TV Writing Revision

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will teach revising an original pilot script. We will review the basics of writing scripts for TV with an emphasis on character, structure, and an eye towards the current marketplace. We will also prepare for a professional career in the writers room, pitching original pilots, and work towards revising this sample for staffing as well as selling.

REQUIREMENTS: Students will revise one original pilot script during the class, with at least 3 full revisions of script and completion of a 6 page pitch document totaling no more than 10-12 minutes of pitch time.

NOTE: Students who did not enroll in S4030 TV Writing in Summer Session A may enroll in TV Writing: Revision if they have a completed pilot. Applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of their acceptance.

CLASS DESIGN: This class will parallel the professional TV development and revision process as closely as possible, as well as mimic the atmosphere of a writers room revising an episode’s script after first draft to give students the feeling of both these situations.

Students will receive detailed notes and pitches from the room to revise their sample. They will also write up their series as a pitch document and pitch the show to the class. The goal is for each student to finish at least a third draft of the pilot by the end of the semester.

THE RULES: Everyone participates. This is a workshop class so both your work and your feedback are vital to your classmates. You will not pass this class without being an ACTIVE participant.

WORK is due 48 hours prior to class, As this is a revision class, the reading load will vary week to week, but it could require reading full revisions each week. Your fellow students will need time to give thorough notes and feedback.

FEEDBACK NOTES are given orally in class and due in written form by MIDNIGHT after class. 1/2 page of notes, per script, double spaced, 12 point font. These may be bullet points, paragraph, or specific page notes. But you must deliver at least a 1/2 page of feedback.

I do not want you sending your written notes to classmates before we discuss the scripts as it stifles discussion in the room, and calcifies notes in the writers mind. You will need to deliver your written notes into the c