Introduction to Writing for Television: Creating & Writing Your First TV Pilot
Tuesday: 5 PM - 7 PM
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Applicable to comedy, drama, and reality, this unique course is designed for creative aspiring writers with no prior experience—as well as those with screenwriting experience—who seek to break into television writing. Learn in an interactive environment the basics of creating, writing, and presenting your first television script for both drama and/or comedy, including how to take your idea to the next step and create a complete half-hour or one-hour television script. Beginning and professional writers are welcome. Prior screenwriting experience is not required.
The course will cover:
The steps usually taken for a first-time television writer towards writing the first script (general idea, character development, style, story acts, etc.)
Structure
Character development
The importance of your first script as a calling card
How to find an agent and get your script read
Who should you be writing for
Who does what job on a television series
The outlets for new shows and new ideas
Developing your idea
The best way to write for you
The Writers’ Room
Collaboration processes
Overview of winning past and current television show scripts
Feedback on your current concepts, outline, scenes and scripts
Students will be emailed several TV scripts (shooting drafts) in PDF format prior to the first-class session (and more during the course) to be read in advance if possible. We’ll also be viewing videos related to the topics throughout the course.
This course will also include special guests, including WGA writers and producers working in television today. Students will get the opportunity to ask questions and get a behind-the-scenes look into how television is made, learning about the different career paths to becoming a professional television writer and what showrunners, producers, creative executives, and fellowship competitions are looking for from writers working today.
Note: Enrollment is limited to 12 participants. Be sure to sign up today!
Disclaimers
Please note that you will receive your Zoom link via email 24 hours before the start of this class. If you enroll in this class less than 24 hours before it begins, please either send us a message or email us at programs@sandiegowriters.org to request your link.
Please be advised that it is best to register at least a week before the start of a class to help our instructors prepare and ensure that it does not get canceled or rescheduled. Policies regarding registration, refunds, cancellations, etc. can be found on our policies page. If you would like to provide feedback regarding this class, please feel free to complete an evaluation form.