Jonathan Braylock

Students in this class will learn how to hone and strengthen their comedic voice to distinguish themselves from others professionally. Students will identify their strengths, work on generating pitches unique to them, and craft a sketch packet that sets themselves apart from others.

I have been writing and performing sketch comedy for over 15 years. I was one of the co-creators, co-EPs, and co-stars of Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show on Netflix (produced by Kenya Barris) and also wrote for The G Word w/Adam Conover on Netflix (produced by the Obamas’ production company Higher Ground). My sketches were written and performed in multiple festivals including SF Sketchfest, Chicago Sketchfest, NY Sketchfest, and Toronto Sketchfest. I’ve also written and performed sketches for Comedy Central Digital, IFC, AboveAverage, CollegeHumor, etc. I have also written and performed sketch regularly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (NY & LA) and The People’s Improv Theater in NY.

In this course, you will take an idea from a pitch all the way to a polished draft of your very own half hour comedy pilot, getting feedback at each step as you go through this tough but really rewarding process. We'll talk about elements of a strong comedy pilot concept, character creation, outline structure, and how to write dialogue that sounds like it comes from a human. And we'll do it in a supportive workshop environment where you'll be giving feedback on other projects as you work on your own. This class will break down the comedy pilot writing process into easily achieved weekly goals. You will leave with a completed draft that you can build on and use as a sample. If writing a pilot feels overwhelming, this is the class for you.

A little about me: I have written for several television shows including Ted Animated (Peacock), Grownish (Freeform), Golden Axe (Comedy Central), and The G Word w/ Adam Conover. I have sold three television shows including Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show, Untitled Steve Way Show (produced w/ Judd Apatow & developed at AppleTV & Peacock), and The Middle Passage (developed at IFC). I have also pitched multiple television shows to numerous networks including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, FX, Apple TV, Peacock, Comedy Central, MTV, Freeform & more.

Have you written a pilot or have a sketch packet and would like notes before you submit it? Do you have a great television show idea that you want to pitch but are not sure where to start? I can help with that!

My hourly rates include the reading of your material (for free)!

If you’re interested in Private Coaching please contact me via the form below or email via jonbraylock@gmail.com !