UCLA Extension winter holiday closure: December 21 through January 1.Learn More
How to Navigate the Writers' Room
SCRIPT X 426.6
Participate in a simulation of a real, professional writers room in this course in which you work collaboatively with instructor and peers to craft an original drama.
The primary focus of this course is to simulate the work and collaboration of a real writers room
Create an original series, break episodes, and address character, plot, tone, scenes, and dialogue
Get insight into critical room etiquette, tips for success, and pitfalls to avoid
Learn to pitch ideas in a room and develop episodes into series-long arcs
About this course:
Modeled on how a writers' room works in the real world, this course gives you an opportunity to participate in a mock writers' room. Together, the class and the instructor create an original one-hour television drama, and then break episodes of the show as a team. Characters, theme, plot, tone, scenes, dialogue, and structure are discussed. The primary focus is to collaboratively work in a writer's room. Other topics include room etiquette, tips for success and pitfalls to avoid. You learn how to pitch ideas in a room, how to break (develop) an episode with other writers and how to create serialized season-long arcs. You also learn how to provide and receive feedback and re-break story after receiving major notes. Finally, you learn how to establish a writing career in Hollywood and how to successfully interview for a job as a staff writer.
This course meets in person at the designated class meeting time and location. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Enrollment limited to 35 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after January 21, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience, including personalizing content and to store your content preferences. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies.
Read our privacy policy.