TV Writing
Session A In-Person (June 23 – August 1, 2025)
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Program Overview
The TV Writing Summer Institute immerses students in the art of writing for television in Hollywood. Modeled after a professional writers’ room, this track teaches students to develop original series concepts and navigate the contemporary television marketplace. Guided by an industry professional, students learn to identify and capture the compelling tone, characters, dialogue, and themes that make their stories unique.
Participants will select one of two specializations:
- Introduction to TV Writing, OR
- Intermediate TV Writing for One-Hour Drama/Dramedy
Students at the introductory level write a series document, pilot outline, and the first act of the pilot script. Intermediate Drama/Dramedy level students outline and write the first draft of an original pilot and develop the series outline as a pitch document. Students in the Drama/Dramedy track should not expect this to be a polished first draft, but will leave with the feedback and tools to further revise this into a fully-realized pilot for their portfolios and careers.
In small workshops, students at all levels meet twice a week to discuss ideas, break stories, and give feedback and notes on each other’s work.
At the conclusion of the program, Introduction and Intermediate Drama/Dramedy TV Writing students pitch to television professionals in the industry for feedback and notes.
Curriculum
A) Introduction to TV Writing
This program carries 7 quarter units of UC credit, and students are expected to spend 15- 20 hours-per-week writing outside of class meetings.
Session A In-Person (June 23 – August 1)
The Introduction to TV Writing specialization is designed for students with little to no previous experience in writing for television. Students are introduced to the pilot format, covering style and content as well as the principles behind network needs and how pilots are chosen across broadcast, cable and digital platforms. Students write a series document, pilot outline, and the first act of the pilot script. Students in this track are enrolled in the following classes:
Courses:
FTV 104 Film and Television Symposium(1 unit)
FTV 131 Introduction to TV Writing (6 units)
Due to the intensive nature of the program, a maximum of two program absences are permitted.
B) Intermediate TV Writing – One-Hour Drama/Half-Hour Dramedy
This program carries 9 quarter units of UC credit, and students are expected to spend a minimum of 25 hours-per-week writing outside of class meetings.
Session A In-Person (Monday, June 23 – August 1)
This course is designed for students with some writing experience who are interested in writing for the one-hour drama format (Succession, The Pitt), half-hour drama format (Beef), and half-hour dramedy formats (Fleabag, Atlanta), covering style and content as well as the principles behind network needs and how pilots are chosen across broadcast, cable and digital platforms. Students outline and write the first draft of an original pilot and develop the series outline as a pitch document. Students in the Drama/Dramedy track should not expect this to be a polished first draft, but will leave with the feedback and tools to further revise this into a fully-realized pilot for their portfolios and careers. Open to works in progress and rewrites. Students in this track are enrolled in the following classes:
Courses:
FTV 104 Film and Television Symposium (1 unit)
FTV 133B Intermediate TV Writing – Drama/Dramedy (8 units)
Due to the intensive nature of the program, a maximum of two program absences are permitted.
Pitch Panels
As a culmination of the TV Writing program, students have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of accomplished industry professionals. The panel allows students to practice their pitching skills, building off of what they learned in the How to Pitch Weekend Workshop. At the end of the pitch, the panelists give feedback to each student, drawing on their extensive insight and experience in pitching and development.
Hollywood & The Industry
In the exclusive Summer Institute Symposium, students from all TV Writing levels meet and listen to some of Hollywood’s most accomplished professionals. High-wattage guests have included Eric Heisserer (writer, Arrival); Steven Canals (creator and EP of Pose on FX); Jeff King (Executive Producer of The Umbrella Academy on Netflix); Agents from CAA, ICM, Paradigm, and UTA; Simon Kinberg (Writer/Producer, Deadpool, X-Men: Apocalypse, The Martian); Zak Penn (Writer, Ready Player One); and many others.
Students and alumni from all Summer Institute tracks are invited to connect during two key networking mixers: the Welcome Event and the Closing Night Celebration.
Professional Development
As part of the FTV 131/133B curriculum, guest lecturers with established careers in television lead professional development workshops for students from all TV Writing levels. These workshops explore topics such as How to Pitch and Demystifying the Script Coverage Process.
How to Pitch:
In this workshop, students will get the inside scoop of how projects are pitched and sold in Hollywood taught by a seasoned industry professional. With an eye toward the final pitch panels at the end of the session, students will learn what goes into a pitch, the elements that make it compelling, how to apply it to their own material in a way that will keep their listeners on the edge of their seats.
Demystifying the Script Coverage Process:
Script Coverage is an important part of the film & television development process and a key industry skill. In this workshop, students will learn how to write effective script coverage, how understanding the process can improve their writing, and walk through the vital role of script coverage in how projects are submitted to management companies, agencies, production companies, and studios.
Alumni in the Industry
UCLA Film & Television Summer Institute alumni can be found working in all areas of the entertainment industry. They hold roles as creative executives at major studios like Sony, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, and Disney; write for acclaimed television series including The Wonder Years (ABC), Quantum Leap (NBC), and STICK (Apple TV); and contribute to iconic productions with credits including a Lighting Technician on FX’s Snowfall and a Production Supervisor for Saturday Night Live. Many have gone on to produce and direct feature films, earning prestigious accolades such as a Peabody Award and an Emmy.
Eligibility
The Introductory track is open to aspiring writers (18+) with little to no previous experience in writing for television.
The Intermediate track is open to aspiring writers (18+) that have already completed a college level introductory screenwriting course.
Online Registration
Registration opens February 15, 2026.
Please visit the Summer Sessions website for more information.
Eligible applicants who submit all requirements successfully and timely, will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within 3 weeks. Early application is encouraged.
International Students
In addition to the above requirements, international students must also submit:
- Proof of TOEFL Results with score of 100 or above
Supply List
Technology
- Access to a laptop/computer with Final Draft 12 or 13 Educational Screenwriting Software
- Microphone (built-in, USB, or wireless Bluetooth)
- Webcam (built-in or USB).
- Internet connection – broadband with a minimum bandwidth of 600kbps (up/ down); 1.5 Mbps (up/down) or higher is recommended.
Additional Details
Schedule
INTRO TO TV WRITING – SESSION A In Person (June 23 – August 1, 2025)
INTERMEDIATE TV WRITING – DRAMA – SESSION A In Person (June 23 – August 1, 2025)
NOTE: All course meeting times are in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). The program schedule is subject to change.
On-Campus (Housing Optional)
Housing is available in the UCLA Residence Halls for an additional cost. To apply for summer accommodations, once accepted into the program, please select from the following housing options and rates and submit an application directly to UCLA Housing. It is highly recommended that you apply for housing early, as applications are approved on a first-come-first served basis.
Financial Aid
Financial aid for Summer Sessions is available for qualified UC students. UCLA students can find more details about the UCLA financial aid application process by visiting the Financial Aid section of summer.ucla.edu. UC and visiting (non-UC) students should inquire about financial aid at their home institution.
Contact Summer Sessions
UCLA Summer Institutes
1332 Murphy Hall
Box 951418
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1418
Tel: (310) 825-4101
Fax: (310) 825-1528