Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University’s MFA in TV Writing has announced the launch of its TV Pilot Incubator, a pioneering initiative designed to nurture and develop four original TV series towards production. This program, the first of its kind at any university, aims to equip participants with essential tools and industry insights to bring their creative visions to life.

A select group of industry professionals will act as project mentors. These mentors will work closely with lab participants, providing guidance and expertise throughout the development process. The program is 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 various aspects such as verbal pitches, look books, pitch decks, budgeting, packaging, and marketing opportunities.

Participants in the inaugural incubator include Stony Brook MFA in TV Writing graduates 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 to fall 2025, part two of this program aims to produce one of the four pilots with support from funding raised through private foundations and industry partnerships.

Stony Brook University’s MFA in TV Writing is a 2+ year program associated with Killer Films located in Manhattan's Lichtenstein Center. The MFA prepares students for the expanding frontier of television storytelling that is becoming a predominant form of entertainment worldwide.

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