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Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course)
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 22 hours
  • Course by Michigan State University
  • Offered by

About

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

Modules

Just do it!

    • 1 Videos
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Why reading books on scriptwriting will not help you

Creating the concept

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Submit your series concept and review the concepts of your peers

1 Videos

  • Creating an idea for your Series

Assignment: Create A Writers Group

    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Form A Writers Group

Video: Logline (from WRITE A FEATURE-LENGTH SCREENPLAY course)

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Create Your Logline

Create Your Logline

    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Create a Logline

Video: Define Your Characters

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Define Your Characters

Creating your series bible

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Post your Season One mini bible and review the bibles of your peers.

1 Videos

  • The story arc a full season

Just Do It 2!

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Why watching shows and reading scripts will not help you

The Pilot

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Submit your episode pitch and review the episode pitches of your peers

1 Videos

  • Your episode - the Pilot!

Outline Act One

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Submit your Act One outline and review the Act One outlines of your peers

1 Videos

  • The Three act half-hour TV episode

The structure of an Act

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Story Structure

The individual scene

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Scene Structure

Script format

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Screenplay format and film grammar

Video: Becoming Familiar With The Software

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Becoming Familiar with the Software

Write Act One (video from WRITE A FEATURE-LENGTH SCREENPLAY)

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Submit your first act and review the first acts of your peers

1 Videos

  • Telling Your Story through Action and Dialogue

Write your Act Two outline

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Submit your Act Two outline and review the Act Two outlines of your peers

1 Videos

  • Write a detailed outline of Act Two

Write Act Two in screenplay format

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
Show info about module content

1 Peer Review

  • Submit your Second Act and review the Second Acts of your peers

2 Videos

  • Write Act Two
  • Giving your characters a voice

Outline Act Three

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Submit your 3rd act outline and review the 3rd act outlines of 5 of your peers

1 Videos

  • Write your Act Three outline

Write the final act

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Submit your Final Act and review the Final Acts of your peers

1 Videos

  • Write Act Three

Polish your script

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Polish your script

The Cold Open

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Write a Cold Open

Complete the Season One Bible

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Submit your final, polished, Pilot Script, with a Cold Open, and season one bible and review the final work of your peers.

1 Videos

  • The Bible

Auto Summary

Unlock your creativity with "Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series." This Arts & Humanities course, led by David, guides you through designing a series bible and writing a polished pilot episode. Emphasizing active and experiential learning, the course involves writing, revising, and peer feedback. With 1-2 hours of study and 30+ hours of project work, you'll gain the confidence to pitch your script. Available on Coursera with Starter and Professional subscription options, this course is perfect for aspiring writers ready to bring their ideas to life.

David Wheeler
Instructor

David Wheeler