Pilot Script Lab

Write Your Pilot Script in Only 13 Weeks

You know you've got a great idea for a TV pilot.

You can see the characters, themes, scenes so clearly in your head.

But every time you try putting it on the page… you hit a wall. Writer's block sets up camp in your head.

And that unfinished pilot gets chucked in the bottom drawer, never to be seen again.

So, logically, you start doubting your talent - “Maybe a career in TV isn’t right for me?”

Stop right there. You DO have what it takes. You just need the support and guidance of an experienced showrunner to demystify the process so you can write your pilot quickly and easily.  

View Full Session Breakdown

View Full Session Breakdown

Winter 2026

$397 USD

Multiple payment options at checkout

✅ 13 live Zoom sessions
Saturdays 2-5 PM ET (Feb 14 - May 9)

✅ Weekly lessons + guided feedback
Led by an experienced showrunner

✅ Special guest: Shelley Scarrow
Netflix Series Creator (Finding Her Edge)

✅ Script readings 
Read the first act of your script in a fun readthrough environment

Full Script Feedback
Receive detailed notes on your full script in a supportive environment

✅ Full session recordings
Watch (and rewatch) anytime

Pilot Script Lab

Write Your Pilot Script in Only 13 Weeks

You know you've got a great idea for a TV pilot.

You can see the characters, themes, scenes so clearly in your head.

But every time you try putting it on the page… you hit a wall. And that unfinished pilot gets chucked in the bottom drawer, never to be seen again.

So, logically, you start doubting your talent - “Maybe a career in TV isn’t right for me?”

Stop right there. You DO have what it takes. You just need the support and guidance of an experienced showrunner to demystify the process so you can write your pilot quickly and easily.  

View Full Session Breakdown

Winter 2026

$397 USD

Multiple payment options at checkout

✅ 13 live Zoom sessions
Sundays 2-5 PM ET (Jan 4 - Mar 29)

✅ Weekly lessons + guided feedback
Led by an experienced showrunner

✅ Special guest: Shelley Scarrow
Netflix Series Creator (Finding Her Edge)

✅ Script readings 
Read the first act of your script in a fun readthrough environment

Full Script Feedback
Receive detailed notes on your full script in a supportive environment

✅ Full session recordings
Watch (and rewatch) anytime

Write Your Script with an Award-Winning Showrunner

In the world of screenwriting, the right guidance can make ALL the difference. Pilot Script Lab is a live course, where you interact with an award-winning showrunner and other writers in writing room sessions.

Read Your First 10 Pages with the Group

As you write your pilot, bring your first 10-15 pages to the group.  We'll cast the parts amongst ourselves and read them together. It's a fun and interactive way to read your script and get immediate feedback. 

Receive professional level feedback on your script.

After you turn in your pilot script we spend the final three sessions going over everyone's script with detailed notes. Leave the course with not just a finished script but the notes you need to elevate it to the next level.

ELIZABETH MARCELLIN

Screenwriter & Novelist

"Pilot Script Lab is an excellent course, whether you are a veteran storyteller or trying it out for the first time. James breaks down the process of writing a TV pilot in a way that is easy to understand without being formulaic. I would credit this course, and James' feedback in particular, with pushing my writing to the next level. I would recommend it to anyone getting trying to improve their craft."

Pilot Script Lab is an excellent course, whether you are a veteran storyteller or trying it out for the first time. James breaks down the process of writing a TV pilot in a way that is easy to understand without being formulaic. I would credit this course, and James' feedback in particular, with pushing my writing to the next level. I would recommend it to anyone getting trying to improve their craft.

ELIZABETH MARCELLIN

Screenwriter & Novelist

Pilot Script Lab is an excellent course, whether you are a veteran storyteller or trying it out for the first time. James breaks down the process of writing a TV pilot in a way that is easy to understand without being formulaic.

I would credit this course, and James' feedback in particular, with pushing my writing to the next level. I would recommend it to anyone getting trying to improve their craft.

Weekly 1:1 Meetings

In the world of screenwriting, the right guidance can make ALL the difference. Pilot Script Lab is a live course, where you interact with an award-winning showrunner and other writers in writing room sessions.

Special Industry Guests

Meet Showrunner/EP/Writer Shelley Scarrow who is currently the head writer on "Finding Her Edge" for Netflix debuting in Winter 2026.  Shelley will tell us about creating her series and writing the pilot, a fantastic opportunity to pick her brain and learn her secrets.

Live Writing Room Sessions

In our writing room sessions, ideas bounce, creativity flows, and your script evolves with each session. 

DENARDO HEPBURN

Screenwriter & Playwright

I am beyond grateful I took James' Pilot Script Lab course. The experience was incredible. James is a master storyteller who takes a vested interest in helping every student realize their potential. His lectures are thorough, succinct, and packed with invaluable information. Class discussions are engaging and thought-provoking. By the end of the course, students leave with a script, constructive feedback, and actionable next steps. The depth of knowledge James shares is worth thousands. Thank you, James!

I am beyond grateful I took James' Pilot Script Lab course. The experience was incredible. James is a master storyteller who takes a vested interest in helping every student realize their potential.

By the end of the course, students leave with a script, constructive feedback, and actionable next steps. The depth of knowledge James shares is worth thousands. Thank you, James!

DENARDO HEPBURN

Screenwriter & Playwright

I am beyond grateful I took James' Pilot Script Lab course. The experience was incredible. James is a master storyteller who takes a vested interest in helping every student realize their potential.

The depth of knowledge James shares is worth thousands. Thank you, James!

Pilot Script Lab is your stepping stone to a new reality.

It's where your script gets the life, direction, and polish it deserves – from a blank page to a potential hit show.

You will move from idea to completing a first draft of your original pilot (under 60 pages) with detailed feedback.

This is a live online course with a max of 9 writers. Space is limited. Sessions fill up fast so don't wait

FAQS

Who is this course for?

This is not a beginner course. But you also don't need to be an experienced TV writer with lots of scripts under your belt either. Most of our writing cohorts have a mixture of emerging writers who know the basics and who've written a script or two with screenwriting professionals who are looking to level up their skills.

Is there a money back guarantee?

Certainly! You have 14 days from the start of your course to request a refund by email. Nobody has requested one to date, but I will happily provide refunds within the 14 day period if you don't think this is for you.

What do I need to bring to the course?

You'll need a compelling concept for your TV series. No outline is needed as we will develop your story with during our group Story Sessions.

Are there writing deadlines?

You must have your script submitted by the scheduled deadline. If you miss the deadline your script will not be read. In the interest of fairness to all the writers, there will be no extensions given. We absolutely will not issue refunds in the event you fail to meet the deadline. Don't enroll if you don't think you can make the deadline.

Do I need screenwriting software?

We highly recommend Fade In or Final Draft. But if you're looking for a free option, we recommend Writer Duet.

How many writers are in the course?

9 is the maximum.

Who is this course for?

This is not a beginner course. But you also don't need to be an experienced TV writer with lots of scripts under your belt either. Most of our writing cohorts have a mixture of emerging writers who know the basics and who've written a script or two with screenwriting professionals who are looking to level up their skills.

Is there a money back guarantee?

Certainly! You have 14 days from the start of your course to request a refund by email. Nobody has requested one to date, but I will happily provide refunds within the 14 day period if you don't think this is for you.

What do I need to bring to the course?

You'll need a compelling concept for your TV series. No outline is needed as we will develop your story with during our group Story Sessions.

Are there writing deadlines?

You must have your script submitted by the scheduled deadline. If you miss the deadline your script will not be read. In the interest of fairness to all the writers, there will be no extensions given. We absolutely will not issue refunds in the event you fail to meet the deadline. Don't enroll if you don't think you can make the deadline.

Do I need screenwriting software?

We highly recommend Fade In or Final Draft. But if you're looking for a free option, we recommend Writer Duet.

How many writers are in the course?

9 is the maximum.

Who is this course for?

This is not a beginner course. But you also don't need to be an experienced TV writer with lots of scripts under your belt either. Most of our writing cohorts have a mixture of emerging writers who know the basics and who've written a script or two with screenwriting professionals who are looking to level up their skills.

Is there a money back guarantee?

Certainly! You have 14 days from the start of your course to request a refund by email. Nobody has requested one to date, but I will happily provide refunds within the 14 day period if you don't think this is for you.

What do I need to bring to the course?

You'll need a compelling concept for your TV series. No outline is needed as we will develop your story with during our group Story Sessions.

Are there writing deadlines?

You must have your script submitted by the scheduled deadline. If you miss the deadline your script will not be read. In the interest of fairness to all the writers, there will be no extensions given. We absolutely will not issue refunds in the event you fail to meet the deadline. Don't enroll if you don't think you can make the deadline.

Do I need screenwriting software?

We highly recommend Fade In or Final Draft. But if you're looking for a free option, we recommend Writer Duet.

How many writers are in the course?

9 is the maximum.

James A. Hurst is a Toronto-based TV writer and showrunner and host of Screenright with James A. Hurst on YouTube. His videos on screenwriting, dialogue, character and story have clocked more than 250K views.

James has written close to 50 produced episodes of TV for major series like the Emmy-nominated Hardy Boys, Being Erica, Flashpoint, Wynonna Earp and more.

A 2011 Peabody Award winner, CSA Showrunner of the Year nominee, two time Gemini nominee, two time Canadian Screenwriting Award winner and five time nominee, James has worked for Netflix, Hulu, CBS, Fox, NBC, BBC America, Teen Nick, CBC, Bell and UKTV.  

James A. Hurst is a Toronto-based TV writer and showrunner and host of the fastest growing screenwriting channel on YouTube channel: Screenright with James A. Hurst. In a short time, his videos on screenwriting, dialogue, character and story have clocked more than 250K views.

James has written almost 50 produced episodes of TV for major series like the Emmy-nominated Hardy Boys, Being Erica, Flashpoint, Wynonna Earp and more.

James A. Hurst is a Toronto-based TV writer and showrunner and host of Screenright with James A. Hurst on YouTube.


James has written close to 50 produced episodes of TV for major series like the Emmy-nominated Hardy Boys, Being Erica, Flashpoint, Wynonna Earp and more.


A 2011 Peabody Award winner, CSA Showrunner of the Year nominee, two time Gemini nominee, two time Canadian Screenwriting Award winner and five time nominee, James has written for Netflix, Hulu, CBS, Fox, NBC, BBC America, Teen Nick, CBC, Bell and UKTV.