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Writing the TV Pilot (363-0-21)

Instructors

Barbara Wallace

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 109: Wed 12:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

In this introduction to writing a television pilot, we will cover all the basics on how to create an original television pilot. Be prepared to be in a writers' workshop, to participate and to critique constructively the work of your colleagues. Most assignments will be replicas of industry-required elements of the process: treatment, outline, first draft. In the interest of time, we will focus on half-hour pilots, but hour-long pilots will also be addressed.

Learning Objectives

Students will come away with an overview of pilot writing with an eye to it as a creative endeavor and with an eye to the industry constraints and requirements they will face. In an effort to prepare students for the rigor of professional timelines, students will be asked to meet deadlines on completion of assignments.

Teaching Method

Class participation is necessary. Students will be asked to work with the colleagues to critique and improve each other's work. Some in-class writing assignments. Small group work will also be required. The class is highly interactive.

Class Materials (Required)

The Hero Succeeds by Kam Miller $21.99
ISBN-10: 0997188014, ISBN-13: 978-0997188011
A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders 18.99
ISBN-10: 1984856030
ISBN-13: 978-1984856030
Be prepared to access streaming services to watch television pilots. Be prepared to access the following series:
Silicon Valley
People of Earth
Mad Men
Breaking Bad

OTHER SHOWS MAY ALSO BE ASSIGNED. THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE. BE PREPARED TO ACCESS OTHER SHOWS.

Class Notes

Individual meetings with instructor will be necessary. All work will be handed in on CANVAS.

Class Attributes

Prerequisites apply, see description

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) Students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed)