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Course Description

Modeled directly on how writers write in the real world of one-hour dramas, this course focuses on what is most central to creating a strong script as well as the largest piece (40 percent) of the writer's deal with any show: the story and outline. You learn to choose the best story for your script of an existing series, map it out from beginning to end and write a strong outline in proper script format. In the process, you learn how to identify and capture the tone, characters, dialogue and themes of any one-hour drama series--the key to breaking into the field. Also covered are the various genres (police procedurals, medical, legal) and their specific rules; what's popular in the current marketplace; and how to work within the special requirements of timeslots, outlets and styles. The course goal is to master the process of constructing an airtight story and detailed outline so you are ready to write a script for any current show as quickly and expertly as possible. All student projects must focus on current shows; no pilots. 

Course Outline

Learn how to construct a story and write a script outline for an existing one-hour series in this introductory TV writing course.

Course Outline

What you can learn:

  • Learn 1-hour TV script story structure, and master story outline skills
  • Identify tone, characters, dialogue, and themes
  • Understand 1-hour TV genre standards
  • Prepare to write a 1-hour spec script

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Review Sections
Section Title
One-Hour TV I
Section Schedule
Jul 01, 2024 to Sep 09, 2024
Type
Discussion
Days
M
Time
7:00PM to 10:00PM
Dates
Jul 01, 2024 to Aug 26, 2024
Type
Discussion
Days
M
Time
7:00PM to 10:00PM
Dates
Sep 09, 2024
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
30.0
Location
  • UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Delivery Options
In-Person  
Course Fee(s)
standard credit (3 units) $720.00 Click here to get more information
Available for Credit
3 units
Refund Request Deadline
Jul 15, 2024
Transfer Request Deadline
Jul 15, 2024
Withdrawal Request Deadline
Jul 16, 2024 to Sep 09, 2024
Instructors
Section Notes

No meeting September 2, 2024.

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.

Section Materials
  • (Mandatory) Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
  • (Optional) SCREENPLAY REV & UPD by FIELD, SYD RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP 2005 edition ISBN 9780385339032
  • (Mandatory) INSIDE THE ROOM : WRITING TELEVISION WITH THE PROS AT UCLA EXTENSION WRITERS' PROGRAM by VENIS, LINDA © 2013 PENGUIN PUBLISHING GROUP ISBN 9781592408115
Section Title
One-Hour TV I
Type
Online
Dates
Jul 10, 2024 to Sep 17, 2024
Contact Hours
30.0
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
standard credit (3 units) $720.00 Click here to get more information
Available for Credit
3 units
Refund Request Deadline
Jul 24, 2024
Transfer Request Deadline
Jul 24, 2024
Withdrawal Request Deadline
Jul 25, 2024 to Sep 17, 2024
Instructors
Section Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

 

Section Materials
  • (Mandatory) Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
  • (Optional) INSIDE THE ROOM : WRITING TELEVISION WITH THE PROS AT UCLA EXTENSION WRITERS' PROGRAM by VENIS, LINDA © 2013 PENGUIN PUBLISHING GROUP ISBN 9781592408115
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