Develop and Revise a Spec Script at NYFA
Television series are not developed in a vacuum. Writers work with studios, producers or networks to develop a series together. And central to this process is television script revising — the ability to rewrite and reconceive a series and its pilot.
In this 15-Week Online Television Rewrite Workshop, students learn the basic tools of rewriting a TV pilot teleplay, such as taking notes, finding their original intent and working with producers, directors and development execs. To attend, students must have completed our 15-Week Online Television Pilot Workshop or submit a complete, properly formatted television pilot script and series proposal.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 15-Week Online Television Rewrite Workshop
Prerequisite: 15-Week Online Television Pilot Workshop (or submission of a complete, properly formatted television pilot script and series proposal.)
In this workshop, students start with a completed teleplay for an original pilot and a proposal for that series — such as the one written in our online Television Pilot Workshop. Notes and suggestions from the instructor and class will be combined with notes received previously on this project and planned changes to build a new version of the series proposal and a rewrite blueprint for the pilot script.
Once a plan for the rewrite is created, students rewrite the pilot script, adjusting their blueprint and proposal as they go to reflect the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
At the end of the class, students will have completed a rewrite of their script and have a new version of the series proposal. To learn more about NYFA’s screenwriting workshops, see NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
In the 15-Week Online Television Rewrite Workshop, students complete projects such as a spec script for a half-hour or hour-long television series. To learn more, visit our projects page.
This workshop meets once per week for 3 hours (two 1.5-hour sessions with a 30-minute break). Additional video lessons are posted online and may be viewed according to a student’s personal schedule. Outside coursework will vary in time based on the student’s writing speed but usually takes 1-4 hours per week.
A live video class is held once a week via Zoom. If time restrictions prevent attendance, students can catch up via recordings of the class and communicate with each other and the instructor digitally. In between sessions, students interact with the class digitally, with feedback provided by the instructor. Video lessons will be made available for viewing through our course portals. Written lessons and assignments are posted for critique, and the class interacts on an electronic course portal. Instructors are available electronically for support.
To attend and get the most from our remote workshop, we recommend that students have access to a laptop, a strong internet connection, as well as a quiet place to attend their classes and work on their writing. During the online workshops, students may use their preferred screenwriting software, however, they are able to obtain a discounted download code of Final Draft software from the Bursar.
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.