Learn why a pilot episode is the most critical part of writing a series
Get insight into what makes some pilots successful while others fail
Dissect network and cable pilots to identify character, theme, and structural elements
Explore how long-term character arcs and series mythology work in collaboration with the weekly franchise of the show
About this course:
A new television show has exactly one shot at survival: its pilot episode. If the viewer isn't grabbed in the first hour, they're gone forever. But what is a pilot? How is it different from all other forms of screenwriting? What makes a good one work and a bad one fail? And how can you be sure yours is one of the winners? In this intense, informative, and entertaining course, you learn everything you need to know about what goes into a winning pilot. By dissecting recent network and cable pilots; you examine character, theme, and structure; and discuss which pilots best launched their respective series. Emphasis is on identifying the common structural elements of all successful pilots, gaining an understanding of "weekly franchise" versus "series mythology," and crafting long-term character arcs.
Summer 2024 Schedule
Date & Time
Details
Format
Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens August 23, 2024 12:00:00 AM)
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.
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retreive course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Sat Sep 7, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLABoelter Hall 3400
Explore the UCLA Extension Writers' Program
Learn from successful writers. Finish a novel. Complete a screenplay. Publish poetry. Write with purpose and impact.
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