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.
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.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 25, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
The Secrets of Story : Innovative Tools for Perfecting Your Fiction and Captivating Readers
by bird, matt
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.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 22, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
(Optional)
The Eight Characters of Comedy : Guide to Sitcom Acting and Writing
by Sedita, Scott
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 February 03, 2025 to April 13, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Tue Apr 1, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Apr 8, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Apr 15, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Apr 22, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Apr 29, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue May 6, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue May 13, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue May 20, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue May 27, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
Discussion
Tue Jun 3, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center
-
Wednesday 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT
Future Offering (Opens February 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
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 February 03, 2025 to April 13, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Online
Wed Apr 2, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Apr 9, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Apr 16, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Apr 23, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Apr 30, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed May 7, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed May 14, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed May 21, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed May 28, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Jun 4, 2025
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Contact Us
Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
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