TV Writing - 5 Week Program

The Beat Sheet Class

Not interested in diving into the full 10 week TV Writing program? Just want to learn TV structure and how to write a beat sheet? Then this is the class for you.

What’s Included

12 1/2 Hours of Workshop Time

Five 2 1/2 hour class sessions, each one filled with Jill Chamberlain’s unique lectures, skill-building exercises, group discussions, and individual story consultation.

Beat Sheet Notes and Feedback

Get feedback on your TV pilot’s “nutshell” and your outline/beat sheet from Jill Chamberlain and your fellow classmates.

Worksheets

Handouts of key story concepts and professional teleplay examples make convenient references in and outside the workshop.

TV Episode Analysis

Each week the class analyzes a television episode assigned for outside viewing and deconstructs its underlying structure.

Syllabus

The TV Writing – 5 Week Program was developed for the writer who just wants to learn how to structure and outline their pilot. (If you are looking for a more comprehensive program, please see our TV Writing – 10 Week Program). All levels are welcome. The class meets in the same Zoom cohort as the full 10 week program, only this class group ends at 5 weeks (there is also an option to add class 6-10 of the full workshop if you decide to continue). Most of class time will be spent going through students’ stories. In addition, each week there is a focus on mastering a different area of the TV writing craft, and Jill will cover the following material.

Week 1

The Nutshell Technique and Story Structure

Lecture on the Nutshell Technique and the underlying structure of all screenplays (teleplays and feature film scripts). A film viewing assigned pre-workshop will be analyzed to illustrate the lesson.

Week 2

Review of Students’ Story Nutshells

First round reviews of your initial story nutshell by Jill and the class.

Week 3

Plot Development: One-Hour Dramas

Delving deeper into how to structure your teleplay, you’ll learn the structures employed by one-hour dramas (both network and cable/streaming). Once your nutshell has been cleared, you can turn in an outline for your teleplay.

Week 4

Plot Development: Half-Hour Sitcoms

You’ll learn the structures employed by half-hour sitcoms (both network and cable/streaming).

Week 5

Character Development

Learn the secrets to creating compelling characters and how to orchestrate your whole cast.