SCRIPT X 421.1 - Half-Hour TV I
Course Description
This course teaches you how to create an airtight story and outline--the critical first step in writing a strong half-hour comedy script of an existing series and a process that makes writing your script much easier, faster and more successful. You begin by learning how to pinpoint what makes any half-hour comedy show tick, studying the appeal and quirkiness of the main characters and identifying the unique spin shows put on their stories. You then focus on your own script for a current show, finding the story and identifying the comedy in it, learning how to pitch it and creating a workable outline from which to write. Instruction also covers the "need to know" business aspects of the half-hour show, such as the current use of spec scripts to get jobs and the basics of how a comedy writer works on staff, how freelance writers move onto staff, how a writing staff is structured and how writers work collaboratively "in the room." All student projects must focus on current shows from a list provided by the instructor; no pilots.Course Outline
Learn how to construct a story and write a script outline for an existing half-hour series in this introductory TV writing course.Course Outline
What you can learn:
- Learn half-hour TV script story structure
- Identify a show's unique spin and tone
- Write in the voice of familiar characters
- Craft your own episode story and outline
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Directing : Elective Courses
- Entertainment Studies : Elective Courses
- Feature Film Writing : Electives - Feature Film or Television Writing
- Film and TV Development : Elective Courses
- Screenwriting: Film and TV Comprehensive : Electives - Feature Film or Television Writing, Fourth Requirement
- Study Abroad at UCLA Program : Required
- Television Writing : Electives - Feature Film or Television Writing, First Requirement