Shannan E. Johnson is a former development and current programming executive at The Syfy Channel (Being Human, Haven, Warehouse 13) turned CEO of The Professional Pen (TPP), a script consultancy. TPP develops screenwriters from idea to pitch to become more confident storytellers prepared for a professional screenwriting career and consults with scripted film and TV teams to streamline their development process to get to pre-production more efficiently.
TPP offers writing services that hone the key skills to develop an effective writing process: understanding screenplay structure, outlining, and giving, receiving, and addressing notes. Work 1:1 with our TPP Story Experts for straight-shot, no-chaser feedback to beef up your screenwriting portfolio and level up your screenwriting career.
Key partnerships/collaborations: Prime Video Studios, Fox Entertainment, Hallmark Media, Sony, Revolt, Screencraft, Essence, allblk, Stage32
IG: @theprofessionalpen
Web: www.theprofessionalpen.com
Shannan E. Johnson
🚨 Early Bird Deadline is today.
Last chance to save $30 on submission.
The First 15 Script Competition is best for writers who:
🟢 Want to understand how industry readers actually evaluate scripts
🟢 Are developing a feature or TV pilot and want insight on their opening pages
🟢 Are ready for professional feedback
🟢 Want exposure to the studio-style development process
This competition isn’t about collecting laurels.
It’s about learning how to make your script hook a reader fast.
Today is the final day to enter at the Early Bird rate.
Enter here:
www.theprofessionalpen.com/script-competition
5 days ago | [YT] | 16
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Shannan E. Johnson
Submissions are officially open for Cycle III of The First 15 Script Competition.
This competition is designed to mirror how the Hollywood development process actually works.
Writers submit:
🟢 A logline
🟢 The first 15 pages of a film or TV script
Because in the real world, those first pages determine whether a reader keeps going.
Qualified scripts receive professional feedback from TPP’s trained Story Experts, and finalists gain access to coaching and industry insight designed to help writers grow — not just compete.
All the details are in the graphic.
Submissions are open now.
Learn more:
www.theprofessionalpen.com/script-competition
1 week ago | [YT] | 41
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Shannan E. Johnson
Houston!
I'm coming back to my city and getting you pitch ready!
On February 19th, I have a few slots available for 1hr, in-person consultations - Pitch Jams - focused on pitching, pitch materials, and pitch strategy.
Book a slot here: calendly.com/pitch-jam/shannan
See you in the H! 🤘🏾💚
#screenwriting #pitching
1 month ago | [YT] | 25
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Shannan E. Johnson
Join me Live with the Cori Luv Show as we chat pitching and the business of Hollywood.
Thursday, October 23rd
5p PT
IG: @theprofessionalpen
5 months ago | [YT] | 20
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Shannan E. Johnson
The First 15 Script Competition IS BACK!
Have you been writing? That's the question. Cycle II of the First 15 Script Competition is now open!
Submit your logline + the first 15 pages of your script.
All 2nd rounders receive feedback.
Top 10 receive a workshop with me. 😉
Winner receives a career strategy session with me + a general meeting with a Hollywood exec (TBD). Last year's exec was from MACRO (JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, RAISING DION)
Get your pages ready.
Applications close 10/31.
www.theprofessionalpen.com/script-competition
6 months ago | [YT] | 24
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Shannan E. Johnson
Have you seen the newest Jordan Peele produced thriller HIM? There have been a lot of bad reviews. But is it that bad? 👀 I'm discussing it LIVE.
Wednesday, September 24
530p PT
See you there!
6 months ago | [YT] | 26
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Shannan E. Johnson
HIGHEST 2 LOWEST was a disappointment to many while others found it a great ode to New York as Spike Lee Joints tend to be.
Join me tomorrow to discuss.
5:30p PT - Right here on YouTube
#screenwriting #highest2lowest #filmanalysis #moviereview
6 months ago | [YT] | 35
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Shannan E. Johnson
Are you a student interested in a career in social media AND you love TV and film? Double up your experience with The Professional Pen's internship program.
It's perfect for a project-based, deadline-oriented student who wants to dip their toe into the entertainment industry while showing off their social media/digital marketing skills. And it's virtual, so - no driving, no missing class or social events, and best of all, you create your own work hours.
🟢 If this sounds like a great opportunity for you, submit your application by September 12th.
🟢 Know another student who may thrive in this internship, share it with them.
Application: www.theprofessionalpen.com/internship
6 months ago | [YT] | 9
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Shannan E. Johnson
TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE
Join me for an ASK ME ANYTHING session:
Tuesday, July 8th
IG @theprofessionalpen at 5:30p pT
TikTok @shannanejohnson at 6:30p pT
8 months ago | [YT] | 9
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Shannan E. Johnson
Screenwriter by heart. Social media manager by trade?
We’re hiring.
The Professional Pen is looking for a Social Media Manager who knows their way around a content calendar and a character arc.
✅ Real experience managing IG, TT, YT
✅ Writes like a pro (in someone else’s voice)
✅ Creative with trends, memes, and engagement
✅ Reliable and deadline-ready
This is perfect for a screenwriter who’s already been in the social game and wants a side hustle that speaks their language.
📅 Apply by July 11
🔗 www.theprofessionalpen.com/gigs
#HiringNow #ScreenwritingJobs #SocialMediaManager #CreativeSideHustle
9 months ago | [YT] | 15
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