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.

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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.

Summer 2025 Schedule

June 28 - September 13

Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT

Available

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Instructor: Jessica Gonzalez

403744

Fee:

$720.00

In Person

Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood

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Notes

No meeting July 5 and August 30.

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

Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 13, 2025

Course Requirements

Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Schedule

Type

Date

Time

Location

Discussion

Sat Jun 28, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT