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TV Writing: Spec Script

Start (and finish!) your sitcom or drama in 3 months!

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TV Writing: Spec Script

WHEN 12 weeks, January 19 - April 6
Online chats: Mondays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more info.

LEVEL Intermediate/advanced

PRICE
$610 ($575 for )
more info

Course Details

So you want to break into scripted television? There is only one writing sample accepted by TV agents, producers, and networks across the board: a spec script of a current show. Getting your foot in the door starts with demonstrating your ability to write for someone else's show.

And you know you don't belong in a beginner's class. After all, you've already mastered the basics: churning out words, editing yourself, meeting deadlines. If you keep up with this workshop, you'll finish the first and second drafts of your sitcom or one-hour drama script. Each week, you'll learn about essentials like structure, plot, character, and dialogue, and get feedback on your script from your instructor and fellow students. The entire last class will be devoted to reading final drafts and learning how to get your script into the right hands. By the end of the class you'll be ready to submit your spec or pilot script to potential agents and buyers.

In this class, you will learn:

  • How to create characters that viewers will want to invite into their homes week after week
  • Basic formatting for comedies and dramas (2 act to 4 act structure)
  • Structure: how to break for commercial, find a good ending, and wrap things up seamlessly
  • The secret behind perfect dialogue
  • Subplots: Where to put them, how to tie them in
  • How your script reflects the existing show and climate within the marketplace
  • The cyclical behind-the-scenes events of the broadcast and cable world, including a discussion about pilot season
  • Everything there is to know about the TV business from an industry expert

By the end of class, you will have:
A complete spec script of a one-hour drama or sitcom.

Admission Requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history), and a writing sample (less than 2,000 words).

Course Syllabus


TV Writing: Spec Script (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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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

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