In a pioneering move for television education, Stony Brook University’s MFA in TV Writing has announced the launch of its innovative TV Pilot Incubator. This new initiative is the first of its kind at any university and is designed to nurture, inspire, and develop four original TV series so they can advance toward production.
The incubator aims to equip participants with the essential tools and industry insights needed to bring their creative visions to life. A select group of industry heavyweights will act as project mentors, including:
- Bryan Goluboff – Executive Producer of Elsbeth and Law and Order: Organized Crime and George and Tammy
- Michael Rauch – Showrunner on Instinct and Royal Pains
- Jacquelyn Reingold – Executive Producer of The Good Fight and Writer, Grace and Frankie
- Steve Basilone – Writer on Community and The Goldbergs
The mentors will work closely with the lab participants, providing invaluable guidance and expertise throughout the development process.
The program will be led by faculty member Kristen Lefcoe and MFA in TV Writing Director Alan Kingsberg. Notable guests, including John Coles, Tom Sellitti, Dan Perlman, L.E. Correia, Mary Rohlich and Stephen Gates, will lead workshops on verbal pitches, look books, pitch decks, budgeting, packaging and marketing opportunities.
Participants in the inaugural incubator, which is only open to Stony Brook MFA in TV Writing graduates, include Walter Stafford ‘22, Jeff Bernier ‘22, Nelson Downend ‘22, Tristan Rodriguez ‘23 and Greg Abbey ‘23.
The lab will culminate in a pitch competition scheduled for January, where participants will present their concepts to a jury of industry buyers, producers, agents and showrunners.
Looking ahead, part two of this groundbreaking program is slated for Fall 2025, with the goal of producing one of the four pilots, supported by funding raised from private foundations and industry partnerships.
Stony Brook University’s MFA in TV Writing, a 2+ year program associated with Killer Films, is located in the heart of Manhattan and is part of the prestigious Lichtenstein Center. The MFA prepares students to join the expanding frontier of television story-telling that is becoming the predominant form of entertainment around the world.
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