Screenwriting for Television Short Course

Course description

Have you ever wanted to know what goes into making a great TV drama? Do you have an idea for the next great box set series?

The Screenwriting for Television Short Course aims to give you the basic screenwriting skills and creative confidence needed to start putting that story down on paper.

Through a combination of lectures, group discussions and practical exercises, students gain an insight into the fundamentals of writing for television.

Several topics are covered including creating compelling characters, premise and theme, story structure, action, dialogue and tone, grabbing the audience in the first 10 pages, tv formats (series, serials and singles) and the industry from pitch to production.

Students have the opportunity to look at several key case studies during the course and spend class time feeding back on weekly writing assignments designed to put theory into practice.

Who should attend?

Level: beginner

This course is aimed at anyone interested in writing television drama who wants to develop their creative ideas and dramatic storytelling skills. Students should be prepared to write, re-write and re-re-write their ideas in a fun, supportive and collaborative environment.

Course outcomes

By the end of the course students should:

• Have learnt the practical and creative aspects of writing for television drama
• Understand how scripts are developed by the television industry
• Have written at least 10 pages of a pilot script and a story outline for the rest of the episode (or more depending on how much time you can commit outside of class)

Clear, easy to understand lessons:  

• Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean. 
• New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way that’s crystal clear and easy to understand .

Experience life on campus: 

• Network and share ideas with students from across the globe  
• Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline  
• Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need  
• Ask questions of your tutor in real time  
• Receive feedback and critique on your assignments  
• Experience the many sights of London on your down time

A certificate of completion:

• You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!  
• As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.  
• We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!  
• Certificates are great to compliment your cv.