Nosara Episodic Lab 2024

As we wrap our 2024 Episodic Lab, we reflect on the journey. Months of planning lays the groundwork for each of our programs. Beginning with a call for submissions and an extensive period of reading and discovering new voices, we identify four talented creators of original shows who are poised to break through to the next stage in their careers. Logistics of time and space are arranged with our Harmony partners in Costa Rica, and we refine creative plans with our advisors.

In Nosara the four writers spent the first half of the program delving deep into their shows with the generous guidance of showrunners Diana Son and Dara Resnik. These mentors brought extensive experience and wisdom to lead a Writers’ Room experience for each creator to receive collaborative feedback, explore new perspectives, and refine their vision for the series. Following the development workshops, advisors Ben Robbins and Carver Diserens presented a framework for pitching and worked with the writers on crafting and honing individual pitches to deliver to Parul Agrawal, Head of Drama at Warner Brothers. Parul shared her perspective on the state of the industry and listened to the writers with a keen ear, asking invaluable questions about their shows and process, and offering expert feedback on development and pitching. Our group was rounded out with Writers’ Assistant Alison Golub, special guest and First AD Sandra Mayo, and esteemed alum Jason Kim who joined us virtually for an intimate talk about building a career in episodic writing. Along the way we ate, swam, surfed, and watched sunsets. We listened to the monkeys howl and enjoyed the coatis and an iguana named Walter Matthau.

We do our best to provide transformative experiences. Transformative for projects at their various stages of development - yes - but more so for each individual writer at their unique and specific stage of development as creative professionals in this challenging field. Farewell for now to Chris, Yancey, Rae, and Jon, four talented writers who are now a part of our growing community. We are so excited to watch what comes next on the journey for each of you. Pura vida….