One-Hour TV I

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.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
In Person
Live Online
Starting at $720.00
As few as 10 weeks
3.0

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. 

Spring 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Wednesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Available
See Details
Instructor: Jesse Harris
402404
Fee:
$720.00
In Personformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom , UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
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.

Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from February 03, 2025 to April 13, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
(Optional) WRITING THE TV DRAMA SERIES : HOW TO SUCCEED AS A PROFESSIONAL WRITER IN TV by DOUGLAS, PAMELA
(Optional) INSIDE THE ROOM : WRITING TELEVISION WITH THE PROS AT UCLA EXTENSION WRITERS' PROGRAM by VENIS, LINDA
(Optional) THE WRITERS' ROOM SURVIVAL GUIDE : DON'T SCREW UP THE LUNCH ORDER AND OTHER KEYS TO A HAPPY WRITERS' ROOM by LEVY, NICEOLE
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Wed Apr 2, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
Discussion
Wed Apr 9, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
Discussion
Wed Apr 16, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
Discussion
Wed Apr 23, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
Discussion
Wed Apr 30, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
Discussion
Wed May 7, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
Discussion
Wed May 14, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Discussion
Wed May 21, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
Discussion
Wed May 28, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
Discussion
Wed Jun 4, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Gayley Center 121A
-
Wednesday 5:00PM - 8:00PM PT
Available
See Details
Instructor: Adam Armus
402405
Fee:
$720.00
Live Onlineformat icon
Location: Remote Classroom
Notes

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
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Apr 9, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Apr 16, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Apr 23, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Apr 30, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed May 7, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed May 14, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed May 21, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed May 28, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Online
Wed Jun 4, 2025
5:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom

Contact Us

Speak to a student advisor. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

Ready to start
your future?
By signing up, you agree to UCLA Extension’s Privacy Policy.

vector icon of building

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Learn More

vector icon of building

Donate to UCLA Extension

Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

Innovation Programs

Student Scholarships

Lifelong Learning

See More