Tag: Professional Education

TV Writing II: The Outline Is Your Map builds on the foundational work completed in TV Writing I, guiding students through the next critical stage of series development: outlining. Using the logline, Story Circle breakdown, and character work developed in the previous course, students will refine their pilot stories, learning how to weave multiple storylines, manage exposition, and create compelling narrative flow that keeps both readers and viewers engaged.

The course explores the differences between half-hour and one-hour formats, teaching students how to apply professional industry standards to both three-act and six-act structures while continuing to use the Story Circle as a flexible structural tool. Deeper instruction is provided on advanced topics such as character complexity, world-building, tone, and pacing — all essential elements in developing a strong and sustainable TV series.

Throughout the course, students will also learn current industry expectations for proper formatting of television scripts, ensuring their work is professional and market-ready. By the end of the class, each student will complete a full, detailed scene-by-scene outline — a comprehensive map that will serve as the blueprint for scripting their pilot in the next phase of development.

This course is ideal for students serious about building a professionally viable pilot script and understanding the real-world development process used by working television writers.

Please note: Students will complete graded assignments, writing exercises, and receive regular feedback. As a working showrunner and television writer, your instructor brings extensive industry experience directly into the classroom.

WHAT YOU WILL WALK AWAY WITH:

• A fully refined pilot story structure
• A complete scene-by-scene outline for your original pilot
• An understanding of both half-hour and one-hour structural formats
• Advanced instruction on character, world-building, tone, and pacing
• Professional formatting knowledge to prepare for scripting

Course Note: Prerequisite: TV Writing I: Pre-Writing, Story, and Building the Puzzle or equivalent experience+.
+Equivalency requirement: email at least two writing samples to professionaleducation@trilithinsitute.org at least 5 business days prior to the start of class (subject: TV Writing II Equivalency)

This course is the second in a 3-part Series.
The NEXT course in the sequence is

• TV Writing III (15 Weeks; VIRTUAL) – Spring 2026: August 10-November 23, 2026
  • The PREREQUISTES for this course are: TV Writing I: Pre-Writing, Story, and Building the Puzzle and TV Writing II: The Outline Is Your Map or equivalent experience
    • Two writing samples will be required if equivalency needed; details will be provided in the course description in the spring
  • Registration will open in October 2025

Please note: Students will complete graded assignments and writing exercises and will receive instructor feedback throughout the course. As a working showrunner and television writer, your instructor brings professional industry expertise directly into the virtual classroom.

TV Writing I: Pre-Writing, Story, and Building the Puzzle introduces students to the essential first steps of developing an original television series. Focusing on process and structure, this course guides students through a step-by-step system for organizing early ideas, concepts, characters, and themes into a cohesive, workable show concept. Through instructor-led exercises, students will learn Building the Puzzle — a pre-writing approach that brings order to the typically chaotic early development stage, allowing a show’s concept to emerge piece by piece, much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle.

Students will also study and apply the Story Circle — a refined version of the Hero’s Journey adapted for television — learning to analyze pilot episodes and break their own pilot stories using this 8-step structure. Topics include identifying act breaks, building tension, and shaping compelling character arcs.

By the end of the course, students will have created a show logline, developed a Story Area document for their pilot, completed detailed character sheets, and established the foundation they will need to outline and write a full script in subsequent classes. This class is ideal for anyone who wants to create their own original TV series and learn professional development techniques used by working television writers.

This course is the first in a 3-part Series.
The NEXT courses in the sequence are:

•  TV Writing II: The Outline Is Your Map (6 Weeks; VIRTUAL) – Fall 2025: October 20-November 24, 2025
  • The PREREQUISTE for this course is: TV Writing I: Pre-Writing, Story, and Building the Puzzle
  • Remember to REGISTER before this course fills! 
• TV Writing III (15 Weeks; VIRTUAL) – Spring 2026: August 10-November 23, 2026
  • The PREREQUISTES for this course are: TV Writing I: Pre-Writing, Story, and Building the Puzzle and TV Writing II: The Outline Is Your Map

Please note: Students will complete graded assignments and writing exercises and will receive instructor feedback throughout the course. As a working showrunner and television writer, your instructor brings professional industry expertise directly into the virtual classroom.

WHAT YOU WILL WALK AWAY WITH:

• A fully developed logline for your original series
• A Story Area document outlining your pilot episode
• A complete set of main character profiles
• A strong structural foundation for outlining and writing your TV pilot
• A clear understanding of professional development processes used in the industry

Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.

This intensive 8-week course offers a deep dive into the art and craft of script supervising, equipping you with the theory and hands-on skills needed to keep a film or television production running smoothly from page to screen. Beginning with a script breakdown in pre-production, you’ll learn to identify continuity challenges, annotate shooting scripts and storyboards, and develop the detailed reports that guide cast, crew, and editors through every scene.

Through a balanced mix of lectures, film-clip analysis, and practical exercises, you’ll master on-set best practices—covering actor blocking, camera setups, wardrobe changes, props tracking, and coverage logging—while honing your ability to anticipate and solve problems before they disrupt the shoot. By the end, you’ll know how the script supervisor acts as the director’s right hand, the editor’s best friend, and the production’s continuity guardian, transforming potential chaos into seamless cinematic storytelling.

Throughout this course, you will:

• Develop a meticulous eye for detail, learning to track and maintain continuity across dialogue, action, wardrobe, props, and more.
• Master industry-standard paperwork and digital tools, including creating lined scripts, daily progress reports, and editor’s logs. You’ll gain hands-on experience with both traditional methods and modern software applications used on sets today.
• Learn the art of script breakdown, timing scripts, and preparing for production with professional techniques.
• Understand the dynamics of on-set collaboration, effectively communicating with the director, director of photography, and other key department heads to protect the integrity of the final cut.
• Analyze film clips and engage in practical, hands-on exercises that simulate real-world production scenarios, ensuring you are prepared for the challenges of a live set.

WHAT YOU WILL WALK AWAY WITH

Upon successful completion of this course, you will leave with:

• Proficiency in Essential Paperwork: The ability to accurately and efficiently create all necessary reports, from the Editor’s Log to the Daily Production Report, that form the bible of the production.
• The Confidence to Step on Set: A thorough understanding of on-set etiquette, protocols, and the script supervisor’s unique relationship with the cast and crew, empowering you to perform your duties with professionalism.
• On-the-Fly Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify continuity errors as they happen and communicate solutions effectively and diplomatically on a busy set.
• A Deep Understanding of Cinematic Grammar: A full comprehension of the 180-degree rule, screen direction, and matching eyelines, ensuring all footage can be seamlessly edited together.
• The Ability to Time a Script: A core, practical skill to provide accurate scene and script timings for production scheduling, which is invaluable to assistant directors and producers.

Screenwriting Essentials II, building on the Trilith Institute Screenwriting Essentials I course, focuses on developing a feature-length screenplay, including crafting compelling subplots, refining dialogue, and learning how to identify and fix script problems, while also exploring your unique voice.

This course expands on the fundamentals and foundational techniques of screenwriting taught previously. Students will continue to learn about professional standards and best industry practices through table readings, one-on-one conferences, and peer revision techniques.

This class is perfect for aspiring screenwriters, storytellers, and anyone with a passion for crafting compelling narratives. Whether you are a step above a novice writer with some experience, this course is designed to expand your foundational knowledge on the fundamentals of storytelling, structure, and character development.

Course Note: Students who have not taken the Trilith Institute Screenwriting Essentials I course are asked to submit a script writing sample to professionaleducation@trilithinstitute.org. This will help to ensure the fundamentals are known prior to the start of class. A confirmation of approval for enrollment will be provided prior to registration (please submit your sample no less than 7 business days prior to the course start date for review).

Please note: students do have graded assignments, assessments, and projects and will receive a final grade in this course. Grades demonstrate a student’s ability to apply their understanding and mastery of concepts taught in this course. Trilith Institute instructors have a wealth of knowledge as they come with expertise in the film and entertainment industry

WHAT WILL YOU WALK AWAY WITH

• The opportunity to submit your original work to be read in front of industry professionals at the Trilith Institute Student Showcase.
• A polished original script, marketing materials, and a plan to produce the film.
• Access to professional scriptwriting software while enrolled
• Eligibility to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant.*
• 15% off Trilith Institute workshops for 6 months after course enrollment.
• A tour of Trilith Studios!