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Writing the TV Spec Script: From Outline to Script in 12-Weeks with Kevin Kelton, Starts Wednesday May 1st, 2024
Regular price
$1,399.00

Writing the TV Spec Script: From Outline to Script in 12-Weeks with Kevin Kelton, Starts Wednesday May 1st, 2024


Unit price per

Class Starts Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Now Enrolling

Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us.

Instructor Kevin Kelton is an Emmy-nominated writer, producer of hit TV series, and novelist. Kevin began his television career as a staff writer for Saturday Night Live, then served as writer-producer for Night Court, Boy Meets World and A Different World before advancing to Co-Executive Producer for Universal Studios. He has also written comedy specials for Steve Martin and Jay Leno, a screenplay and print articles for National Lampoon, and a screenplay for Warner Bros. Entertainment. He has also authored three novels. Kevin has also published a how-to book on television writing called The Sitcom Writer’s Cookbook: Your Recipe for TV Writing Success.


Join us for an immersive 12-week online course with Kevin Kelton, where you'll journey from concept to polished script under the guidance of an Emmy-nominated writer and producer.

With an illustrious career that spans writing and producing hit TV series, authoring novels, and crafting TV specials for icons like Steve Martin and Jay Leno, Kevin brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Whether you dream of writing the next hit comedy or diving into the complexities of a drama/fantasy series, this course is designed to mentor you through the process of writing a professionally formatted spec script for an existing TV series across any platform, be it network, cable, or streaming service.

Weeks 1-6: Laying the Foundation

The first half of the course is dedicated to developing your episode's core elements. You'll start by creating your episode's main story, subplots, theme, and an elevator pitch that succinctly captures your concept. With Kevin's expert guidance, you'll learn to navigate the three-act structure, craft compelling stories, and develop characters that resonate with audiences.

Each week, you'll focus on a different act of your script, starting with Act One and moving through to Act Three, learning to employ sophisticated narrative structures along the way. By the end of the sixth week, you'll have a solid outline in place and begin the transition from outline to script format, starting with a captivating cold opening.

Weeks 7-12: From Outline to Script

The second half of the course is all about refinement and expansion. You'll polish your outline, infuse your script with humor (where appropriate), and deepen your understanding of what makes a script succeed on network, cable, or streaming platforms. Kevin will share insights into overcoming writer's block and methods to punch up and hone your script.

As you progress, you’ll learn to write dialogue that pops, the do’s and don’ts of writing for actors, what it’s like to work on a TV writing staff, and tips on finding representation. By the end of the course, you'll not only have completed a spec script but also acquired the skills and knowledge to navigate the TV writing landscape.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop a professionally formatted spec script for an existing TV series.
  • Understand and apply the three-act structure to both half-hour comedies and one-hour drama/fantasy/hybrid scripts.
  • Create compelling characters and storylines that engage audiences.
  • Transition smoothly from a detailed outline to a full script.
  • Navigate the complexities of writing for network, cable, and streaming platforms.

This course is perfect for aspiring TV writers who want to learn the craft from a seasoned industry professional. Whether you're aiming for a career in comedy or drama, Kevin Kelton's expertise and personalized mentorship will provide you with the tools you need to succeed. Join us for this transformative journey from outline to script, and take the first step towards realizing your TV writing aspirations.


COURSE SKELETON:

PART I:

Week 1 Story Structure: Understanding the structure of TV stories
Week 2 The Beat Sheet: Starting to plot your storylines
Week 3 The Outline: Setting expectations for your episode
Week 4 Sophisticated Structures: Analyzing unusual story structures
Week 5 Finding Great Characters: Tricks for creating believable characters
Week 6 Starting Your First Draft: Dynamic elements of writing

PART II:

Week 7 The Three-Act Structure: Act breaks vs. ad breaks
Week 8 How To Be Funny: Tricks of the Comedy Trade
Week 9 Collaborating With Others: A look at partnering and TV staff writing
Week 10 Writing For Readers: How to write for producers and actors
Week 11 Submitting Your Script: How to market your script for maximum effect
Week 12 Charting Your Career: Understanding the television business

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

This class is asynchronous, meaning you complete the weekly assignments on your own schedule. There are no set meeting times in order to allow for greater participation; your cohort will consist of writers from across different time zones, which allows for a wonderful diversity of voices.

Along with your weekly deadlines, there is plenty of interaction with Kevin and your peers within Wet Ink, our dedicated online classroom. Craft materials, lectures, reading assignments, and writing prompts are all available through the online classroom. Students also post work and provide and receive feedback within the online classroom environment.

You can get the work done as you see fit week-to-week, so it is perfect for any schedule. Each week, discussion questions are inspired by the assigned readings and topics in the lecture notes. Students are encouraged to take these wherever is most compelling and/or useful for them. Kevin will engage with these discussions throughout the week, and you will receive feedback from all assigned writing activities.

*NOTE: this class will have three monthly Zoom meetings (one every month) to supplement the 12-week online course. Students will also have full email access to Kevin for the 12-week program.

HOW DOES WET INK WORK?

Wet Ink was built and designed specifically for online writing classes. Wet Ink is private, easy to use, and very interactive. You can learn more about the Wet Ink platform by Watching a Class Demo.

  • Instructor: Kevin Kelton

  • Class size is limited.

  • Class starts Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

  • Course is fully ONLINE; students can work according to their own schedule within weekly deadlines. Once you have enrolled the instructor will send you a link to our online classroom, provided via Wet Ink.

  • This class will have three monthly Zoom meetings (one every month) to supplement the 12-week online course. Students will also have full email access to Kevin for the 12-week program.

Contact us HERE if you have any questions about this class.