Half-Hour TV I

SCRIPT X 421.1

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

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
In-Person
Remote
Online
Hybrid (In-Person)
Starting at $720.00
As few as 10 weeks
3.0

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

About this course:

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. 

Fall 2023 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Tuesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Wait List
See Details
Instructor: Juliette Monaco
394242
Fee:
$720.00
Remoteformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

No meeting November 21.

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

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. 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.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 17, 2023
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Tue Oct 3, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Oct 10, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Oct 17, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Oct 24, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Oct 31, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Nov 7, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Nov 14, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Nov 28, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Dec 5, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
Discussion
Tue Dec 12, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Wait List
See Details
Instructor: Jim Staahl
394244
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
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 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.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 18, 2023
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
-
Monday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Wait List
See Details
Instructor: Chip Pope
394238
Fee:
$720.00
In-Personformat icon
Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Notes

No meeting November 20.

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.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 16, 2023
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Mon Oct 2, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Oct 9, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Oct 16, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Oct 23, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Oct 30, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Nov 6, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Nov 13, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Nov 27, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Dec 4, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217
Discussion
Mon Dec 11, 2023
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 217

Winter 2024 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Wednesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 06, 2023 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Chris Atwood
395443
Fee:
$720.00
Remoteformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

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

This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. 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.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 31, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Wed Jan 17, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Jan 24, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Jan 31, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Feb 7, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Feb 14, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Feb 21, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Feb 28, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Mar 6, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Mar 13, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Mar 20, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Future Offering (Opens November 06, 2023 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Andrew Osborne
395445
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
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 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.

Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 24, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
-
Wednesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 06, 2023 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
395442
Fee:
$720.00
Hybrid (In-Person)format icon
Location: UCLA , Remote Classroom
Notes

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

This a hybrid (In-Person) format course which combines in-person instruction with semi-regular, required live meetings held on Zoom. Please see the course syllabus for specifics. Students must be present at course meeting times as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. 

Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 24, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Wed Jan 10, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Wed Jan 17, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Wed Jan 24, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Jan 31, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Feb 7, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Wed Feb 14, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Wed Feb 21, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Feb 28, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed Mar 6, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.
Discussion
Wed Mar 13, 2024
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
School of Public Affairs Bldg.

Contact Us

Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

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