Short course
Writing a TV Pilot Online Short Course
Course description
Course overview
Taught through a combination of lectures, clips, practical exercises and discussions, this 6-week course will give new writers a greater understanding of both screenwriting, and more specifically, the challenges involved in writing a compelling pilot that leaves audiences wanting more.
The course aims to offer students an insight into the various stages of the screenwriting process (e.g. logline, treatment, outline, series bible) as well as the specific challenges involved in writing a compelling television pilot. Each class will include a lecture, presentation, and set tasks at the end of each session. Students will be expected to share ideas and work-in-progress.
During the course, students will explore the challenges involved in breaking into such a competitive and oversubscribed industry. They will also gain an insight into the structure and choices behind some highly acclaimed TV series, including ‘Killing Eve’, ‘Happy Valley’ and ‘Breaking Bad’.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone with a passion for television and an interest in the screenwriting process. The focus will be on producing creative work as well as theories surrounding structure, character and dialogue.
Necessary experience: While no necessary experience is required, the course would be most beneficial for students with a good spoken and written command of the English language.
Key information
Topics covered
- How the medium has evolved in the era of streaming
- What makes an engaging premise for a television series
- Creating a protagonist(s) for your television series
- Structuring your story in a way that keeps your audience engaged
- How to write dialogue that feels ‘spoken’ rather than written
- Pitfalls to avoid in writing your pilot (e.g. filling it with too many introductions and exposition)
Learning outcomes
- Feel better equipped to write and finish an original television pilot
- Have a better understanding of the commissioning and production process
- Be able to better plan your work e.g. through outlining, notecards etc
- Be able to write a series pitch or bible which indicates where your show might go beyond the pilot episode
- Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
Recommended materials:
- Notebook and pen
- Access to BBC iPlayer would be useful
- Screenwriting software e.g. Fade In, Celtx, Final Draft – a free trial version is fine
- A laptop/tablet/phone with a camera
- Headphones
Please see our Guide to taking online short courses
Tutor
David Lemon
David Lemon's screenwriting credits include FAINTHEART (Film4) starring Eddie Marsan and CONTAINMENT, a pandemic thriller on Netflix.
He has also written for BBC1 continuing drama, childrens TV and for Radio 4, including the’The Man In Black' radio horror series starring Mark Gatiss. His work has also been developed by Hat Trick Productions and Clerkenwell Films.
David has lectured on screenwriting at The National Film and Television School, The Metfilm School, London Film Academy, University For The Creative Arts and The London Film School.
He also produced documentaries on such classic British films as THE 39 STEPS, THE RED SHOES and BRIEF ENCOUNTER.
He is represented by The Dench Arnold Agency.
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