Screenwriter/Director/Producer
About
Jessica Sharzer has developed feature films and television pilots for numerous studios. Produced features include 2016’s Nerve, 2018’s A Simple Favor and 2025’s Another Simple Favor. Sharzer also adapted The Girls I’ve Been (Netflix), the cult classic The Hunger (Warner Bros.) and To Catch a Thief (Paramount); more recently, she adapted Kate Flannery’s American Apparel memoir Strip Tees (Amazon) and the Icelandic movie The Oath (Film Nation). She co-executive produced FX’s American Horror Story (2011-2015), Fox’s Star (2017), Apple’s Amazing Stories (2020) and Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers (2021). Sharzer is also an adjunct professor of screenwriting and script analysis at the USC Stark Producing Program.Noteworthy
- Professional screenwriter for 23 years
- Sold dozens of pilots & screenplays "in the room" off a pitch
- Directing experience in both film & TV
- Producing experience on-set & post-production
- Experience with writing partnerships
- Runs the screenwriting program at Dan Lin's Incubator Rideback Rise
- Teaches screenwriting at USC & Sundance; workshops at UCLA Extension & Writers Guild Foundation
PITCH COACHING | ONE-ON-ONE SESSION
Pitching is an art form and a skill set that is challenging for most writers, who are generally introverts. It’s a form of writing meant to be heard and not read, a performance of sorts. Jessica has over twenty years of experience pitching both TV shows and feature films. She’s also been in writers’ rooms where ideas are pitched all day long. Let Jessica help you organize your pitch and make it more user-friendly, digestible and entertaining. A great pitch can make the difference between getting and losing the job.
- Bring any existing pitch materials you have, such as a written pitch or a presentation
- Have a brief summary of your project ready, including genre, main characters & key plot points
- Identify specific areas of your pitch where you feel stuck or need improvement
- Clarify who your pitch is for (e.g., producers, agents/managers, studio/network executives)
- Prepare any questions you have about pitching & share any feedback you've received on your pitch so far
CAREER COUNSELING | ONE-ON-ONE SESSION
Whether you are a newcomer to the entertainment industry or a seasoned pro looking to pivot, Jessica can help you strategize your next move and determine the best path forward. She can also help you identify what it is you really want to be doing, if that’s the problem. Having written, produced, directed and worked with nearly every studio in town on television and film projects, she would love to share with you what she’s learned. Jessica’s expertise can also help you avoid common pitfalls, make informed decisions and take confident steps toward success in the entertainment industry.
- Make a list of what you hope to achieve in the short & long term
- Identify any challenges you're currently facing, such as staying motivated, networking, finding representation or other opportunities
- Write down specific questions you have about the industry, career development or Jessica's own experiences
STORY BREAKING | ONE-ON-ONE SESSION
Stuck on a plot point that’s holding up your progress? Don’t let writer’s block derail your story or one plot snag stop you from finishing your screenplay. In this focused session, Jessica Sharzer – a highly accomplished screenwriter and writing professor – will help you get to the root of your problem and brainstorm creative solutions to move your story forward. Jessica’s unique approach doesn’t require her to read your script. Instead, she’ll ask you targeted questions, guide you through brainstorming exercises, and help you uncover new angles to resolve your plot challenges. Whether it’s a tricky twist, a flat scene or a missing connection in your narrative, Jessica can assist you in unlocking the next step in your story.
- All solutions or approaches you've tried so far to resolve the issue
- Break down of the main characters involved in the plot point & any relevant traits or motivations
- Clearly define the plot point or scene where you're getting stuck, including any relevant context or background information
- Prepare any specific questions you have about character arcs, plot points or how to overcome common writing challenges
EXPERT SCRIPT ANALYSIS
Jessica Sharzer is often called in to rewrite scripts that are broken in some way. She also teaches script analysis to graduate students at USC. Jessica will read your script, generate written notes, and hold a 30-minute Zoom session with you to review the notes and discuss possible solutions once you’ve had time to review everything. When you send out a script, you need to make sure it’s in the best possible shape as producers, agents and executives will only read it once before forming an opinion about the material and you as a writer. Take Jessica’s advice and take the time and energy to get it as close as you can to production-ready.
- A professional evaluation of your script's structure, characters, dialogue, pacing & overall marketability by someone who actually gets their movies/TV shows made
- Clear, actionable advice to address problem areas & elevate your story
- Confidence that your script is as close as possible to production-ready
Five-Star Reviews
Video Tips
FAQ
You don't get a second chance to make a great first impression when it comes to buyers and reps. Next-Level Scribe mentors will share with you what they learned on their way to the top, which, in turn, can fast-track your success. In addition to setting goals for you and showing you how to achieve them, Next-Level Scribe mentors know the producers, agents, managers, studio and production executives you want to be in business with. If they determine your project is market ready, Next-Level Scribe mentors can introduce you to and/or set up meetings with buyers and reps, at no extra cost. One recent example: 1) After a writer booked a session with Next-Level Scribe mentor Pam Falk (The Wedding Planner), Falk set up meetings for her with managers and producers.
First, find the mentor you want to work with. Next, select one of their sessions that best describes what you’d like to work on (e.g., pitching, story development, rewriting, career counseling, etc.). Then find a date and time on their calendar that works with your schedule. Once booked, you will be sent a Zoom link to connect with your mentor on the chosen date.
Reviews are just one factor to consider when selecting a mentor. It's important to find a mentor who is a good fit for your individual needs and goals. Read each mentor's session descriptions, watch their videos if available and review their bios and notations before booking.
Yes. Even though mentors are busy with their own projects, email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to see if the mentor can accommodate you.
Next-Level Scribe sessions are catered to your specific project and/or situation. And because sessions are live (and not pre-recorded like a MasterClass or BBC Maestro) you are able to interact with your mentor one-on-one, ask questions and receive real-time feedback. You're also establishing a viable, Hollywood contact who has the ability to introduce you to others in the industry, when the time is right.
Come prepared to work; have a notepad and pens at the ready, silence your phone, and prepare a list of questions.
Recording/filming the mentor is strictly forbidden and against our Terms of Use. Note: Your session will be preserved (recorded) by your mentor via Zoom and kept on file in case of any needed follow-up clarifications. A transcript of your one-on-one session will be made available to you within 48 hours.
Most mentors offer a 15-minute follow- up session as an option. If you just have a follow-up question regarding your session, you can email it to us and we will forward your email to your mentor for a response.
There is no extra charge if you want your writing partner to be on the Zoom call. Just be sure to let us know ahead of time so we can notify your mentor before your session.
We believe you should learn from the pros rather than screenwriting books and gurus. Not only can Next-Level Scribe mentors take you much further much faster, they also can give you tools beyond the basic principles you might find in a how-to book. You can learn how to outline a feature or pilot, write dynamic scenes, and create a killer logline and compelling synopsis. If you already have a first draft, Next-Level Scribe mentors can read your script and tell you what’s working and what’s not and how to fix it.
You can reschedule a session a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the session start time. For any cancellations within 48 hours of the session start time, the session will be automatically forfeited along with the session fee, as there are no refunds. All cancellations or requests to cancel or reschedule a session must be made in writing by emailing [email protected].
We accept all major credit cards in USD, and also offer book-now, pay-later sessions with Klarna.
Email us: [email protected]
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