How do television writers get started in the business? The first step is to write a great spec script.

A spec is a sample script of an existing television show (a show currently on-air). A great spec script can be your "calling card" to the television industry. It proves that a beginning writer understands the craft of writing for television. It is a necessity to get you that first meeting with an agent or show producer.

This online course introduces students to the craft of television writing. This writing class will prepare students for every phase of TV Storytelling: from creating their ideas, to outlining their stories to writing their spec teleplays. Each student will complete a polished spec script of a current television show. The class will focus on the Half-Hour Sit-Com, Half-Hour Comedy and One-Hour Drama formats. Soap opera/telenovella, interstitials, and webisode formats will also be discussed. This course will also cover the following topics: The Elements of Dramatic Writing, Comedy Writing, Business of Television, Network television scheduling, Sit-Com Format, One-Hour Drama format, Animation Format, development of multiple storylines, writing for commercial breaks, episodic & seasonal arc storytelling.

This 16 week online class will include taped lectures and weekly one-hour chat sessions conducted by the instructor. Students will be expected to upload writing assignments each week and participate in the scheduled chat sessions. Chat sessions will offer a workshop environment for students, as students will be expected to give feedback on each other's work. The class instructor will provide each student with individual feedback on his or her work as well.

By the end of the 16 weeks, each student should be able to write several drafts of their script and complete this course with a polished draft of a spec teleplay.