In the television industry, a spec script is a script of an existing series, written to demonstrate the writer’s ability to master the style, format and voice of a show they did not create. In this 15-week online screenwriting class, students learn how to write a spec script by studying half-hour and hour-long television series currently on the air, while learning the basics of television structure and format. They learn how to develop ideas for an existing TV series, and how to examine and analyze the structure and story engine for shows already on the air. Once they pick a series, students develop an episode idea, break it down to fit the structure of the series, and then write a spec episode.
A live video class is held once a week via Zoom. If time restrictions prevent attendance, students can catch up via recordings of the class and communicate with each other and the instructor digitally. In between sessions, students interact with the class digitally, with feedback provided by the instructor.
Video lessons will be made available for viewing through our course Portals. Written lessons and assignments are posted for critique and the class interacts on an electronic course Portal. Instructors are available electronically for support.
The class meets once per week for 3 hours (two 1.5-hour sessions with a 30-minute break).
Additional video lessons are posted online and may be viewed according to a student’s personal schedule. Outside coursework will vary in time based on the student’s writing speed but usually takes 1-4 hours per week.
Deliverables: Spec script for a Half-Hour or Hour-Long television series