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
See you in Miami!
We're out in these festival streets!
If you're unsure about networking, pitching, or need to discuss strategy so you don't waste your festival experience...
BOOK A FESTIVAL STRATEGY SESSION
Live and in-person
Limited availability.
Early bird rate ends 5/13
Reserve Now 👇🏽
calendly.com/pitch-jam/shannan
6 days ago | [YT] | 26
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Shannan E. Johnson
🚨 Submissions close today.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to submit your script, this is it.
And here’s the truth:
Your script doesn’t have to be perfect.
The First 15 Script Competition was designed to help writers grow — not just win.
Writers submit a logline and the first 15 pages of their script, and advancing scripts receive professional feedback from trained Story Experts.
Because sometimes the most valuable step in the process is simply learning what keeps a reader turning pages.
Submissions close tonight.
Enter here:
www.theprofessionalpen.com/script-competition
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 17
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Shannan E. Johnson
One of the biggest benefits of The First 15 Script Competition happens after submissions close.
Our Top 10 finalists attend a complimentary script coaching workshop with TPP’s development team. This session breaks down what industry readers are looking for and how writers can strengthen their work moving forward.
The winner receives:
🟢 A script and career strategy session
🟢 A general meeting with a working Hollywood industry professional
These experiences give writers something most competitions don’t:
a real understanding of how conversations happen on the other side of the table.
Swipe through to hear what past participants had to say.
Learn more:
www.theprofessionalpen.com/script-competition
1 month ago | [YT] | 21
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Shannan E. Johnson
📅 Regular Deadline is today.
Last chance to save $20 on submission.
Recently, several screenplay competitions have been called out for using A.I. to generate feedback.
In many cases, writers are paying:
– a submission fee
– an additional fee for notes
– and receiving feedback that may not come from a real reader.
At The Professional Pen, we do things differently.
🟢 Scripts are read by trained Story Experts
🟢 Feedback comes from real people
🟢 Notes reflect the way industry professionals actually evaluate scripts
Because writers deserve real insight — not recycled responses.
Enter before the Regular Deadline closes tonight.
www.theprofessionalpen.com/script-competition
1 month ago | [YT] | 16
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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
1 month 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 month 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
2 months 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
7 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
7 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!
7 months ago | [YT] | 26
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