You'll learn the ins and outs of crafting compelling TV series and multi-episode stories. The course covers character development, plot arcs, episode structure, and season-long storytelling. You'll also dive into writing dialogue, creating cliffhangers, and balancing multiple storylines. Plus, you'll get the scoop on pitching your ideas to networks and streaming platforms.
It can be pretty challenging, especially if you're new to screenwriting. The trickiest part is juggling multiple storylines and keeping track of character arcs over a whole season. But if you're into TV and have a knack for storytelling, you'll probably find it more fun than difficult. Just be ready to put in some serious time and effort, especially when it comes to revisions.
Introduction to Screenwriting: This course covers the basics of script formatting, story structure, and character development. You'll learn how to write compelling scenes and create a solid foundation for your screenwriting skills.
Television Writing Fundamentals: This class focuses on the unique aspects of writing for TV, including episode structure, act breaks, and season-long story arcs. You'll get hands-on experience writing spec scripts for existing shows.
Writing the One-Hour Drama: This course dives deep into crafting longer-form TV episodes, focusing on complex plot structures and character development. You'll learn how to balance multiple storylines and create engaging act breaks.
Comedy Writing for Television: Here, you'll explore the world of sitcoms and sketch comedy, learning about joke structure, comedic timing, and creating memorable characters. You'll get to write your own original pilot for a half-hour comedy series.
Adapting for the Screen: This class teaches you how to turn novels, short stories, or true events into compelling screenplays or TV series. You'll learn about the challenges and opportunities of adaptation, including rights acquisition and staying true to source material.
Writing for Web Series: In this course, you'll explore the unique storytelling opportunities of online platforms. You'll learn about creating bite-sized episodes, engaging with audiences, and leveraging social media for promotion.
Film and Television Production: Students learn about all aspects of creating content for the screen, from writing and directing to editing and producing. Graduates often pursue careers in various roles within the entertainment industry.
Creative Writing: This major focuses on developing writing skills across multiple genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and screenwriting. Students explore different storytelling techniques and learn to craft compelling narratives.
Media Studies: This interdisciplinary field examines the impact of media on society, culture, and politics. Students analyze various forms of media, including television, film, and digital platforms, and learn about media production and theory.
Dramatic Writing: This major concentrates on writing for stage, screen, and television. Students develop their unique voice while learning about structure, character development, and dialogue across different mediums.
Television Writer: You'll work on writing teams to create scripts for TV shows, developing storylines, and crafting dialogue. This role often involves long hours in writers' rooms and collaborating closely with other writers and producers.
Showrunner: As a showrunner, you'll oversee the entire creative process of a TV series, from writing to production. You'll be responsible for maintaining the show's vision, managing the writing staff, and working with network executives.
Script Coordinator: In this role, you'll assist the writing team by managing script revisions, maintaining continuity, and ensuring all production departments have up-to-date scripts. It's a great entry-level position to get your foot in the door of TV production.
Development Executive: Working for a production company or network, you'll evaluate script submissions, provide notes to writers, and help shape TV series concepts. This job requires a keen eye for good stories and strong industry knowledge.
How long should a TV episode script be? Typically, a one-hour drama script is around 55-65 pages, while a half-hour comedy is about 22-32 pages. Remember, one page usually equals one minute of screen time.
Do I need to write a full season to pitch my show? Not necessarily. Most pitches include a pilot script, a series bible outlining the show's concept, and summaries for a few additional episodes.
How important is it to follow current TV trends? While it's good to be aware of trends, it's more important to focus on telling a unique and compelling story. Networks are always looking for fresh ideas that stand out from the crowd.