None.
In this four week course, two established executive producers/showrunners will give you an inside look at the world of episodic television. You will learn—and practice— the actual process involved in successfully writing a spec episodic script that will open doors across Hollywood. You will learn how to analyze a TV show and develop “franchise”-friendly story ideas. You will develop and write a story under the direction of the instructors, who will be acting as showrunners… and then, after incorporating their notes, you will be sent off to write your outline. Finally, you will develop and refine your outline with the instructors, leaving you at the end of the course ready to write your episodic spec script…the first step in getting a job on a TV series.
William Rabkin, co-author of best-selling book SUCCESSFUL TELEVISION WRITING, is a veteran showrunner whose executive producing credits include “Missing,” “Diagnosis Murder,” and “Martial Law.” He has most recently written for A&E's new hit show The Glades. His writing and/or producing credits also include "Monk," "Psych," “SeaQuest,” “Spenser: For Hire,” “Hunter,” “Baywatch,” “Sliders,” “The Cosby Mysteries,” and “Nero Wolfe,” to name a few. In addition, Rabkin has directed episodes of "Diagnosis Murder" and several short films. He has led writing seminars in Madrid and Stockholm, consulted for broadcasters in Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, and served as an adjunct professor of screenwriting at Stephens College. He is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of creative writing in the University of California, Riverside's MFA Program, Palm Desert Graduate Center, and also teaches television writing at the UCLA Extension. He is the author of four original novels based on the characters from the show Psych and published by NAL: "A Mind Is A Terrible Thing to Read," "Mind Over Magic," "The Call of the Mild," and "A Fatal Frame of Mind," which comes out August, 2010. His fifth novel, "Mind-Altering Murder," will be publish in February 2011.
Have a question? Read the Help page or call The Writers Store at 800-272-8927 (international callers dial 310-441-5151).
Screenwriting Basics marks a terrific turning point in my career as a screenwriter. This course rocks!
- Julie Joyce
Just wanted you to know that by taking Screenwriting Basics, the information shared with me and the guidance I received is priceless.
- Nancy Schiller