SCA Summer Program Class Catalog

International Applications Deadline extended to April 1st, 11:59 PM PST Due to popular demand, the deadline for international applications has been extended to April 1st, 11:59 PM PST.


 
 
Important Notice:

  • Students may only take a maximum of 8 units.
  • Students cannot take more than one production course.
  • Students cannot take a production course with any of the feature writing courses.
  • Students cannot take more than one feature writing course.
  • No auditing courses.
  • The SCA Summer Program courses are intended for students not currently enrolled at USC/SCA
  • USC/SCA students will not be granted D-Clearance for SCA Summer Program courses.

Writing the Dramatic TV Series - 4 Units

Units: 4
Student Level: All

Jun 23 - Aug 1 Apply
In-Person (Ages 16+)
Schedule: Tue/Thu 9:00am - 12:50pm
Max. Seats: 14
Faculty: Siavash Farahani

Are you ready to transform your passion for storytelling into a groundbreaking television series? Welcome to Writing the Dramatic Television Series—a course that promises to ignite your creative spark and propel you into the exciting world of TV drama production. This isn’t just a class; it’s a thrilling adventure where you’ll learn to craft stories that captivate and inspire.

Course Description

In this immersive and interactive course, you’ll embark on a comprehensive journey through the entire process of creating a new TV series. From the initial spark of an idea to the final pitch, you’ll gain invaluable insights into what makes a series successful. You’ll screen and analyze sample pilots, dissect the elements of hit shows, and explore various prototypes to understand the nuances of television storytelling.

You’ll learn to:

  • Create the World of Your Show: Dive deep into world-building, crafting a setting so vivid and engaging that it becomes a character in its own right. Your audience will be transported to a place they’ll never want to leave.
  • Develop Unforgettable Characters: Characters are the heart of any great series. You’ll learn to create multi-dimensional characters that viewers will love, hate, and root for. These characters will drive your story and keep audiences coming back for more.
  • Develop Your Show’s Story Engine: A compelling narrative framework is crucial. You’ll master the art of creating a story engine that keeps your series fresh, dynamic, and endlessly engaging.
  • Structure Your Series: Learn the secrets of structuring a TV drama that flows seamlessly from episode to episode, keeping viewers hooked and eager for the next installment.
  • Basic Screenwriting for Scene Exercises: Practice writing scenes that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant and impactful. Your scenes will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a detailed pilot treatment and/or show bible. This comprehensive document will serve as the blueprint for your series, outlining the world, characters, main story arcs, sample episodes, and future seasons. It’s your ticket to turning your vision into reality.

Additional Information

  • All projects are created outside of scheduled class time.
  • Additional tutorials may be taught outside scheduled class dates and times.
  • All dates and times of the course are subject to change.
  • SCA has a strict ban on the use of prop weapons during the SCA Summer Program.

Prepare to unleash your creativity and dive headfirst into the exhilarating world of television drama. This course is more than just an educational experience; it’s a transformative journey that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create compelling, high-quality TV series. Let your imagination soar, and bring your dramatic visions to life!

Instructor: Siavash Farahani