Writing the TV Pilot (363-0-20)

Instructors

Brett Neveu

Meeting Info

Annie May Swift Hall 219: Wed 12:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

In this class, students will pitch and write a TV pilot. The emphasis will be on developing the "world" of your original series, including creating characters, setting, style, and tone, and writing the TV pilot.

There will be weekly assignments, which include a presentation, writing assignments, readings, and watching tv episodes. Each student will be expected to develop the concept for their original series, write a first and final draft of their pilot (22-30 pages), and engage regularly in collaborative workshop discussion.

Registration Requirements

RTVF 260 - Foundations of Screenwriting

Learning Objectives

1. Develop and write an original tv pilot
2. Develop complex and dynamic main characters
3. Create dynamic action and suspenseful structure
4. Develop collaborative skills that serve writers within a workshop and writers room setting

Class Materials (Required)

• STORY MAPS: TV Drama: The Structure of the One-Hour Television Pilot by Daniel P. Calvisi (new - $17.31); ISBN-13: 978-0983626688
• Internet access, NU email account, word processing program, and screenwriting software (options: CELTX - free; or WriterDuet - free)
• Students will need access or subscriptions to Netflix, Hulu, and HBO.
• Additional readings, TV shows available on CANVAS.

Class Attributes

Prerequisites apply, see description

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for RTVF Majors with the RTVF 260-0 prerequisite or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone with the prerequisite.” Undergraduate students must have completed RTVF 260-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed). Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA students may register for this course.