The writer of the series invents the characters, builds the drama and the plot. He understands the interests of the audience and looks for topics that concern them. A good writer knows how to capture the audience’s attention for several seasons in a row.
Who this course is good for
Beginning screenwriters
Expand your dramaturgy skills and learn how to write a pilot episode script in 5 days. Create a pilot series and understand how to get work in the industry.
Experienced writers
Learn how to overcome blocks and master the five-step methodology of script creation. Understand how to present projects to producers and editors.
Course content
Series are the new books. What are soap operas and what are they like?
Learn what the format is, trace the history of the series as the most progressive form of cinema. Get to know the genres and explore the key attributes of a good soap opera.
How cable television and online movie theaters have changed the dramaturgy of soap operas
Learn the basics of postmodern theory, understand how new channels of content distribution work, master the tools of analysis, and break down iconic series from different eras.
“Mom, I work as a screenwriter!”
Learn the specifics of a screenwriter’s workflow and professional terminology, and learn how to deal with psychological blocks and professional fears.
Three keys to a story
Learn what a story is, learn how to work with sources. Understand how genre, character, and theme determine the format of a series. Learn how to construct a hi-concept.
The double funnel method. How to turn anything into a script
Learn the 5 basic steps of working on a creative problem, and learn how to construct a plot outline for a pilot episode of a TV series.
A session of dramaturgical magic
Get to know the WriterDuet interface, work through an hour-long drama and a half-hour sitcom with the speaker. Learn to see the basic dramaturgical elements in both your own and someone else’s story.
Psychology for the Screenwriter
Become familiar with the concepts of Id, Super-Ego, and other key concepts for the screenwriter. Learn what conflict is and how to build it. Learn how to create characters and the “bible” of characters.
A story as a fractal.
Learn the three-act structure of a story and work on the plot plan. Learn to create and fill in a simple table – the basis of the story.
Nonlinear Existence.
Learn how to organize your workday effectively, and create a “zero draft” pilot episode of a series – drama or comedy.
Self-Editor
Understand how to analyze a “zero” draft and correct mistakes. Learn how to refine a script to a clean version ready to send out. Learn how to prepare for meetings with producers and editors.
Final Project. The pilot episode of the series
Write and edit the pilot episode for your dream series. Prepare the script for submission to the studios.