Fall enrollment is open, and closes September 28. Check out the Academic Term Calendar for more information.

Story Development Workshop: Crafting Your Original Story

FILM TV X 476.244

Producers, development executives, directors, and writers gain practical experience adapting and developing their own stories for motion pictures, movies-of-the-week, and miniseries.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Online
In Person
Starting at $835.00
As few as 11 weeks
4.0

What you can learn.

  • Acquire techniques that strengthen character development
  • Learn the importance of collaboration with writers
  • Write development notes and learn the difference between beat sheets, step outlines, and story outlines
  • Compile directors/writers lists
  • Assess the marketplace and understand what network and studio executives are looking for
  • Learn how to pitch an idea

About this course:

Producers, development executives, directors and writers gain practical experience adapting and developing their own stories for motion pictures, movies-of-the-week and miniseries. Emphasis is placed on studying dramatic structure, learning techniques that strengthen character development and understanding the importance of collaboration with writers. You are called upon to write development notes; compile directors/writers lists; and learn the difference between beat sheets, step outlines and story outlines. You also learn how to assess the marketplace by determining what network and studio executives are looking for, as well as the best way to quickly and effectively pitch an idea. You are welcome to submit written works in-progress for in-class critiques. At the end of the course, you have honed your storytelling craft by writing original treatments based on your story outline developed in class.
Prerequisites
Good written communication skills. Previous training in story analysis is recommended but not required.

Fall 2025 Schedule

Date & Time
Details
Format
 
-
Tuesday 7:00PM - 10:00PM PT
Available
See Details
Instructor: Kate Schumaecker
405248
Fee:
$835.00
In Personformat icon
Location: UCLA, Remote Classroom
Notes
Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Internet access required. 
Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 05, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Lecture
Tue Sep 23, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning Remote Learning
Lecture
Tue Sep 30, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning Remote Learning
Lecture
Tue Oct 7, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Bunche Hall 2168
Lecture
Tue Oct 14, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Bunche Hall 2168
Lecture
Tue Oct 21, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Bunche Hall 2168
Lecture
Tue Oct 28, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Bunche Hall 2168
Lecture
Tue Nov 4, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Bunche Hall 2168
Lecture
Tue Nov 11, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Bunche Hall 2168
Lecture
Tue Nov 18, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
UCLA
Bunche Hall 2168
Lecture
Tue Nov 25, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning Remote Learning
Lecture
Tue Dec 2, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning Remote Learning
Lecture
Tue Dec 9, 2025
7:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Remote Learning Remote Learning
-
This section has no set meeting times.
Available
See Details
Instructor: Scott Agostoni
404794
Fee:
$835.00
Onlineformat icon
Notes
Enrollment limited; early enrollment advised. Internet access required. 
Refund Deadline
No refunds after October 05, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

Ready to start 
your future?

Keep up to date on the latest news and offerings.

vector icon of building

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Learn More

vector icon of building

Donate to UCLA Extension

Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

Innovation Programs

Student Scholarships

Lifelong Learning

See More