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Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course)

Approx. 22 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn the art of scriptwriting with this course that covers everything from character development to dialogue writing. Enhance your skills and develop your own unique style with the help of experienced instructors.

Key Learning Points

Understand the fundamentals of scriptwriting
Explore different techniques for character development
Learn how to write impactful dialogue
Develop your own unique style
Get feedback and critique from instructors and peers

Learning Outcomes

Ability to write compelling scripts for various mediums
Understanding of character development and dialogue writing
Development of a unique writing style

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior experience required
Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

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Description

What you’ll achieve:

In this project-centered course*, you will design a series bible and write a complete pilot episode for your own unique television or web series, be it drama or comedy or something in between. You’ll learn to break down the creative process into components, and you’ll discover a structured process that allows you to produce a polished and pitch-ready script in just a few weeks. Completing this project will increase your confidence in your ideas and abilities, and you’ll feel prepared to pitch your first script and get started on your next. Here is a link to a trailer for the course. To view the trailer, please copy and paste the link into your browser. https://vimeo.com/423035246/6b3c18c4c5 This is a course designed to tap into your creativity and is based in "Active Learning". Most of the actual learning takes place within your own activities - that is, writing! You will learn by doing. "Thank you so much for your direct way of teaching this course. It was encouraging for us all to creatively flow and find our own voice in writing and developing our scripts. This aspect was very important to me." Ingrid The course curriculum is simple: you’ll write, revise your work, and share feedback with your peers. I am a proponent of Experiential Learning (active learning). My lectures are short (sometimes just two minutes long) and to the point, designed in a step-by-step process essential to your success as a script writer. I will guide you but I won’t "show" you how to write. I firmly believe that the only way to become a writer is to write, write, write. “David's lecture style for this course is inspired. The videos are succinct and engaging. When I watch the lectures I feel David’s sincere desire for me to create something truly amazing. He is teaching us how to write a script, and he is providing wisdom and tools that will help us do so in a compelling way - by writing; not by watching him talk at us.” - A R Adamson What you’ll need to get started: To begin with, any basic word processor will do. During week two, you can choose to download some free scriptwriting software such as Celtx or Trelby or you may choose to purchase Final Draft, or you can continue to use your word processor and do your own script formatting. Learner Review: "I am in love with this course. Having never written a script before, or any substantive fiction since college (15 years ago) I had a small idea in my head that has now exploded into something I really believe in. David's guidance is spot on, he's his own compelling story teller, he gives you enough, and then you have to figure it out, make it happen, WRITE! WRITE! WRITE! " If you have any concerns regarding the protection of your original work, Coursera's privacy policy protects the learner's IP and you are indeed the sole owners of your work. *About Project-Centered Courses: This is a ‘project-centered course’, which means it is designed specifically to help you complete a personally meaningful real-world project, with your instructor and a community of learners with similar goals providing guidance and suggestions along the way. By actively applying new concepts as you learn, you’ll master the course content more efficiently; you’ll also get a head start on using the skills you gain to make positive changes in your life and career. When you complete the course, you’ll have a finished project that you’ll be proud to use and share. Time: 1-2 hours of study, 30+ hours of active project work

Outline

Develop your TV series concept
Why reading books on scriptwriting will not help you
Creating an idea for your Series
Create Your Logline
Define Your Characters
The story arc a full season

Write Act One of your pilot episode
Why watching shows and reading scripts will not help you
Your episode - the Pilot!
The Three act half-hour TV episode
Story Structure
Scene Structure
Screenplay format and film grammar
Becoming Familiar with the Software
Telling Your Story through Action and Dialogue

Write Act Two
Write a detailed outline of Act Two
Write Act Two
Giving your characters a voice

Act Three
Write your Act Three outline
Write Act Three

Polish your script, create a Cold Open and finish the Season One Bible
Polish your script
Write a Cold Open
The Bible

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the art of script writing with this highly recommended course by Coursera. The course has received an overwhelmingly positive response from its users. Many found the course to be a great introduction to script writing for beginners, while others appreciated the practical and hands-on approach of the instructors.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The practical and hands-on approach of the instructors was highly appreciated by many users.

Pros from User Reviews

Great introduction to script writing for beginners
Practical and hands-on approach
Engaging and interactive lessons
Useful feedback and critique from instructors
Access to a supportive community of fellow students

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic
Course material may not be applicable to all genres of script writing
Limited opportunities for one-on-one interaction with instructors
Course content may not be updated frequently enough
Some users experienced technical difficulties with the online platform

Recommended for you

Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course)

What you’ll achieve: Completing this project will increase your confidence in your ideas and abilities, and you’ll feel prepared to pitch your first script and get started on your next....

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