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.
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:
Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.
*Those receiving a grade of 80 (B) or above in the course will receive a “Certificate of Completion.” Complete 3 of the Trilith Institute’s Professional Education Courses, and you will receive the “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts.” In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing workshop, you will be eligible to submit an original project for consideration for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.
Questions? Check out our FAQ page.
Brian D. Bradley is a screenwriter, producer, and showrunner with over 20 years of experience in television. His credits include MadTV, Scrubs, Happy Endings, The Big Show Show, and Star Trek: Lower Decks. He co-created Uncle Buck for ABC and has developed numerous pilots and features. His approach to teaching blends empathy, structure, accountability, and honest encouragement. He believes that “in writing, mistakes are gifts, process is power, and the done is better than perfect. And that embracing the messy parts of the process is essential in getting your story out of your head and onto the page.”
The Trilith Institute 365 Fund supports all aspects of the 501(c)(3) organization.
$250 pays for a single episode of the Trilith Institute Talks podcast.
$500 feeds cast and crew for one Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant film
$650 provides a one-week scholarship to the Script to Screen Summer Camp
$1000 covers a Dinner With… events where students talk with industry experts over dinner
No amount is too big or small.