Maura N.
The Last Black Unicorn
It’s not every day that a webinar brings both clarity and connection—but that’s exactly what happened during our most recent session in the StudentFilmmakers.com Webinar Series. We extend our deepest thanks to our special guests, Patrick Cady ASC and Thomas Bernardo, for leading such an honest, generous, and highly valuable learning experience during our live educational webinar, “How a Show Gets Developed.”
In “How a Story Gets Developed,” Patrick and Tom shared an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens after a show is sold. They walked us through how a writers’ room comes together, how stories are shaped into a full season, and what it’s like to step into that high-pressure, creative space once a production date is set. Whether you were brand new to TV writing or a seasoned indie creator, the session offered real-world insight, personal experiences, and practical takeaways you wouldn’t find in a textbook.
Whether you’re just starting out in film and television or already deep in the trenches of production, this webinar delivered. From structure to story beats, from room dynamics to practical production wisdom, Patrick and Tom shared from the heart, from experience, and from the perspective of true educators.
Patrick Cady ASC—an Emmy-nominated cinematographer and director—is known for bringing soul and purpose to the projects he touches. From Insecure and Bosch: Legacy to Rectify and Interrogation, his approach to storytelling is informed by both compassion and craft. Tom Bernardo—a seasoned producer and writer whose credits include Bosch, Bosch: Legacy, and The Lincoln Lawyer—has long been respected for his strength in narrative development and his ability to lead a room with both clarity and care.
Throughout the live session, the energy was focused, electric, and warm. These two professionals did more than just talk shop—they opened a door. They gave viewers a look inside their process. And they made space for others to step into their own creative courage.
The conversation was refreshingly grounded. Patrick and Tom answered questions directly from attendees, who submitted them in real time via the chat box. Whether you were curious about outlining a pilot, structuring a season arc, or navigating the politics of a writers’ room, their responses were thoughtful and actionable.
We also want to extend gratitude to the StudentFilmmakers.com community who attended from all across the globe. Whether tuning in from Ireland, the Netherlands, or from right here in the States, your presence and participation made the session what it was. You asked excellent questions. You shared great energy. And you reminded us why these events matter so much.
Scroll down to explore attendee testimonials—each one a reflection of how impactful and appreciated this session truly was.
We believe in lifting the curtain—not just showing the finished product, but walking through the process, step by step. This webinar exemplified that. The script downloads, the shared screen breakdowns, the back-and-forth between Patrick and Tom—it all added up to an experience that many described as transformative.
To Patrick and Tom: Thank You. Thank you for showing up with honesty, intelligence, and humility. Thank you for being so present with our attendees. And thank you for giving us a session that will continue to ripple outward in the form of stronger scripts, braver creatives, and more thoughtful filmmaking.
If you missed the live webinar, “How a Show Gets Developed,” stay tuned for the upcoming recording and more events in the series. Sign up at StudentFilmmakers.com, and take your next step toward creative confidence with guidance from those who’ve walked the path.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Resources:
www.studentfilmmakers.com
www.hdproguide.com
www.sportsvideotech.com
Free Webinars:
www.studentfilmmakers.com/livefilmmakingwebinars
In “How a Story Gets Developed,” Patrick and Tom shared an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens after a show is sold. They walked us through how a writers’ room comes together, how stories are shaped into a full season, and what it’s like to step into that high-pressure, creative space once a production date is set. Whether you were brand new to TV writing or a seasoned indie creator, the session offered real-world insight, personal experiences, and practical takeaways you wouldn’t find in a textbook.
Whether you’re just starting out in film and television or already deep in the trenches of production, this webinar delivered. From structure to story beats, from room dynamics to practical production wisdom, Patrick and Tom shared from the heart, from experience, and from the perspective of true educators.
Patrick Cady ASC—an Emmy-nominated cinematographer and director—is known for bringing soul and purpose to the projects he touches. From Insecure and Bosch: Legacy to Rectify and Interrogation, his approach to storytelling is informed by both compassion and craft. Tom Bernardo—a seasoned producer and writer whose credits include Bosch, Bosch: Legacy, and The Lincoln Lawyer—has long been respected for his strength in narrative development and his ability to lead a room with both clarity and care.
Throughout the live session, the energy was focused, electric, and warm. These two professionals did more than just talk shop—they opened a door. They gave viewers a look inside their process. And they made space for others to step into their own creative courage.
The conversation was refreshingly grounded. Patrick and Tom answered questions directly from attendees, who submitted them in real time via the chat box. Whether you were curious about outlining a pilot, structuring a season arc, or navigating the politics of a writers’ room, their responses were thoughtful and actionable.
We also want to extend gratitude to the StudentFilmmakers.com community who attended from all across the globe. Whether tuning in from Ireland, the Netherlands, or from right here in the States, your presence and participation made the session what it was. You asked excellent questions. You shared great energy. And you reminded us why these events matter so much.
Scroll down to explore attendee testimonials—each one a reflection of how impactful and appreciated this session truly was.
As always, the team at StudentFilmmakers.com is committed to creating inclusive, industry-relevant learning opportunities for storytellers at every level. Our Virtual Shadowing and professional development series continues to bring working professionals into direct dialogue with creatives hungry to learn and grow.
We believe in lifting the curtain—not just showing the finished product, but walking through the process, step by step. This webinar exemplified that. The script downloads, the shared screen breakdowns, the back-and-forth between Patrick and Tom—it all added up to an experience that many described as transformative.
To Patrick and Tom: Thank You. Thank you for showing up with honesty, intelligence, and humility. Thank you for being so present with our attendees. And thank you for giving us a session that will continue to ripple outward in the form of stronger scripts, braver creatives, and more thoughtful filmmaking.
If you missed the live webinar, “How a Show Gets Developed,” stay tuned for the upcoming recording and more events in the series. Sign up at StudentFilmmakers.com, and take your next step toward creative confidence with guidance from those who’ve walked the path.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Resources:
www.studentfilmmakers.com
www.hdproguide.com
www.sportsvideotech.com
Free Webinars:
www.studentfilmmakers.com/livefilmmakingwebinars
