no more theory. it’s time to write.

Turn Your Screenplay Idea Into a Script with Easy-to-Follow Digital Screenwriting Workbooks

 everyone says “just write” — but no one tells you how. 👀

Our Idea to Script Starter Kit is a digital toolbox that gives you a step-by-step process
that you can actually follow.

You’ll get structure, character development, beat sheets, and more, all in one clear, repeatable system you can use every time you write.
This ain’t theory. This is a roadmap that works.

there are three things you need to know
to be a professional screenwriter

A green circular icon with an open book and a closed book underneath it, and a large number 1 at the top.

Screenplay Structure

A green circular badge with the number 2 at the top, featuring an open book placed on a closed book underneath.

How to Outline A Script

Illustration of an open book on top of a closed book, with a green background and the number 3 above.

How to Write a Script on Deadline

And we’re giving you all of the game in one
DIGITAL SCREENWRITING KIT.

A laptop screen displays a collage of TV show and movie thumbnails with a green banner in the center that reads "IDEA TO SCRIPT STARTER KIT". The banner also includes a small circular logo with the text "The Professional Pen".

PICK YOUR FORMAT

Choose the digital workbook that matches the kind of stories you want to write.
Both walk you step-by-step from idea to script — the only difference is format.

I WRITE TV

Learn how to structure a TV pilot, build out act breaks, and set up a story engine that can power a full season.

Jump to TV

I Write features

Learn how to shape a story that sustains 90–120 minutes, with clean beats, escalating tension, and a satisfying climax.

Jump to Features

“I couldn't be more thankful for all of TPP's teachings and support. Not only my skills as a screenwriter and filmmaker improved in a significant way, they also helped me to develop more creative ways to approach my writing process without compromising my artistic vision and creativity. As they always say at TPP, "the read is king," and their teachings are the best way to put your screenwriting career in the best path possible.”


- Miguel D. (Writer + Director)

MEET YOUR SCREENWRITING COACHES

  • A collage of four images: a woman with curly hair smiling in a sparkly top, a group of diverse people dressed formally and smiling, a woman crying with her hand covering her face, and two football players in blue uniforms smiling and walking off the field.

    SHANNAN E. JOHNSON, CEO + HEAD CONSULTANT

    Former TV Executive turned screenwriter and script consultant, Shannan is a quitter and a hater. An 80s baby, she didn’t know Hollywood existed until her mother sent her a magazine article about a black, female TV writer during the last semester of her senior year in college. She was later redirected from writing to development due to her ability to see plot holes like math equations and easily solve them. So, Shannan became a TV executive through the NBCU Entertainment Associates program at The Syfy Channel.

    Then, she quit. For 8 years, Shannan toured the world in dance companies (Step Afrika!, Sole DEFINED) and Broadway shows (Ghost, Amazing Grace). Didn't see that coming, huh? When she returned to L.A. to recharge her executive career, her access to Hollywood – the largest gated community in the world – was denied. So, she built The Professional Pen, the first black-owned script consultancy, to develop screenwriters and streamline scripted teams’ development processes.

    As a professional hater, Shannan provides straight-shot, no-chaser feedback to screenwriters and analysis on produced works to teach screenwriting via TPP’s social media channels.

    Partnership Highlights: The Syfy Channel, Amazon Prime Studios, FOX Writers Incubator, ScreenCraft, The Hallmark Media, Florida State University, New York Film Academy, Stage 32

    Fun Facts:
    Hometown: Houston, TX
    Favorite Film: THE BEST MAN written by Malcolm D. Lee
    Favorite Screenplay: A QUIET PLACE written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
    Favorite Series: “Friday Night Lights” developed by Peter Berg

  • A collage of four different images featuring various people and artistic styles.

    PAGES Matam, Lead Story Expert

    Sold writer and multi-fellowship alum, PAGES (They/He) is a genderqueer med-school dropout turned award-winning film-poet and agent of imagination, writing poems and high-concept dramas centering stubborn characters and stories of defying the odds through their Black, Queer, and immigrant perspective.

    They are a National Poetry Slam and Southern Fried Champion, a GLAAD Black Queer Creatives Fellow, a Callaloo Fellow at Brown University, and the author of three books, including “The Heart of Comet (Write Bloody).” Their work is fueled by Toni Morrison’s words: “The function of freedom is to free someone else.” They have also been featured by TEDx, Macy’s, the Apollo, Essence, and KeyTV by Keke Palmer, among many other platforms. Their short film, SEVEN MINUTES OF HEAVEN?, produced by SuperSpecial, earned multiple laurels on the festival circuit.

    When they’re not fiercely working on their next screenplay or poetry manuscript, they practice trauma-informed work as a teaching artist in Los Angeles (Tongva Land). They are a full-time artist, performer, and organizer who loves gummy bears, fried plantains, and battle-horror anime

    Highlighted Accomplishments: 1hr fantasy TV drama (EP Lily Wachowski (THE MATRIX)) in development with ITV & Anarchists United, Circle of Confusion Writers Discovery fellow, John Singleton x PAFF short film prize finalist, CANNES Diversity Showcase

    Fun Facts:
    Hometown: Born and raised in Cameroon, Central Africa then blossomed in the DMV (Piscataway Land)
    Favorite Film: MOONLIGHT written by Barry Jenkins, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue
    Favorite Screenplay: EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE written by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan
    Favorite Series: “Interview with a Vampire” developed by Rolin Jones, based on “The Vampire Chronicle"s” by Anne Rice

  • A collage of four images: a professionally dressed man with a bald head and gray beard smiling, two people lying on ice with one of them looking upward, a superhero wearing a black suit with metallic gloves, and a group of diverse young adults standing together.

    Carlton Allen, Story Expert

    Working writer and master teacher, Carlton Allen (He/him) is a young mixed kid from South Los Angeles, who enjoyed escaping into good movies and television on a regular basis. He never dreamed he could one day do that as a job. Several years later during a business communication class at the University of Arizona, Carlton heard a classmate give a speech about screenwriting. The very next day, he switched his major from business to communication with the goal of writing and producing television and feature length films.

    Carlton's passion is to create unique stories with diverse voices all wrapped up in a thought-provoking yet entertaining package.  To date, Carlton has written dozens of specs, original pilots, and features, placing in such competitions as The Austin Film Festival and Final Draft’s Big Break.

    As Carlton traverses the screenwriting industry, he takes on writing gigs to keep his skills sharp. He was hired to write a CRM sales-focused interactive simulation for training and hiring practices where he crafted the story, outcome-based scenes based on player options, and wrote the dialogue for all the NPC’s (Non-Player Characters).

    Carlton also recently published a short book of fun facts and the history of tennis.  A passion project, Pocket Guide of Fun Facts About Tennis gave him an opportunity to learn about online publishing. Both of these projects had their own set of challenges, just like learning and growing in screenwriting, but it's always worth the reward. They both opened his eyes to the type of work that’s available to writers while we work like hell to make it in Hollywood.

    Highlights: (Production) Warner Bros. Nickelodeon, FOX and CBS (Teaching) Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT and Toyota

    Fun Facts:
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Favorite Film: ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND written by Charlie Kauffman
    Favorite Screenplay: BLACK PANTHER written by Joe Robert Cole & Ryan Coogler based on the Marvel Comics by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee
    Favorite Series: “The Big Bang Theory” created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady

What’s in the digital Screenwriting kit?

  • Digital Access

    Use it anywhere, anytime, for every script you write.

  • Icon representing strategy or planning, including a target with an arrow, a lightbulb, files, and an ID card on a green circular background.

    TV Prep Plan

    Map out everything you need before writing your pilot.

  • Organization chart with six people connected in a hierarchical structure, set against a dark green circular background.

    Writing Staff Org Chart

    See how professional TV rooms are structured.

  • 3 black and green blocks numbered 1, 2, and 3 on a green circular background.

    Act Structure

    Break down your story into the beats Hollywood expects.

  • Stylized digital illustration of a muscular, bald male figure with green skin, flexing his biceps.

    Chracter Development

    Build characters that drive the story forward.

  • Archery target with three arrows embedded in the center area, set against a green background

    Plot Development

    Shape your story into a clear, workable spine.

  • Illustration of a map with a location pin, dotted path, and pushpin marker, set against a green circular background.

    Outline Guide

    Learn how to organize your beats into a professional outline.

  • A clock with a green outer border and a white face, featuring an illustration of a vintage typewriter at the center.

    Story Planner

    Keep track of deadlines and writing goals as you draft.

  • A graphic illustration of a teal-colored open book on a dark green circular background.

    Screenwriting Glossary

    Speak the language of the industry with confidence.

  • Illustration of a scientist in safety goggles conducting chemistry experiments with a beaker emitting green smoke and a conical flask with bubbling green liquid, set against a green circular background.

    BONUS: The Pixar Formula - RELOADED

    Discover the tool that powers some of Hollywood’s most successful films.

  • Cartoon green brain with large eyes, holding a magnifying glass and reading a black book, set against a green circular background.

    BONUS: Case Study

    Study real scripts to see structure and technique in action.

  • A woman, Shannan Johnson with curly hair smiling during a video call on a laptop screen, with a play button overlay.

    Video Instruction

    Get guided explanations to walk you through each step.

welcome to your writers’ room

Learn how the pros build pilots

Stop piecing together advice from a million places. The TV Pilot Starter Kit is a digital guidebook that breaks down act structure, character arcs, and season engines the way real writers’ rooms do. Whether you’re writing a ½ hour comedy or a 1 hour drama, you’ll have every worksheet you need to create a show that is must-see TV.

Stop wondering how to write a pilot.
Start writing.

Idea to Script TV Pilot Starter Kits: $69.99

Screen displaying a guide titled "Idea to Script: 1/2HR Single-Camera TV Pilot Starter Kit" from the website www.theprofessionalpen.com, with various TV show images in a grid background.

1/2HR TV

For TV scripts that typically run 22–35 minutes and are often episodic, but include light serialization through ongoing relationships or themes.

The 1/2hr Single-Camera TV Pilot Starter Kit includes:

  • An org chart of the writers’ room

  • How to plan a TV show for the right network or streamer

  • 3-Act Structure explained

  • How to create compelling characters

  • How to map out the plot and emotional journey

  • How to outline a TV pilot

  • How to format a TV pilot

  • Beat Sheet + Outline templates and samples

  • A screenwriting glossary

  • A planning tool to write your script in 6 weeks

Bonuses:

  • The Pixar Formula (Sample + Template) to build your story foundation

  • Case Study Script - “Abbott Elementary” by Quinta Brunson

Add-On Available: Instructional video buddies taught by our CEO + Head Consultant

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1/2HR Pilot Kit
Smartphone screen displaying a TV pilot script starter kit titled 'IDEA TO SCRIPT' with various TV show posters in the background and a website link at the bottom.

1HR TV

For TV scripts that typically run 42–60 minutes and usually follow a serialized structure with ongoing character arcs and season-long storylines.

The 1hr TV Pilot Starter Kit Includes:

  • An org chart of the writers’ room

  • How to plan a TV show for the right network or streamer

  • 5-Act Structure explained

  • How to create compelling characters

  • How to map out the plot and emotional journey

  • How to outline a TV pilot

  • How to format a TV pilot

  • Beat Sheet + Outline templates and samples

  • A screenwriting glossary

  • A planning tool to write your script in 6 weeks


Bonuses:

  • The Pixar Formula (Sample + Template) to build your story foundation

  • Case Study Script - “Scandal” by Shonda Rhimes

Add-On Available: Instructional video buddies taught by our CEO + Head Consultant

A woman with long dark hair wearing a cream-colored coat with large buttons.
1HR Pilot Kit

this is your STORY STUDIO

Structure your feature like Hollywood does

Features live and die on structure. The Feature Screenplay Starter Kit is a digital roadmap that gives you the same tools studios use to test if a story is strong enough for the big screen — and now, they’re yours in a clear, practical way.

Stop wondering how to write a movie.
Start writing.

Idea to Script Feature screenplay Starter Kit: $59.99

E-book cover titled 'Idea to Script' featuring a collage of movie posters and the website URL www.theprofessionalpen.com

FEATURES

For feature screenplays that typically run 90–120 minutes, depending on the genre, and delivers a complete emotional and narrative arc by the end.

The Feature Screenplay Starter Kit includes:

  • 3-Act Structure explained

  • How to create compelling characters

  • How to map out the plot and emotional journey

  • How to outline a screenplay

  • How to format a screenplay

  • Beat Sheet + Outline templates and samples

  • A screenwriting glossary

  • A planning tool to write your script in 6 weeks

Bonuses:

  • The Pixar Formula (Sample + Template) to build your story foundation

  • Case Study Script - BLACK PANTHER by Ryan Coogler + Joe Robert Cole

Add-On Available: Instructional video buddies taught by our CEO + Head Consultant

Black Panther character from Marvel Comics, wearing a high-tech black suit with silver accents, posed crossing arms in front of costume display background.
Feature Kit

Get a little extra help
along the way.

Our Starter Kit Buddy is a video companion that turns your digital screenwriting workbook into a classroom experience. Follow along as our CEO + Head Consultant Shannan E. Johnson explains each lesson and helps you apply it to your own story.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE. WE GOTHCU.

Add your Video Buddy during checkout for your selected workbook.

A laptop screen displays a collage of various black and white movie and TV show posters at the top. In the foreground, a woman with curly hair, wearing a green dress, is smiling and standing in front of a green banner that reads 'IDEA TO SCRIPT STARTER' in bold green letters. There is also a green circular logo that says 'The Professional Pro' in white text.

you’ve got questions.
we’ve got answers.

Browse our FAQs — or chat 1:1 with a Story Expert to get your questions answered.

Schedule a Kick-Off Jam

  • The Idea to Script Starter Kit is a digital toolbox packed with everything you need to confidently figure this screenwriting thing out with TPP as your guide:

    3-Act Structure (Infographic):
    A visual breakdown of 3-Act Structure to build your storytelling foundation.

    Character Development (#WhoAmI?):
    Discover your protagonist’s backstory and motivations so every choice they make on the page feels authentic (not forced by the writer… yeah, that’s you. 🙂) — and pulls your audience in.

    Plot Development (#Goals):
    A story is about a character trying to reach a goal or solve a problem. #Dassit. Identify your protagonist’s external and internal goals, then map out the exact steps they’ll take to reach them using a clear “goal → obstacle → action” sequence.

    Beat Sheets + Outlining (#TheRoadMap):
    Like Google Maps, our beat sheet and outline templates (plus real-film examples) ensure you always know where your story is headed so you never get lost mid-draft.

    Story Planner
    Practice writing on deadline with this easy-to-follow writing schedule that keeps you focused (and accountable) until The End.

    Screenwriting Glossary
    Learn screenwriting terms like “inciting incident” and “midpoint” in everyday language.

    SPECIAL BONUS: Pixar Formula Reloaded
    Only available inside this package. Pixar’s story structure doesn’t miss. The TOY STORY franchise, MONSTER’S INC., UP… Are you kidding me? We took their proven formula and infused it with TPP gems to clarify your story’s foundation before you ever type FADE IN.

    Get the Feature Kit here.

  • The Idea to Script 1hr TV Pilot Starter Kit is a digital toolbox packed with everything you need to confidently figure this TV writing thing out with TPP as your guide. It includes:

    3-Act Structure (Infographic):
    A visual breakdown of 3-Act Structure to build your storytelling foundation.

    The Writers’ Room Org Chart
    From showrunners to staff writers, understand the structure of a TV writers’ room — who’s who and who does what.

    TV Strategy 101
    Understand where your show fits in the TV landscape, how networks think, and why audience and time slot matter. Learn to position your concept for the industry before you start writing.

    Character Development (#WhoAmI?):
    Discover your protagonist’s backstory and motivations so every choice they make on the page feels authentic (not forced by the writer… yeah, that’s you. 🙂) — and pulls your audience in.

    Plot Development (#Goals):
    A story is about a character trying to reach a goal or solve a problem. #Dassit. Identify your protagonist’s external and internal goals, then map out the exact steps they’ll take to reach them using a clear “goal → obstacle → action” sequence.

    Beat Sheets + Outlining (#TheRoadMap):
    Like Google Maps, our beat sheet and outline templates (plus real-film examples) ensure you always know where your story is headed so you never get lost mid-draft.

    Story Planner
    Practice writing on deadline with this easy-to-follow writing schedule that keeps you focused (and accountable) until The End.

    Screenwriting Glossary
    Learn screenwriting terms like “inciting incident” and “midpoint” in everyday language.

    SPECIAL BONUS: Pixar Formula Reloaded
    Only available inside this package. Pixar’s story structure doesn’t miss. The TOY STORY franchise, MONSTER’S INC., UP… Are you kidding me? We took their proven formula and infused it with TPP gems to clarify your story’s foundation before you ever type FADE IN.

    Get the 1hr Kit here.

  • The Idea to Script 1/2hr Single-Camera TV Pilot Starter Kit is a digital toolbox packed with everything you need to confidently figure this TV writing thing out with TPP as your guide. It includes:

    3-Act Structure (Infographic):
    A visual breakdown of 3-Act Structure to build your storytelling foundation.

    The Writers’ Room Org Chart
    From showrunners to staff writers, understand the structure of a TV writers’ room — who’s who and who does what.

    TV Strategy 101
    Understand where your show fits in the TV landscape, how networks think, and why audience and time slot matter. Learn to position your concept for the industry before you start writing.

    Character Development (#WhoAmI?):
    Discover your protagonist’s backstory and motivations so every choice they make on the page feels authentic (not forced by the writer… yeah, that’s you. 🙂) — and pulls your audience in.

    Plot Development (#Goals):
    A story is about a character trying to reach a goal or solve a problem. #Dassit. Identify your protagonist’s external and internal goals, then map out the exact steps they’ll take to reach them using a clear “goal → obstacle → action” sequence.

    Beat Sheets + Outlining (#TheRoadMap):
    Like Google Maps, our beat sheet and outline templates (plus real-film examples) ensure you always know where your story is headed so you never get lost mid-draft.

    Story Planner
    Practice writing on deadline with this easy-to-follow writing schedule that keeps you focused (and accountable) until The End.

    Screenwriting Glossary
    Learn screenwriting terms like “inciting incident” and “midpoint” in everyday language.

    SPECIAL BONUS: Pixar Formula Reloaded
    Only available inside this package. Pixar’s story structure doesn’t miss. The TOY STORY franchise, MONSTER’S INC., UP… Are you kidding me? We took their proven formula and infused it with TPP gems to clarify your story’s foundation before you ever type FADE IN.

    Get the 1/2hr Kit here.

  • Life is busy enough, so we made this process easy and accessible.

    1. Choose your format and purchase the Starter Kit.

    2. Receive an email with a link to your digital workbook.

    3. Google Account Holders: Make a copy of the workbook. It will save to your Google Drive.

    4. Non-Google Account Holders: Download the Word document or create a Google account to access the digital kit.

    5. Every time you’re ready to start a new script, make a new copy.

  • A Video Buddy is a guided video taught by Shannan E. Johnson that walks you through the Starter Kit you’ve purchased. It’s like having a teacher explain the workbook step-by-step to ensure you’re on the right track.

    You can add a Video Buddy to your Starter Kit during checkout as an add-on. If you purchase one, you'll receive an email with the viewing link immediately after checkout, and it will also appear on your Thank You page. There's nothing to download—just click and watch!

  • No worries. We’ve got you at every step in your screenwriting journey.

    If you find yourself needing additional support while completing your workbook, you can always schedule a Story Jam to work through your story challenges with your personal Story Expert. It’s a focused, 1-on-1 session designed to help you get unstuck and keep moving forward.

    You’re never in this alone.

    Schedule a Story Jam

  • Of course. First, congratulations on finishing your outline. You did that!

    Once you have completed your outline and are ready for professional feedback from your personal Story Expert, you can submit for an Outline Review.

    An Outline Review includes:

    • Accepting Outlines up to 10 pages

    • Story Assessment: Inciting Incident. Goal, Debate, Transition to Act Two, Trial & Error, Midpoint, Climax, Resolution

    • Conclusion of current status of screenplay and quick advice for moving forward.

    • Recommendation: Needs Development/Approved to Script

    • Turnaround Time: 2 Weeks

    Submit an Outline for Review

  • Absolutely! But first… a praise break! You’re one step closer to becoming a professional screenwriter.

    Once you’ve completed your draft and you’re ready for professional feedback from your personal Story Expert, submit your script for Development Notes.

    Learn More

  • We know it’ shard to keep the characters quiet in your head, and you want them out now!

    The Idea to Script Starter Kit is designed to help you build a repeatable process—so once you master it, you can finish multiple scripts a year. First, you’ll do the pre-work to really understand your story. Then, you’ll outline your script to catch any gaps or plotholes before writing pages.

    Our Story Planner gives you a 6-week writing schedule after outlining, but you can go at your own pace. The goal isn’t speed—it’s clarity and confidence. Writing is rewriting. So don’t aim for perfect—aim to finish, reflect, and do it again until you’ve got a submission-ready script for your portfolio.

    We’re here to guide you every step of the way. #leggo

Black and white portrait of five diverse smiling people in front of a mountain landscape background.

hollywood

hollywood

TURN YOUR IDEA
INTO A STORY.

The Idea to Script Starter Kit is the digital toolbox you need to finally make real progress.
Stop dreaming about seeing your story on screen.
Let’s make it happen.

FEATURE KIT
1/2hr TV KIT
1hr TV KIT