Something Truly Brilliant
An Online Incubator
Hi, I'm Adrienne, founder of Something Truly Brilliant.We help unconventional creatives develop and sell a TV show, using the authentic story that only they could tell.We provide creative consulting, education, and facilitate connections with industry dealmakers through our course, How to *Actually* Sell A TV Show, Organically.We want to see TV that builds empathy by amplifying the voices that haven’t been heard before.
Courses
I'm offering two versions of the course— The Starter is more streamlined, while The Finisher provides a more follow-up support, feedback, and accountability.THE STARTER
Instead of how to write a script, I'm going to teach you how to sell a show. It might sound daunting, but all you need is a story that needs to be told right now and the right team to bring it to fruition. No matter what your creative background or experience is, I will help you show you how to:
Develop a compelling idea that feels authentic + exciting to you
Craft the pitch to hook buyers
Find the right collaborators to amplify your voice
Cultivate generative relationships so you can sell again and again
Overall, this course includes the 2.5 hour masterclass on zoom, weekly Q&As with me for any roadbumps you’re hitting along the way, as well as Power Hours where you can actually do the work and take your next step toward sell a show.
THE FINISHER
This program includes everything from The Starter, but with more personalized support. You'll get 2 rounds of feedback on your one-sheet (a document to entice buyers and executives), 3 additional group coaching sessions in a smaller setting, and best of all, intimate conversations with industry professionals. Capped at 8 people, this small class will have the opportunity to share their elevator pitches with studio executives, showrunners, and industry professionals for feedback, with the potential to foster an ongoing relationship. $100,000 VALUE
| Modules | Starter | Finisher |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 hr Masterclass on Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| 3 Q&As with Adrienne for road bumps along the way | Yes | Yes |
| 3 Saturday Power-Hours to hold yourself accountable | Yes | Yes |
| 3 weeknight Q&As for road bumps along the way, capped at 8 people | - | Yes |
| 2 rounds of feedback on your one-pager (a 1-page document to entice buyers and executives) | - | Yes |
| Intimate conversations with industry professionals: Capped at 8 people, who will share their pitches with studio executives, showrunners, and industry professionals to get feedback and start ongoing relationships | - | Yes |
Hey friend! You have...
... to book a spot in the course that helps you develop your pitch, makes the pitch deck for you, then introduces you to executives and showrunners to practice pitching it and get feedback...
How to *Actually* Sell a TV Show, Organically:
Finisher Tier
Register for the starter course
There are three steps:
Me
Writer, actor, and producer Adrienne Rose White is the woman you still remember from that party you went to, because she made you feel special, laugh hard, and think harder. She co-created and sold the drama series Barrister's Ball to CBS Studios in 2021 with executive producer Ted Humphrey. With her writing partner, she sold the Untitled White/Chan/Case comedy pilot to CBS Network (as seen in Deadline and Variety), and optioned the hour-long dramedy Safe Space to Lakeshore Entertainment. She is also frequently featured on Elizabeth Banks' WhoHaha and was named a comedienne to look out for in their Comedy Call-Out in 2020. Adrienne is producer and co-star of Quirky Female Protagonist as Straight-Laced Bestie, which received acclaim from the Huffington Post, IndieWire, WUWM 89.7 FM, and others.As an actress, she's the best friend you can turn to for sincere advice... in the recently released thriller Another Girl, written and directed by Allison Burnett (Underworld: Awakening and Autumn in New York). She's the playful prodigy with quips for days... in the teen horror The Witch Files with Holly Taylor (The Americans). And she's the warm, driven, sexy lead in the forthcoming drama After We're Over, written and directed by Nate Myers (Rake on Fox).Adrienne's career began when she wrote and starred in the short film Mira Mira, a fairytale about race and isolation that premiered at the NewFilmmakers New York and won Honorable Mention at the Women's Independent Film Festival. An alum of the Atlantic Theater Co's conservatory program, she also graduated from Harvard College, but she avoids bringing that up in conversation.
WORK WITH US
Already a member?
In The Flow
- FREE -
Creative co-working space hosted by Adrienne on Monday nights. Start your week with a dose of accountability and take action on your projects creatively and professionally.
The Masterclass: How to *Actually* Get Your TV Pitch Seen
- FREE -
If you’ve curious about working with Adrienne come and get a taste of her insights and methods in this free masterclass where she provides actionable steps to get your TV pitch seen by the right people, even if you don’t have representation or haven’t worked in entertainment.
How To *Actually* Sell A TV Show, Organically
- PAID -
This comprehensive course teaches the foundations of developing an idea to sell and Adrienne’s methodology to then selling that idea organically. With hours of content and exercises you will leave the course with the documents you will need to communicate your idea to the right people and how to develop the relationships needed to sell your idea.
General
Why are you offering this course?So many people have asked me how I sell TV shows, and I thought this was easier than taking everyone out for coffee and talking about it.As an actor, I was frustrated that I wasn’t getting the type of roles that I wanted or projects I was passionate about, so I started writing. But as a writer, it took some time to figure out how the buying process works, and I had to figure out how to make it work for me. Flashforward to the present, I have optioned or sold five TV shows. Looking back now, I noticed that the way I approached my projects and my relationships was very different from how I saw other people doing it. At the best moments, it just felt like there was… flow.Through this course, I hope to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in the last decade to lower the barrier of entry for aspiring writers and actors interested in selling their own shows. Beyond that, I’ve helped people who don’t identify as creatives sell a show - the last show I sold to CBS came from an idea that a lawyer texted to me, and we developed it together. So I want to debunk the idea that you have to be a writer to sell a show. I’d also like to debunk many misconceptions about selling television shows so that creatives can begin pursuing their dreams with confidence rather than fear. Clarity: we love to see it.Wow… are you really into puns?Yes.What makes this different from other courses?Most courses focus on how to either write a great script or deliver a killer pitch. But when I looked back on the shows I sold, I realized how important the relationships were to even having the opportunity to pitch or have someone read my work. Most courses focused on the content, but not on the how of actually getting that content sold. I’ve had instances where the buyer makes a decision before they’ve even heard the full pitch, just based on our relationship. So, we will obviously talk about how to create excellent content, but we will also talk about how to build relationships that will give you repeated opportunities to sell.How do you define “selling” a show?I define selling a show as getting a yes from a studio, a production company with an overall deal at a studio, or a network to develop a TV project together.
When is the course taking place?As soon as you’re ready to get started! The material is designed to take about 3 months to complete if you do 1-2 hours of work per week. However, in the Starter Tier you can move through the material at the speed you like - do it all in less than a week, or take up to 6 months to complete.How does the online course work?You’ll get access to video lessons on how to build both the content you need (the elevator pitch, one sheet, pitch script) and your team (lawyer, executive producer, buyers) so that you can sell your TV show.There’s about 1 hour of content to watch each week for 12 weeks, but you can move faster or slower if you like. As you watch, you’ll do exercises to complete your pitch documents. By the end of the course, you’ll have written your one sheet and a second draft of a stellar, compelling, undeniable TV pitch.You’ll also do exercises to help you find your aligned partners and actually get pitch meetings so that you can sell your show.Not sure of your writing or organizational abilities? You’ll get templates for pitch materials, outreach emails, and so on. You’ll get the step by step guidance you need to sell your show, at your pace.You’ll have access to the videos, templates, and exercises for 6 months. I want you to get this done, and there’s nothing like a deadline to get you moving ;)What's the difference between In The Flow and How to Actually Sell a TV Show Organically?In The Flow is a free digital community where creatives can focus on taking next steps to get their projects sold. We host a live, weekly co-working session every Monday at 5:30 p.m. PST. You can sign up to get In The Flow here.How to Actually Sell a TV Show Organically is a self-paced video course that instructs you on how to build the content and relationships to actually get your TV show sold to aligned partners. You can sign up for How to Actually Sell A TV Show Organically here.
Who is this course geared towards?Any creatives who want to sell a show. Specifically…
Screenwriters who have a pilot script, but don’t know where or how to pitch or sell it
Screenwriters who have staffed on other shows, but have not yet sold their own
Screenwriters who have a concept they want to develop, and have written other pilot scripts
Screenwriters who have just started out, and want to learn how to build a network so they have the opportunities to sell a show when they are ready
Writers who have a book, article, or intellectual property that they want to develop into a TV show and sell
Actors who want to write a script and create a vehicle for their acting career
Actors who don’t want to write a script, but do want to create a vehicle for their acting career
Multi-hyphenates who want to have multiple roles in the creation of a show (i.e. writer/director/actors)
“Non-creatives” who have an idea or a story to tell, haven’t worked in entertainment before, and want to put together the team that can bring it to life
Professionals who are burned out on jobs that don’t allow for creativity, and are looking to have and outlet, a community, and a TV show
If you are a person with disabilities and have concerns about accessibility, please contact somethingtrulybrilliant@gmail.com and we will happily work with you to accommodate your needs.Who is this course NOT for?
People who want a “get rich quick” scheme. Relationships take time, development can take a lot of time, and the Business Affairs department of a studio or network can take its sweet time. If you need money next month, this isn’t the way to get it. This is a way to build a career, not to make a quick buck.
People who aren’t ready to show up for their dream. In any new venture, there will be challenges along the way, and you’ll have to grow to step up and meet them. If you have a fixed mindset, and not a growth mindset, this course may not be for you.
If you are racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory against any marginalized community. Those aren’t the voices I’m here to amplify.
Is your course limited to narrative shows, or is it also applicable for documentary/non-fiction/reality projects?My experience is in selling TV comedies and dramas. Since I haven’t sold any non-fiction projects I wouldn’t be comfortable promoting this course as a path towards selling a documentary/non-fiction project. That being said, I assume many of the principles are the same, but I want to be upfront on where my expertise lies.What tools or resources do I need to take this course?You don’t need anything. You could take this course just to get a lay of the land to set up the foundation for your career. Now if you want to sell a show soon, it is helpful to have the following materials ready to go:
Writers, to sell a show where you are attached as a writer, you need to have a sample script. Now this script does not have to be the script of the TV concept that you want to sell, but you do need a sample of your writing.
Actors, you literally don’t need anything…actually, a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and build a team. Just channel Zendaya.
Professionals, you need to carve some time into you schedule for this and come in with an open mind. You likely have an ability to execute tasks that’s going to put you way ahead in terms of crafting the materials; for you, this course is going to be about tapping more into your creative, generative, playful side. Let’s play!
Do I have to read other people's work?No, you don’t. And no one will read your work, unless you want them to.Will my work be treated respectfully?Strong yes! When you sign up for this course, you will be signing a contract that you will not take another student’s intellectual property. Furthermore, students will not be commenting on each other’s work, beyond noting what works well or resonates. For finisher course students, I will give any constructive feedback that I think is necessary to get your pitch in shape, and cultivate a supportive environment where you can do that.
Finisher Course
Who are “industry professionals and creatives”? How will conversations with them be substantially beneficial?Industry professionals and creatives will be studio executives, showrunners with overall deals, and other writers who have sold TV shows without previous credits. I’ve facilitated conversations for previous students and mentees with writers, executives and executive producers at Apple TV+, Hoorae (Issa Rae’s production company), CBS, and Avalon Entertainment.Do I have to read other people's work?No, you don’t.
Intellectual Property
How will I know my idea is kept safe from plagiarism or not released without my consent?It’s an evergreen, self-paced course, so you won’t be sharing your content with anyone in the context of the course. That being said, I also recommend registering your materials with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). It’s quick, inexpensive, and a well-respected cyber-paper-trail. Here’s the link to do it.
Registration and Payments
How do I register?Click the link to register for the Starter Tier. (If you’re accepted to the Finisher Tier, you’ll be e-mailed a link to register.)We’ve tried to answer as many questions as possible in these FAQs, but if we’ve missed something, please email us at somethingtrulybrilliant@gmail.com.You’ll get a response within 48 hours on business days, and usually much sooner. If you don’t get a response, please check your spam folder.How much does the course cost?The Starter Tier is $2,000, or 6 monthly payments of $360.
What payment methods do you accept?You can pay for the course using…
Visa, MasterCard, American Express
If you prefer to do a Zelle or wire transfer, please email somethingtrulybrilliant@gmail.com
Credits and Refunds
If I need to withdraw from the course, what are my options?Unfortunately, no refunds will be offered. However, we want to make sure you have the best experience possible and get what you need out of the course, so if you have any problems or concerns, please e-mail somethingtrulybrilliant@gmail.com.
Important Notes
Something Truly Brilliant does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, or marital status.
If you have questions that aren't addressed here, just e-mail somethingtrulybrilliant@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!
What people say about me
“Less than a week after our last call, I pitched to Paramount and Netflix and got a yes in the room!”
As an Indian-Bengali Australian actress, I was frustrated that I wasn't getting the kinds of roles and opportunities I wanted, so I started looking for ways to create my own work. There are so many courses and classes out there that teach you how to write well. But how do you go from having an idea or script to ACTUALLY being able to sell your work? This is something I didn't feel like was taught anywhere. Adrienne took all of the fear and mystery out of the entire process. Her mentorship is clear, transparent and has given me all the practical skills I need to move forward and create opportunities that are authentic to me. She also completely changed my mindset and helped me see what I was capable of. Less than a week after our last call, I pitched to Paramount and Netflix and got yeses in the room! Working with her is like getting the answer key to getting my writing off the page and into the hearts of the people who can put it on screen!
- Jasmine B., actor and writer
“Overall, I found the conversations to be transformative.”
The conversations with entertainment industry professionals that Adrienne facilitated offered me really valuable insights that have influenced the path that I hope to take. The rapport that Adrienne had already built with each guest was evident as the conversations flowed organically, with Adrienne asking guiding questions and leaving room at the end for us to ask our own questions as well. I got to hear from award-winning actors and writers of critically acclaimed television shows in addition to managers, producers, and executives of major studios. Each industry expert that Adrienne invited gave in-depth reflections on their experiences, showed genuine interest in my career goals, and many even provided their contact information so that they could continue to be a resource down the line. Overall, I found the conversations to be transformative.
- Aissata B., Harvard student and aspiring screenwriter
“She has an incredible amount of information that she makes accessible and actionable to her creatives who are looking to develop and sell projects.”
Adrienne Rose White is a passionate, knowledgeable and gifted mentor. She has an incredible amount of information that she makes accessible and actionable to her creatives who are looking to develop and sell projects. Adrienne's heart and kindness create a positive foundation from which up & coming screenwriters, actors and creative multi-hyphenates can learn to navigate the part of business that stumps most: how to sell your project and create relationships to develop future projects. Adrienne is the guide that creators need to learn how best to move forward from idea to sale.
- Kristina S., screenwriter and acting coach at On Set Coaching
Contact
Have any questions? Let me know, and I'll get back to you.
T
FREE SUPPORT
I’m sharing this for free, because I want to help actors and writers get the tools and information to develop and sell a TV pitch that’s authentic to them.Do you have questions about how to sell a show in general? Questions about how to sell your show in particular? Questions about How to Actually Sell a TV Show, Organically (The Course)?Do you want some of focus and accountability so that you actually take the steps?That's why How to Actually Sell A TV Show, Organically includes live Q&A sessions to answer your questions about your next steps, and Power Hours so that you actually take them. Click through these clips from IG Live below for a free taste of what the course will offer.
Who would benefit from this course?
What does the course consist of?
Should I focus first on getting an agent?
How do I know if my idea is sellable?
POWER HALF HOUR | Set an intention and work along!
View the entire IG Live here or follow me on IG @adriennerosewhite to see me answer more of questions and lead a 20-30 minute “Power (half) Hour” where I help you actively work on the next step you need to take.We’re getting in the flow to sell a show.