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Writing Scripts for Online Video

Create content for short-form digital programming

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Writing Scripts for Online Video

WHEN 4 weeks, October 2 - October 23
Online chats Tuesdays, 8-9 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
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Course Details

The iPhone has arrived. Consumer created content is here. Short-form programming is being produced for all platforms, whether it be original programming or edits and mash-ups of existing content. This new arena of online video projects open up a number of programming options.

Writers and producers are no longer restricted to certain lengths and time blocks. Writing for the web, podcasts, and mobile phones presents its own scenario, unique to these applications. This course examines the elements that are essential for writing online video projects. We'll discuss how to think in terms of short attention spans, target markets that span all demographics, and find the right topics to explore to create a perfect online video.

From researching the brief history of online videos to studying the current marketplace to predicting the all-out potential of the future of web writing and producing, this course provides you with the tools you'll need to write your own online video projects.

In this course, you will learn:

  • The history and success of online videos and current marketplace
  • Basic elements of storytelling: act breakdowns, character development, structure and dialogue for short projects
  • Who typically consumes online videos and how they access content
  • What sites and platforms are hot and why, and where you should post
  • One-time postings versus serials
  • How writing online video projects will propel you to the next step of your career

By the end of this class, you will have:
An online video script of at least 3 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes

To Apply
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history).

The online classroom has several interactive components:
  • Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
  • Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
  • Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
  • Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

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Instructor Bio

Laurie Scheer
Laurie Scheer is a former vice president of programming for WE: Women's Entertainment and is currently a key member of the Film Faculty at Flashpoint Academy in Chicago. She has worked as an assistant, d-girl, and producer for some of the most powerful media conglomerates in the world, including ABC, Viacom, Showtime, and AMC-Cablevision. She has been a professor at numerous universities across the US and considers herself a media goddess, helping creative professionals realize their goals of working and improving 21st century media. Her book Creative Careers In Hollywood: From Extra Girls to Errand Boys (Allworth Press, 2002) chronicles and celebrates all of the movies ever made that feature women working in Hollywood. She also has a DVD, How to Pitch and Sell Your Screenplay.

Laurie Scheer's Courses
Brand Yourself – (Class starts February 10)
TV Writing: Spec Script – (Class starts January 19)
Writing Scripts for Online Video – (Class starts December 1)

Testimonials

Laurie has boundless enthusiasm and offers the opportunity to succeed. -- Paul Hagen

"Aside from priceless information and insight based on her background in TV, Laurie offers the constructive feedback and moral support that fledgling TV writers are unlikely to find elsewhere." -- Roslyn Ross

"Laurie's seminar was by far the best I have ever taken! She's the most knowledgeable instructor I've ever had, excellent on every level." -- Jamila Bey

"Laurie's class provided invaluable tips. She's one of the coolest instructors I've ever had. I would recommend her classes to anyone interested in learning more about writing for film and television." -- Imani Dawson

"Laurie's generous advice about television writing helped give me the confidence I needed to negotiate the contract process. I'll always remember that if you are a professional, you're worth it." -- Gina Laurie

"Laurie's classes are a must for anyone wanting to progress in the television industry. It is quite unusual to have someone offer to share their experiences, and even more unusual for them to truly want you to succeed." -- Tamara Federici, writer & former associate producer, Chappelle's Show

"Laurie is a professional who generously shares with her students her love and first-hand knowledge of the complex TV industry." -- Nancy West

"Laurie was informative, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. I found myself riveted and wanting to know more. If anyone is thinking of a career in television writing, this course is your starting point." -- Inger Slade

"Laurie's message of being well-researched, prepared, and realistic -- while also having supreme confidence in yourself and your ideas -- is one that all producers should hear." -- Tony Monterastelli

"Laurie gives you a thorough step-by-step process that will make you hone in on your concepts, brand, writing, and pitching skills." -- Denise Hendricks

"Laurie is friendly and personable but she will also get in the ring with you and make you face yourself." -- Laura Buchholz

"Laurie will help you plan the route between where you are now and that dream job in TV." -- Leslie Knox

"Laurie was exceptionally knowledgeable about the industry and provided insider information. I will happily take more courses with her." -- Candi Carter

"Laurie's a supremely talented, intuitive, and inspirational tutor." -- Joan Smith

"Through a series of fun exercises, Laurie helped me define my brand as a writer. I had no idea it could be so simple. And her information about marketing online is priceless. She is truly the media Goddess!" -- Tessa Smith McGovern

"I'd recommend Laurie's course to anyone interested in a career in TV writing. I found her passion for the subject matter and genuine enthusiasm in our projects very refreshing." -- Nate Paige

AvantGuild* Discounts on mediabistro.com offerings are just one of the wonderful benefits of being in AvantGuild, our premium membership program. For just $55 a year, you'll receive instant access to our How to Pitch articles and other premium articles, transcripts from selected seminars and panels, and discounts on virtually everything we do (including eClasses and the Freelance Marketplace)! Click here to join now.