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:
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)
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.
*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.