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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
About this course:
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.
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 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Tue Jun 24, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Jul 1, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Jul 8, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Jul 15, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Jul 22, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Jul 29, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Aug 5, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Aug 12, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Aug 19, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
Discussion
Tue Aug 26, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 209
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
Refunds only available from April 28, 2025 to July 06, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
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