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
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. 

Spring 2024 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT
Available
See Details
Instructor: Beverly Hunter
396453
Fee:
$720.00
In-Personformat icon
Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
ENROLL BY: Apr 6, 2024
See Details
Notes

No meeting May 25.

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 April 20, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
TV WRITERS WORKBOOK by Sandler, Ellen
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Sat Apr 6, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat Apr 13, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat Apr 20, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat Apr 27, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat May 4, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat May 11, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat May 18, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat Jun 1, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat Jun 8, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Sat Jun 15, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
-
Tuesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
Wait List
See Details
Instructor: Sam Laybourne
396513
Fee:
$720.00
Remoteformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

No meeting April 23.

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 April 23, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
INSIDE THE ROOM : WRITING TELEVISION WITH THE PROS AT UCLA EXTENSION WRITERS' PROGRAM by VENIS, LINDA
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Tue Apr 9, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 16, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 30, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 7, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 14, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 21, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 28, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jun 4, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jun 11, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jun 18, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Available
See Details
Instructor: Andrew Osborne
396604
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
ENROLL BY: Apr 10, 2024
See Details
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 April 24, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Summer 2024 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens April 29, 2024 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Jessica Gonzalez
397890
Fee:
$720.00
In-Personformat icon
Location: UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
Notes

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 July 20, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Sat Jul 6, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Jul 13, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Jul 20, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Jul 27, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Aug 3, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Aug 10, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Aug 17, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Aug 24, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Aug 31, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
Discussion
Sat Sep 7, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center
-
Wednesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens April 29, 2024 12:00:00 AM)
See Details
Instructor: Marla DuMont
397891
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 July 24, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Wed Jul 10, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Jul 17, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Jul 24, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Jul 31, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Aug 7, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Aug 14, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Aug 21, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Aug 28, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Sep 4, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Sep 11, 2024
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom

Contact Us

Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

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