This course teaches you how to create an airtight story and outline--the critical first step in writing a strong half-hour comedy script of an existing series and a process that makes writing your script much easier, faster and more successful. You begin by learning how to pinpoint what makes any half-hour comedy show tick, studying the appeal and quirkiness of the main characters and identifying the unique spin shows put on their stories. You then focus on your own script for a current show, finding the story and identifying the comedy in it, learning how to pitch it and creating a workable outline from which to write. Instruction also covers the "need to know" business aspects of the half-hour show, such as the current use of spec scripts to get jobs and the basics of how a comedy writer works on staff, how freelance writers move onto staff, how a writing staff is structured and how writers work collaboratively "in the room." All student projects must focus on current shows from a list provided by the instructor; no pilots.
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after July 20, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Discussion
Sat Jul 6, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Jul 13, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Jul 20, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Jul 27, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Aug 3, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Aug 10, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Aug 17, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Aug 24, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Aug 31, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Discussion
Sat Sep 7, 2024
10:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in WestwoodUCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 213
Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after July 24, 2024
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
THE EIGHT CHARACTERS OF COMEDY : GUIDE TO SITCOM ACTING AND WRITING
by SEDITA, SCOTT
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