Television Screenwriting: Business and Technical Learning

Name: Television Screenwriting: Business and Technical Learning
Rating: 4.1 (26 reviews)

Learn structure, terminology, and business of television writing and move toward being a professional.

Created byFaith in Dreams Edutainment

Last updated 10/2015

English

What you'll learn

Learn how to structure television scripts for 1/2 hour, 1 hour, and TV movies
Understand television terminology
Learn how to protect your idea
Learn how to submit a spec script
Learn about developing characters and stories

Course content

3 sections • 19 lectures • 2h 38m total length

Course Introduction0:17
Writing for Television Versus Writing for Film19:49
Writing for television is quite different than writing for feature films. The assumption for writing screenplays in general could be that the same format is used for television and film. However, the formatting for writing for television is not the same as the formatting for writing a screenplay for a film. In this lesson, you will learn the differences between the two.
What is a Teleplay - Learn the Jargon8:49
Have you ever heard the term teleplay? It is important to understand the terminology and jargon used within the television writing community. In this lesson, you will learn the terms.
Format for a Teleplay and Team Writing5:22
Teleplays must be properly formatted in a manner that is excepted in the entertainment industry. Contrary to what novice teleplay writers may assume, teleplays do not look like novels. In this lesson, the format of a teleplay is clearly defined and explained.
Software for Creating Teleplays10:18
Now that you know the format for writing a teleplay, there is various software available for assisting in creating this format. Within the industry, there are format standards that are required. By not abiding by format guidelines, you could give a producer the excuse to not read your teleplay. Listen and learn about software to assist in this process.

Comedy vs. Drama vs. TV Movies14:05
The structure for writing a comedy, a drama, or a tv movie has differences worth noting. Be sure to document the structural differences in your workbook as you listen to this lesson and the subsequent lessons.
Structure Formula: Comedy18:19
Here more about the structure of a comedic television show.
Structure Formula: Drama11:27
Here more about the structure of a television drama.
Structure Formula: TV Movies6:42
Here more about the structure of a made for television movie.
Reality TV7:11
Reality TV has completely changed the landscape for television writers. However, Reality TV shows are more "scripted" than the novice viewer would assume. Learn how reality television shows are attracting television writers for creating and crafting entertaining scenarios.

How to Start Your Teleplay8:31
Now that you have learned about acts, scenes, structures, how do you physically start your teleplay? This lecture will give you the tips needed to begin writing your teleplay.
Elements of a Script6:08
Script formatting is so important that it bears repeating. Many details are required for formatting the script and for establishing scenes, characters, and other elements. Learn more in this segment and write down the tips for accurately formatting your script.
Creating the First Draft7:50
It is time to create your first draft. In this lesson, you will receive direction as to how you may become inspired to begin the first draft of your teleplay.
Creating the Second Draft and Incorporating Feedback10:09
Now that the first draft has been created, how do you move on to the second draft? When moving from the first draft to the second draft, you must receive feedback. Incorporating this feedback and determining what to alter and what to keep is crucial. Learn more about this process in this section.
Polish of the Final Draft4:17
Polishing your draft will take place over and over again. Until your script is produced, it will continuously undergo re-writes. So how do you appropriately "polish" your script without performing major re-writes constantly? Learn how to accomplish this task in the lesson.
Registering Your Script and Protecting Your Idea7:05
Now that you have created your script, it is time to protect your intellectual property. How is this done? There are entities that you should register with in order to protect your creative work. Learn how to accomplish these steps.
Getting Your Script Sold7:56
Now you are ready to get paid for your script! Well...hold that thought. It is rare to get a script sold, especially your first script. What typically happens when you are ready to sale your script? Learn more about the process of selling your script in this lesson.
Payment Structure for Teleplays3:37
So how much do television screenwriters get paid? It depends; however, you need to ensure that you are being compensated appropriately for your teleplay. In this lesson, you will receive practical knowledge on compensation.
Course Conclusion0:19

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Description

Understanding formats, commercial breaks, dialogue, screenwriting software, characters, The Writers Room, and studios are among the expansive list of items needed to break into the business as a television writer. Upon completion of this course you will understand the various components associated with television writing and how to proceed toward becoming a professional television writer.

Industry Expert

Illunga Adel Television Writer

Illunga has written and/or produced on many of the most renowned sitcoms in television history. Sanford and Son, 227, Married with Children, Different World, City Guys, My Brother and Me, and Moesha are among his credits. Illunga is a member of the Writers Guild of America.

Who this course is for:

Aspiring Television Writers
Individuals aspiring to work in television production
Producers
Directors
Entertainment Industry Enthusiast

Television Screenwriting: Business and Technical Learning

What you'll learn

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Course content

Television Screenwriting - Express5 lectures • 45min

Comedy vs. Drama vs. TV movies vs. Reality TV5 lectures • 58min

Elements of the Screenplay9 lectures • 56min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: