One-Hour TV I

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.