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Updated in [March 20th, 2023]

This project-centered course is designed to help learners write a complete pilot episode for their own unique television or web series. Learners will learn to break down the creative process into components and discover a structured process that allows them to produce a polished and pitch-ready script in just a few weeks. Through lectures, activities, and peer feedback, learners will gain confidence in their ideas and abilities and feel prepared to pitch their first script and get started on their next.

The course curriculum is simple: learners will write, revise their work, and share feedback with their peers. The lectures are short and to the point, designed in a step-by-step process essential to success as a script writer. Learners will learn by doing and will be encouraged to tap into their creativity.

To get started, learners will need any basic word processor. During week two, learners can choose to download free scriptwriting software such as Celtx or Trelby or purchase Final Draft, or continue to use their word processor and do their own script formatting.

The course is estimated to take 1-2 hours of study and 30+ hours of active project work. Upon completion, learners will have a finished project that they can be proud to use and share.

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[Applications]
Those who complete the Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course) will have the confidence and skills to create a polished and pitch-ready script in just a few weeks. Learners will be able to apply the knowledge gained from the course to create their own unique television or web series, be it drama or comedy or something in between. The course is designed to tap into the learner's creativity and is based in "Active Learning". The course curriculum is simple: learners will write, revise their work, and share feedback with their peers. Upon completion of the course, learners will have a finished project that they can be proud to use and share.

[Career Paths]
The three to four career paths recommended to learners of this course are:

1. Script Writer: Script writers are responsible for creating the dialogue and story for television shows, movies, and other forms of media. They must be able to craft compelling stories and characters that will engage viewers. Script writers must also be able to work with directors, producers, and other members of the production team to ensure that the script is properly executed. The demand for script writers is increasing as streaming services and other digital media platforms continue to grow.

2. Story Editor: Story editors are responsible for developing and refining scripts for television shows, movies, and other forms of media. They must be able to identify potential plot holes and inconsistencies in the story and suggest changes to the script that will improve the overall quality of the story. Story editors must also be able to work with writers, directors, and producers to ensure that the script is properly executed. The demand for story editors is increasing as streaming services and other digital media platforms continue to grow.

3. Script Supervisor: Script supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the script is properly executed during production. They must be able to keep track of changes to the script and ensure that the actors are delivering their lines correctly. Script supervisors must also be able to work with directors, producers, and other members of the production team to ensure that the script is properly executed. The demand for script supervisors is increasing as streaming services and other digital media platforms continue to grow.

4. Script Consultant: Script consultants are responsible for providing feedback and advice to writers, directors, and producers on how to improve the quality of their scripts. They must be able to identify potential plot holes and inconsistencies in the story and suggest changes to the script that will improve the overall quality of the story. Script consultants must also be able to work with writers, directors, and producers to ensure that the script is properly executed. The demand for script consultants is increasing as streaming services and other digital media platforms continue to grow.

[Education Paths]
Recommended degree paths:
1. Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing: This degree program focuses on the development of creative writing skills and provides students with the opportunity to explore a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Students will learn how to craft compelling stories, develop characters, and create compelling dialogue. This degree program also provides students with the opportunity to develop their writing skills in a variety of contexts, such as screenwriting, playwriting, and journalism. The developing trend in this degree path is the increasing focus on digital media and the use of technology to create and share stories.

2. Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television: This degree program focuses on the production of film and television, including scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing. Students will learn the fundamentals of filmmaking, including story structure, character development, and visual storytelling. This degree program also provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of contexts, such as documentary filmmaking, animation, and web series. The developing trend in this degree path is the increasing focus on digital media and the use of technology to create and share stories.

3. Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting: This degree program focuses on the development of screenwriting skills and provides students with the opportunity to explore a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, and horror. Students will learn how to craft compelling stories, develop characters, and create compelling dialogue. This degree program also provides students with the opportunity to develop their writing skills in a variety of contexts, such as feature films, television, and web series. The developing trend in this degree path is the increasing focus on digital media and the use of technology to create and share stories.

4. Master of Arts in Media Studies: This degree program focuses on the study of media, including film, television, and digital media. Students will learn the fundamentals of media production, including story structure, character development, and visual storytelling. This degree program also provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of contexts, such as documentary filmmaking, animation, and web series. The developing trend in this degree path is the increasing focus on digital media and the use of technology to create and share stories.

Course Syllabus

Develop your TV series concept

Write Act One of your pilot episode

Write Act Two

Act Three

Polish your script, create a Cold Open and finish the Season One Bible