TV Writing

Unit 1 – Television genres and formats

Unit 2 – Script structure and formatting

Unit 3 – Character development

Unit 4 – Dialogue writing

Unit 5 – Story arcs and serialization

Unit 6 – Pilot episodes

Unit 7 – TV Writing: Production Role Perspectives

Unit 8 – Adaptation and remake writing

Unit 9 – Network vs. Streaming: TV Writing Platforms

Unit 10 – TV writers' room dynamics

Unit 11 – TV Writing: Legal and Ethical Issues

Unit 12 – TV Writing: Industry Trends & New Platforms

## What do you learn in TV Writing

TV Writing covers the nuts and bolts of crafting compelling scripts for television shows. You'll learn about story structure, character development, dialogue writing, and how to format scripts properly. The course also dives into the business side of TV, exploring pitching ideas, working in writers' rooms, and adapting to different genres and formats.

## Is TV Writing hard?

TV Writing can be challenging, but it's also super rewarding. The toughest part is usually coming up with fresh ideas and keeping your stories engaging episode after episode. You'll need to be creative, organized, and open to feedback. But if you love storytelling and binge-watching shows, you'll probably find it more fun than difficult.

## Tips for taking TV Writing in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Watch a ton of TV shows critically, analyzing their structure and character arcs
3. Practice writing dialogue by eavesdropping on conversations and jotting them down
4. Join a writers' group to get feedback on your scripts
5. Read "The TV Writer's Workbook" by Ellen Sandler for extra insights
6. Try writing spec scripts for existing shows to practice matching tone and style
7. Check out "The Wire" or "Breaking Bad" for examples of top-notch TV writing

## Common pre-requisites for TV Writing

1. Introduction to Screenwriting: This course covers the basics of writing for both film and TV. You'll learn about story structure, character development, and formatting.

2. Film and TV Analysis: In this class, you'll watch and break down various shows and movies. It helps you understand what makes good storytelling tick.

## Classes similar to TV Writing

1. Sitcom Writing: Focus on crafting jokes and creating memorable characters for half-hour comedies. You'll learn about comedic timing and how to write for ensemble casts.

2. Drama Writing: Dive into creating complex, serialized narratives for hour-long dramas. This course covers building tension and developing multi-episode story arcs.

3. Web Series Creation: Explore writing for shorter, online formats. You'll learn about creating bite-sized episodes and engaging audiences on digital platforms.

4. Adaptation Writing: Learn how to turn books, articles, or true stories into TV scripts. This course covers the challenges of translating different mediums into television.

## Majors related to TV Writing

1. Film and Television Production: Covers all aspects of creating content for the screen, from writing and directing to editing and producing. Students learn both the creative and technical sides of the industry.

2. Creative Writing: Focuses on developing writing skills across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and screenwriting. Students explore different storytelling techniques and find their unique voice.

3. Media Studies: Examines the role of media in society, including television, film, and digital platforms. Students analyze media content and learn about industry trends and audience engagement.

## What can you do with a degree in TV Writing?

1. TV Writer: Write scripts for television shows, develop story ideas, and work collaboratively in writers' rooms. TV writers create the dialogue and plot points that bring our favorite characters to life.

2. Showrunner: Oversee the entire creative process of a TV show, from writing to production. Showrunners are like the CEOs of TV shows, making big-picture decisions and ensuring the show's vision is realized.

3. Script Coordinator: Manage script revisions, maintain consistency in storylines, and assist the writing team. Script coordinators are the organizational wizards who keep TV productions running smoothly.

4. Development Executive: Work for TV networks or production companies to find and develop new show ideas. Development execs read tons of scripts, give notes to writers, and help shape the future of television.

## TV Writing FAQs

1. How long does it take to write a TV episode? It varies, but typically a team of writers spends about two weeks on a single episode. This includes brainstorming, outlining, writing, and revising.

2. Do I need to live in LA to be a TV writer? While many TV writing jobs are in LA, there are increasing opportunities in other cities and even remote work. However, being in LA can definitely help with networking and finding opportunities.

3. How do I break into the TV writing industry? Start by writing spec scripts, building a portfolio, and networking with industry professionals. Internships, writers' assistant positions, and entering script competitions can also be great ways to get your foot in the door.

Film & Television

1.1 Sitcoms

1.2 Dramas

1.5 Reality TV

1.4 Soap operas

1.3 Procedurals

1.6 Anthology series

1.10 Talk shows

1.7 Limited series

1.12 Animated series

1.8 Docuseries

1.9 Variety shows

1.11 Game shows

2.1 Standard script format

2.2 Three-act structure

2.3 Teaser and tag

2.6 Action lines

2.4 A, B, and C storylines

2.5 Scene headings and transitions

2.7 Dialogue formatting

2.8 Page count and timing

2.9 Script revision processes

3.3 Character arcs

3.2 Supporting characters

3.1 Protagonist and antagonist

3.4 Backstory and motivation

3.5 Character voice and dialogue

3.7 Ensemble casts

3.6 Character relationships

3.8 Character consistency across episodes

4.1 Subtext

4.2 Exposition through dialogue

4.3 Character-specific speech patterns

4.4 Pacing and rhythm

4.5 Comedic dialogue techniques

4.6 Dramatic dialogue techniques

4.7 Monologues and voiceovers

5.1 Episodic vs. serialized storytelling

5.2 Season-long arcs

5.3 Multi-season story planning

5.4 Cliffhangers and hooks

5.5 Subplot development

5.6 Balancing standalone and serialized elements

5.7 Character development across seasons

6.1 Pilot structure and format

6.2 Introducing main characters

6.3 Establishing the show's premise

6.4 Setting up future storylines

6.5 Creating a unique voice for the series

6.6 Writing series bibles

7.1 Showrunner responsibilities

7.2 Head writer duties

7.4 Script coordinator role

7.3 Staff writer tasks

7.6 Collaborating with directors

7.5 Writing for actors

7.7 Working with producers

8.2 Adapting films for TV series

8.1 Adapting books for television

8.3 Remaking foreign TV shows

8.4 Updating classic TV series

8.5 Translating true stories to screen

8.6 Maintaining source material integrity

9.1 Broadcast network constraints

9.2 Cable network flexibility

9.3 Streaming platform freedoms

9.4 Episode length variations

9.7 Advertising and product placement

9.5 Content restrictions and ratings

9.6 Binge-watching considerations

10.1 Writers' room hierarchy

10.2 Pitching story ideas

10.3 Breaking stories as a group

10.5 Giving and receiving feedback

10.4 Collaborative writing processes

10.6 Managing creative differences

10.7 Virtual writers' rooms

11.1 Copyright and intellectual property

11.3 Contracts and negotiations

11.2 Writers Guild of America regulations

11.4 Representation and diversity

11.5 Content warnings and censorship

11.7 Fact-checking in non-fiction TV

11.6 Ethical storytelling practices

12.2 Interactive storytelling

12.1 Short-form content

12.3 Virtual and augmented reality

12.5 Global market considerations

12.6 Transmedia storytelling

12.4 Social media integration

12.7 Audience analytics and data-driven content

Browse all TV Writing Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next