstuck. When you work with TPP, you're assigned your personal screenwriting coach who will work 1:1 with you from idea to pitch:
  • Giving detailed, objective, and actionable notes on your screenplay based on why elements in your story aren't working and how you can fix them.
  • Talking you through your notes and creating a plan specifically for you to revise your script.
  • Tracking your progress from draft to draft.
  • Celebrating your wins with you.

This means...
  • No more contradictory notes.
  • No more confusion about why a note was given.
  • No more trying to figure out how to address notes yourself.
  • No more going at this screenwriting thing alone.

Work with a Story Expert to upgrade your writing portfolio and level up your screenwriting career.

you don't need coverage. ​you need development notes.

Our Clients are Winning!

YEARS IN THE GAME
COMPETITION PLACEMENTS
 WINNERS + FELLOWS
STAFFED + REPPED
DEVELOPED + SOLD

AND YOU CAN, TOO!

SERVICES
We teach scriptwriters how to receive and address notes from Hollywood executives and build a strong writing portfolio to level up their professional screenwriting career.

DEVELOPMENT NOTES

If you're tired of coverage that doesn't develop you as a writer,​ our Story Experts provide detailed, page-by-page feedback on your screenplay with actionable notes for an efficient revisions process. Most importantly, your personal Story Expert is there with you every step of the way.
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COMMUNITY

If you're new to this screenwriting game, join our $1 writing community to gain access to a safe space for learning, growth, valuable feedback, and a supportive environment to thrive in your writing journey.  
LEARN MORE

MENTORSHIP

If you're at a place in your screenwriting career where you need to push out several writing samples a year to nab your next professional screenwriting gig and are in need of an accountability partner, work 1:1 from idea to pitch with our Story Experts through our mentorship packages. 
LEARN MORE

HOW WOULD IT IMPACT YOUR CAREER TO FINISH YOUR SCREENPLAY IN WEEKS VS YEARS?

It all comes down to process. At TPP, we teach a proven writing process to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page efficiently.  Silence the overthinking and perfectionism, and work 1:1 with a Story Expert in our Mentorship Program to break down writing your screenplay into manageable and realistic deadlines to produce high-quality scripts for your screenwriting portfolio.

THAT'S COOL AND ALL, BUT
WHERE DO I START?

I AM...

A NEWBIE WRITER

I want to be a professional screenwriter in Hollywood, but I know little to nothing about the business or screenplay structure.

AN EMERGING WRITER

 I've written screenplays, but I'm still not reaching my writing goals like placing in competitions and fellowships to boost my professional screenwriting career.

AN ESTABLISHED WRITER

I've had a few successes in screenwriting, but I need a brain trust to help me sort through my ideas and hold me accountable in meeting my deadlines to beef up my
​writing portfolio, pitch, sell, and staff.

STILL DON't know where to start?

WAIT! IS THIS FOR ME?

this is for you if...

You are passionate about storytelling
Everyone has a story to tell, but it takes a special person to put in the work to hone the craft of screenwriting. If you're passionate about seeing your stories come alive on screen, you're in the right place. Take the Where to Start quiz.
You want to be a professional screenwriter in Hollywood
Filmmaking is a hustle no matter which way you slice it. You can go the independent route or the studio route (read: Hollywood). Our CEO + Head Consultant hustled her way through Hollywood from intern to PA to network executive. So, our Story Experts are trained in the processes and techniques that make writers successful in the studio business. Learn More about what sets TPP apart.
You feel stuck in your writing
You know the basics but still find yourself missing plot holes, creating inactive characters without full arcs, and getting lost in your revisions. That can be tough on your creativity. That's why you need a screenwriting coach. Start with Development Notes and get to work 1:1 with your personal Story Expert.
You want to learn
Whether you're starting from scratch, refreshing your skills, or looking to add new tools to your writing process, having an open mind to learning our techniques that have proven to be effective will get you closer to reaching your screenwriting goals. Not sure where to start? Take the quiz.
You want accountability
 It doesn't take years to write a screenplay. Writing on deadline is a skill necessary for a successful professional screenwriting career.  Through our 1:1 Mentorship ,you'll be writing on deadline with a tribe in your corner to support you. Learn More about Mentorship
You don't want to go at it alone
We all become our best selves through personal guidance. Students have teachers, business professionals have mentors. There are sports coaches, acting coaches, life coaches. Daniel-san had Mr. Miyagi, and even the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles had Splinter. But what about writers? Who’s in it for us? That’s where our TPP Story Experts come in. Learn More about working 1:1 with a Story Expert.

this is NOT for you if...

You're looking for validation through script coverage.
At TPP, we don't do script coverage. We do Development Notes because they are the best tool to develop you into a better screenwriter with a lasting professional screenwriting career. Learn more about Development Notes.
You're looking for representation
At TPP, we guide our Pen Pals from idea to pitch, making them confident storytellers ready to work any room. We do not manage talent or suggest screenwriters to reps. Looking to build your network? Join our $1 Screenwriting Community to meet like-minded creatives on the journey to a professional screenwriting career.
You're looking for buyers, producers, directors
At TPP, we simulate the Hollywood development process, which takes place before pre-production. Therefore, we specialize in guiding writers from idea to pitch. We do not buy or sell screenplays or attach talent like directors or showrunners to scripts. If you're in development and want to make sure your script is polished before you seek a buyer, submit your script for Development Notes.
You aren't open to learning
Some of us may be in a place in our writing journeys where we feel we've learned all of the necessary information to be successful in our screenwriting careers. And that's ok. TPP is a safe space for those seeking guidance in a profession that can oftentimes feel isolating. We welcome you to join us in a service that makes you feel most comfortable. Chat with a Story Expert to see how we can be of service.
You want us to do the writing for you.
At TPP,  we don't do the fishing for you. Our Story Experts teach you to fish. Wondering if TPP is a good fit? Chat with one of our Story Experts.
FREE SCREENWRITING RESOURCES
The Blog
​There are so many screenwriting resources out there for you. Here, at TPP, we give you the real of entertainment industry while also teaching you the foundations of screenwriting. Find Film & TV Reviews, industry insights, and lessons on how to write and sell screenplays. Read the blog and get your #Freegame.
​Screenplay Vault
The best way to learn screenplay structure and format is to study comparable screenplays in format and genre. Create an account to skim through our screenplay vault of produced feature screenplays, television pilots, outlines, and pitch materials by professional screenwriters for more #Freegame.
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