Do you want to write a script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples, this course will assist you in developing your own projects.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This is a step by step guide to writing for popular television and offers guidelines for students to apply their own ideas to scripts.
What will we cover?
• Generating ideas • Genres and key conventions • Writing a successful outline • Structuring a TV script • Spec scripts and pilots • The Writers’ Room: learning to write collaboratively.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing - Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence - Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence - Identify the key features of a television script and apply knowledge to own writing. - Identify the different genres of television scriptwriting and the key conventions of each genre - Analyse the interpretation of scripts by directors/actors on screen with confidence - Present all or part of a pilot script in standard industry format.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for students who want to start writing drama for TV and are willing to engage in exercises and share their efforts. An ability to write and speak fluent English is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive tutor presentation, writing exercises, group discussion and analysis of scripts and clips, tutor and peer feedback. Students will be expected to complete short writing assignments for homework and are encouraged to watch a variety of episodic television shows to help embed concepts.
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might consider Developing screenwriting or Advanced screenwriting. Please refer to the online prospectus entries for these courses for further information.
All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.
Clive Ford writes for film and stage. He graduated from UAL with an MA in screenwriting. He currently works as a lecturer at the University of Creative Arts in Farnham and at the University of Bedfordshire where he teaches writing for the screen.
Bob SchultzSee moreSee less
As a screenwriter, Bob Schultz has focused on high-concept stories told on a budget, finding success writing on spec, working for hire, ghostwriting, and providing consultation for independent producers in Los Angeles, New York, and London. His screenwriting portfolio includes more than 20 credits either produced, in production, or in development, and his series of Christmas shorts (Advent) will release throughout December 2025. Beyond screenwriting, Bob has cultivated a significant body of prose fiction work, with award-winning stories published in American newspapers including The Ravena News-Herald, the Greenville Record, and The Paper (Fort Pierce, Florida), international magazines (Script magazine, Daily Grindhouse), and short story anthologies (most recently Twisted, Volume 3: The Final Chapter, 2024). His latest anthology of short stories (The Athenaeum Club Mysteries) is set to be published in the winter of 2025, and his first novel (Operation: Coronation) in early 2026. Bob has served as an instructor and mentor at colleges and universities in the USA, England, and Sweden, as well as worldwide at festivals, conferences, and through private instruction.
Neil ArkseySee moreSee less
Neil Arksey has had a number of novels for children and young adults published by Penguin Random House. His writing has been shortlisted for and won a number of prizes. He was also part of the team that created the highly successful Little Robots TV pre-school TV series for the BBC as well as writing Kipper the Dog and other TV series for younger children. As screenwriter, story editor, consultant, head writer and series producer, Neil Arksey has been responsible for over a thousand episodes of TV drama. In the UK, he has worked on shows such as Crossroads, Family Affairs, Doctors, Mile High, and River City. And abroad, amongst other projects, he was head writer on Finnish TV drama Salatut Elämät, (Secret Lives) and series story producer on Jóban Rosszban, a hospital drama set and based in Budapest. Neil has also worked in script development for Freemantle and Global Drama Productions. He co-produced dark indie feature film, Run To Ground. In addition to working as a writer and producer, Neil has taught writing at several universities, colleges and film schools.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/writing-for-television310661Writing for televisionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/r/writing_for_television-square.jpg279279GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Writing for stage and screen/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Courses/Online courses2285159113581136051731122851358113605Do you want to write a script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples, this course will assist you in developing your own projects.353036085Writing for television279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/r/writing_for_television-square_12.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2027-01-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027WritingHW595279279Writing for television279181279Clive Fordwriting-for-television/hw595-2627Do you want to write a script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples, this course will assist you in developing your own projects.0000-Available|2027-01-12 00:00:00This is a step by step guide to writing for popular television and offers guidelines for students to apply their own ideas to scripts.Do you want to write a script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples, this course will assist you in developing your own projects.• Generating ideas<br>• Genres and key conventions<br>• Writing a successful outline<br>• Structuring a TV script<br>• Spec scripts and pilots<br>• The Writers’ Room: learning to write collaboratively.- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing<br>- Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence<br>- Identify the key features of a television script and apply knowledge to own writing.<br>- Identify the different genres of television scriptwriting and the key conventions of each genre<br>- Analyse the interpretation of scripts by directors/actors on screen with confidence<br>- Present all or part of a pilot script in standard industry format.The course is designed for students who want to start writing drama for TV and are willing to engage in exercises and share their efforts. An ability to write and speak fluent English is essential.Interactive tutor presentation, writing exercises, group discussion and analysis of scripts and clips, tutor and peer feedback. Students will be expected to complete short writing assignments for homework and are encouraged to watch a variety of episodic television shows to help embed concepts. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.You might consider Developing screenwriting or Advanced screenwriting. Please refer to the online prospectus entries for these courses for further information.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual3087202Writing for television279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/r/writing_for_television-square_13.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2027-04-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2027WritingHW089279279Writing for television279181279Bob Schultzwriting-for-television/hw089-2627Do you want to write a drama script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples this course will assist you in developing your own projects.0000-Available|2027-04-20 00:00:00This is a step by step guide to writing for popular television and offers guidelines for students to apply their own ideas to scripts.Do you want to write a drama script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples this course will assist you in developing your own projects.• Generating ideas<br>• Genres and key conventions<br>• Writing a successful outline<br>• Structuring a TV script<br>• Spec scripts and pilots<br>• The Writers’ Room: learning to write collaboratively.- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing<br>- Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence<br>- Identify the key features of a television script and apply knowledge to own writing.<br>- Identify the different genres of television scriptwriting and the key conventions of each genre<br>- Analyse the interpretation of scripts by directors/actors on screen with confidence<br>- Present all or part of a pilot script in standard industry format.The course is designed for students who want to start writing drama for TV and are willing to engage in exercises and share their efforts. An ability to write and speak fluent English is essential.Interactive tutor presentation, writing exercises, group discussion and analysis of scripts and clips, tutor and peer feedback. Students will be expected to complete short writing assignments for homework and are encouraged to watch a variety of episodic television shows to help embed concepts. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.<p>You might consider<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/developing-your-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Developing screenwriting</a>. Please refer to the online prospectus entries for these courses for further information.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://citylitwriting.bsky.social on Bluesky" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual3087205Writing for television279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/r/writing_for_television-square_14.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2027-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2027WritingHW618279279Writing for television279181279Neil Arkseywriting-for-television/hw618-2627Do you want to write a drama script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples this course will assist you in developing your own projects.0000-Available|2027-04-22 00:00:00This is a step by step guide to writing for popular television and offers guidelines for students to apply their own ideas to scripts.Do you want to write a drama script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples this course will assist you in developing your own projects.• Generating ideas<br>• Genres and key conventions<br>• Writing a successful outline<br>• Structuring a TV script<br>• Spec scripts and pilots<br>• The Writers’ Room: learning to write collaboratively.- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing<br>- Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence<br>- Identify the key features of a television script and apply knowledge to own writing.<br>- Identify the different genres of television scriptwriting and the key conventions of each genre<br>- Analyse the interpretation of scripts by directors/actors on screen with confidence<br>- Present all or part of a pilot script in standard industry format.The course is designed for students who want to start writing drama for TV and are willing to engage in exercises and share their efforts. An ability to write and speak fluent English is essential.Interactive tutor presentation, writing exercises, group discussion and analysis of scripts and clips, tutor and peer feedback. Students will be expected to complete short writing assignments for homework and are encouraged to watch a variety of episodic television shows to help embed concepts. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.<p>You might consider<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/developing-your-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Developing screenwriting</a>. Please refer to the online prospectus entries for these courses for further information.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://citylitwriting.bsky.social on Bluesky" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual279279181HW595,HW089,HW618NONETue,Thu12/01/27 - 23/03/2717:30 - 19:3017:3019:3011 sessions (over 11 weeks)1111 weeks or longerWeekdayOnlineOnline,Keeley StreetClive Ford,Bob Schultz,Neil ArkseyBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2027-01-12T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-20T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-22T00:00:00+00:00EveningJan 2027,Apr 2027Writing279279Writing for televisionwriting-for-television/hw595-2627,writing-for-television/hw089-2627,writing-for-television/hw618-2627Do you want to write a script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples, this course will assist you in developing your own projects.,Do you want to write a drama script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples this course will assist you in developing your own projects.0000-Available|2027-01-12 00:00:00This is a step by step guide to writing for popular television and offers guidelines for students to apply their own ideas to scripts.Do you want to write a script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples, this course will assist you in developing your own projects.,Do you want to write a drama script for television? What do you write and where do you start? Through exercises and examples this course will assist you in developing your own projects.• Generating ideas<br>• Genres and key conventions<br>• Writing a successful outline<br>• Structuring a TV script<br>• Spec scripts and pilots<br>• The Writers’ Room: learning to write collaboratively.- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing<br>- Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence<br>- Identify the key features of a television script and apply knowledge to own writing.<br>- Identify the different genres of television scriptwriting and the key conventions of each genre<br>- Analyse the interpretation of scripts by directors/actors on screen with confidence<br>- Present all or part of a pilot script in standard industry format.The course is designed for students who want to start writing drama for TV and are willing to engage in exercises and share their efforts. An ability to write and speak fluent English is essential.Interactive tutor presentation, writing exercises, group discussion and analysis of scripts and clips, tutor and peer feedback. Students will be expected to complete short writing assignments for homework and are encouraged to watch a variety of episodic television shows to help embed concepts. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.No additional costs. Please bring writing materials.You might consider Developing screenwriting or Advanced screenwriting. Please refer to the online prospectus entries for these courses for further information.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.,<p>You might consider<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/developing-your-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Developing screenwriting</a>. Please refer to the online prospectus entries for these courses for further information.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://citylitwriting.bsky.social on Bluesky" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky</a>.</p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenconfigurable
159113605Writing for stage and screenhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/writing-for-stage-and-screen/writing-for-stage-and-screen-11/2/285/13581/13605/1591/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Writing for stage and screen
