UCLA Extension winter holiday closure: December 21 through January 1. Learn More

Half-Hour TV III

SCRIPT X 422.1

Learn how to write a TV script in this course that takes you from half-hour pilot idea to beat sheet and the teaser pages of your script.

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What you can learn.

Turn an original comedy idea into a new series
Break stories with other writers like professionals do
Develop a compelling story with memorable characters
Write a full episode outline and 10 pages of your pilot

About this course:

Television executives and showrunners want to read original pilots that demonstrate your unique voice and comedic sensibilities. This workshop shows you how to take your original comedy idea and develop a strong story, rife with memorable characters and even funnier jokes. Breaking story in the style of a real writer's room, you develop a compelling story, brainstorm and support another's vision. By the end of course, you have strong act breaks, a full beat outline and a critique of the beginning pages of your original half-hour pilot script.

Prerequisites

SCRIPT X 421.1 Half-Hour TV I and SCRIPT X 421.2 Half-Hour TV II; or SCRIPT X 421.1N Half-Hour TV Intensive I and SCRIPT X 421.2N Half-Hour TV Intensive II; or department approval.

Winter 2025 Schedule

January 11 - March 15

Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT

Available

See Details

Instructor: Jessica Gonzalez

400979

Fee:

$720.00

In Person

Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood

Updating...

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Notes

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.

Schedule

Type

Date

Time

Location

Discussion

Sat Jan 11, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Jan 18, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Jan 25, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Feb 1, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Feb 8, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Feb 15, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Feb 22, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Mar 1, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Mar 8, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

Discussion

Sat Mar 15, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT

UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 210

January 8 - March 18

This section has no set meeting times.

Available

See Details

Instructor: Jim Staahl

400980

Fee:

$720.00

Online

Updating...

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Notes

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.

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 Comic Toolbox : How to Be Funny Even If You're Not by Vorhaus, John

ISBN 9781879505216

(Optional) THE HOLLYWOOD STANDARD : THE COMPLETE AND AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE TO SCRIPT FORMAT AND STYLE by RILEY, CHRISTOPHER

ISBN 9781615933228

(Optional) Writing Television Sitcoms : Revised and Expanded Edition of the Go-To Guide by Smith, Evan S.

ISBN 9780399535376

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLIC SYLLABUS FOR THIS COURSE.

Spring 2025 Schedule

April 5 - June 14

Saturday 10:00AM - 1:00PM PT

Future Offering (Opens February 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)

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Instructor: Danny Kallis

402412

Fee:

$720.00

In Person

Location: UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood

Updating...

See Details

Notes

No meeting May 24.

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

Sat Apr 5, 2025

10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT