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One-Hour TV I

Writers at a writer's table
SCRIPT X 421.3

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

Typically Available
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Duration
As few as 10 weeks
Units
3.0
Current Formats
In Person
Online
Live Online
Cost
Starting at $720.00

Get More Info

 

What you can learn.

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. 

Winter 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Wednesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
406301
Fee:
$720.00
In Personformat icon
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Updating...
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.

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Wed Jan 7, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Jan 14, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Jan 21, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Jan 28, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Feb 4, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Feb 11, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Feb 18, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Feb 25, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Mar 4, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
Discussion
Wed Mar 11, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 216
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Instructor:
REG#
406302
Fee:
$720.00
Onlineformat icon
Updating...
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 live 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.

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Spring 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Tuesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
407724
Fee:
$820.00
In Personformat icon
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Updating...
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.

Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Tue Mar 31, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Apr 7, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Apr 14, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Apr 21, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Apr 28, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue May 5, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue May 12, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue May 19, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue May 26, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Jun 2, 2026
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
-
Tuesday 5:00PM - 8:00PM PT
Instructor:
REG#
407726
Fee:
$820.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Remote Classroom
Updating...
Notes

No meeting on May 19.

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.

Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Tue Mar 31, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 7, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 14, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 21, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Apr 28, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 5, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 12, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue May 26, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jun 2, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Tue Jun 9, 2026
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom

This course applies toward the following programs

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