Advanced TV Writing: Crafting the Episodic Television Series Pilot

In this course, students dive deep into the craft of writing a compelling television pilot for an episodic series.

With focus on structure, character development, and pacing, the course guides students through the essentials of creating an engaging story that sets the foundation for a successful television series.

We explore the unique demands of episodic storytelling, including how to establish tone and develop multi-dimensional characters over time.

Through analysis of iconic television pilots like Breaking Bad , Modern Family , and The Walking Dead , students create their own pilot episode.

In workshop, students experience hands-on writing assignments, the rewrite process, and pitching ideas as they refine their voice.

During an intensive in-person, active-learning weekend at the end of the semester, students also have the opportunity to visit and study in Hollywood, the television capital, where they meet with distinguished scripted television writers, participate in a writing workshop, and visit the set or offices of a current television production.