The course is designed to provide learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop compelling characters, engaging storylines, and effective dialogue for their own original series.
Throughout the course, learners are guided through a step-by-step process of scriptwriting, starting from brainstorming ideas and developing a concept for their series. They learn how to create well-rounded characters with clear goals and conflicts, and how to structure their pilot episode to capture the audience's attention and set up the series' potential.
The course covers various elements of scriptwriting, including plot development, character arcs, world-building, and effective dialogue writing. Learners are taught how to craft engaging scenes and create a narrative that keeps viewers hooked. They also learn about industry standards and best practices for formatting and presenting their scripts professionally.
A key aspect of this course is the project-centered approach, where learners are encouraged to apply the concepts they learn to develop their own pilot episode throughout the duration of the course. They receive feedback and guidance from peers and instructors, helping them refine their writing skills and strengthen their scripts.
By the end of the course, learners will have completed a pilot episode for a TV or web series, gaining practical experience in scriptwriting and a solid understanding of the techniques used in the industry. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their work and receive constructive feedback from their peers.
Overall, this course aims to equip aspiring scriptwriters with the necessary tools and knowledge to create captivating pilot episodes that can serve as a strong foundation for a successful television or web series.
Course Content:
In this project-centered course*, you will design a series bible and write a complete pilot episode for your own unique television or web series, be it drama or comedy or something in between. You’ll learn to break down the creative process into components, and you’ll discover a structured process that allows you to produce a polished and pitch-ready script in just a few weeks. Completing this project will increase your confidence in your ideas and abilities, and you’ll feel prepared to pitch your first script and get started on your next.
The Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course) course by David Wheeler on Coursera consists of 5 weeks. Here is the breakdown of the course:
Week 1: Develop your TV series concept
5 videos (Total 11 min)
Why reading books on scriptwriting will not help you 1m
Creating an idea for your Series 1m
Create Your Logline 3m
Define Your Characters 1m
The story arc a full season 2m
Week 2: Write Act One of your pilot episode
8 videos (Total 18 min)
Why watching shows and reading scripts will not help you 1m
Your episode - the Pilot! 1m
The Three act half-hour TV episode 1m
Story Structure 2m
Scene Structure 1m
Screenplay format and film grammar 2m
Becoming Familiar with the Software 5m
Telling Your Story through Action and Dialogue 2m
Week 3: Write Act Two
3 videos (Total 5 min)
Write a detailed outline of Act Two 1m
Write Act Two 1m
Giving your characters a voice 2m
Week 4: Act Three
2 videos (Total 4 min)
Write your Act Three outline 2m
Write Act Three 1m
Week 5: Polish your script, create a Cold Open and finish the Season One Bible
3 videos (Total 4 min)
Write a Cold Open 59s
The Bible 1m
Reviews:
As a former learner of the course Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course) by David Wheeler on Coursera, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in scriptwriting for television or web series. The course provided me with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the craft, allowing me to develop my skills and create a compelling pilot episode.
One of the highlights of the course was David Wheeler's expertise and teaching style. His deep knowledge of scriptwriting and his ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner made the learning experience enjoyable and engaging. His guidance and insights were invaluable in helping me understand the nuances of storytelling, character development, and narrative structure.
The project-centered approach of the course was particularly effective. It allowed me to apply the concepts and techniques I learned to my own pilot episode throughout the duration of the course. The feedback and guidance provided by both David and my peers were instrumental in refining my script and improving my writing skills. The collaborative environment fostered by the course encouraged active participation and created a sense of community among learners.
The course also provided a wealth of resources, including video lectures, readings, and supplementary materials. These resources further enhanced my understanding of scriptwriting and provided additional insights into the industry standards and best practices.
Overall, the course Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series exceeded my expectations. It equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop captivating scripts and set a strong foundation for a potential series. David Wheeler's expertise, combined with the interactive nature of the course, made it a highly valuable and rewarding learning experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to have taken this course and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing scriptwriting for television or web series.
At this time, the course has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 694 ratings.
What you'll learn:
After completing the course Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course) by David Wheeler on Coursera, learners will gain the following skills:
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Scriptwriting: Learners will acquire a solid understanding of the fundamentals of scriptwriting, including story development, character creation, plot structure, and dialogue writing. They will be able to apply these skills specifically to the task of writing a pilot episode for a television or web series.
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Concept Development: Learners will learn how to generate and develop unique and compelling ideas for their series. They will understand the importance of a strong concept and how to refine it into a viable and engaging storyline.
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Character Development: Learners will be able to create well-rounded characters with clear goals, motivations, and conflicts. They will understand how to develop character arcs and create compelling relationships between characters.
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Narrative Structure: Learners will gain knowledge of narrative structure and how to effectively structure a pilot episode to engage the audience and set up the potential for a series. They will understand the importance of pacing, tension, and conflict in storytelling.
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Dialogue Writing: Learners will learn the techniques for writing engaging and authentic dialogue that brings their characters to life. They will understand how to use dialogue to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create memorable scenes.
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Industry Standards: Learners will become familiar with industry standards and best practices for script formatting and presentation. They will understand how to create a professional-looking script that adheres to industry norms.
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Peer Feedback and Collaboration: Through the project-centered approach of the course, learners will have the opportunity to give and receive feedback from their peers. This collaborative environment will help them refine their writing skills and learn from different perspectives.
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Showcasing Work: Learners will have the chance to showcase their completed pilot episode and receive constructive feedback from their peers. This feedback will further enhance their understanding of scriptwriting and provide valuable insights for future improvements.
Overall, learners completing this course will have gained practical skills in scriptwriting, with a particular focus on writing a pilot episode for a TV or web series. They will have the necessary tools and knowledge to create engaging and well-structured scripts that can captivate audiences and serve as a strong foundation for a successful series.
Author:
David Wheeler is a highly accomplished and experienced scriptwriter and instructor in the field of television and web series. With a passion for storytelling, David has established himself as a reputable figure in the industry, known for his expertise in scriptwriting and his ability to teach others the art and craft of creating compelling narratives.
As an instructor, David possesses excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the intricacies of scriptwriting. He is able to break down complex concepts and explain them in a clear and accessible manner, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable for his students. His teaching style is practical and hands-on, emphasizing the application of learned techniques through the completion of a project-centered course.
David's extensive experience in scriptwriting is reflected in his ability to guide students through the entire process of creating a pilot episode for a TV or web series. He shares valuable insights and industry knowledge, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of the standards and best practices in the field. His guidance empowers students to develop their own unique storytelling voice while adhering to the expectations of the industry.
What sets David apart is his commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. He encourages peer feedback and facilitates interactions among students, creating opportunities for them to learn from one another and grow as writers. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also helps students develop a sense of community and camaraderie.
Overall, David Wheeler is a highly skilled and knowledgeable scriptwriter with a knack for teaching and mentoring aspiring writers. His expertise, combined with his passion for storytelling, makes him an exceptional instructor in the field of scriptwriting. Students who have the opportunity to learn from him can expect to gain invaluable insights and practical skills that will help them succeed in their own scriptwriting endeavors.
Requirements:
The requirements for the course Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course) by David Wheeler are as follows:
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Basic Writing Skills: Learners should have a good command of written English and be able to express their ideas clearly and effectively.
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Access to a Computer and Internet: Since the course is delivered online on Coursera, learners will need access to a computer or laptop with an internet connection to participate in the course materials, assignments, and discussions.
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Time Commitment: Learners should be prepared to dedicate a certain amount of time each week to complete the course. The specific time commitment may vary, but it is recommended to allocate several hours per week for watching lectures, engaging in activities, and working on assignments.
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Creative Mindset: The course encourages learners to think creatively and generate original ideas for their pilot episode. A willingness to explore new concepts and experiment with storytelling is essential.
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Motivation and Commitment: Learners should be self-motivated and committed to completing the course. This includes actively participating in discussions, providing feedback to peers, and completing assignments within the given deadlines.
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Openness to Feedback: The course emphasizes peer feedback and collaboration. Learners should be open to receiving feedback from their peers and be willing to provide constructive feedback to others.
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Willingness to Learn and Improve: Scriptwriting is a skill that can be honed through practice and continuous improvement. Learners should have a growth mindset and be willing to learn from the course materials, instructors, and their own writing experiences.
It's important to note that the specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the platform or institution offering the course. It is recommended to review the course description and prerequisites on Coursera for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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