MasterClass

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  • MasterClass
  • Documentary

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12
12x1
Introduction
Episode overview
Welcome to Shondaland. Meet Shonda, the woman behind some of television's biggest and most talked about hits, and learn what she'll teach you about the craft of writing for television.
12x2
Teach Yourself TV Writing
Episode overview
Shonda discusses the importance of knowing your television history and how you can learn some of the fundamentals of storytelling on your own.
12x3
Finding an Idea
Episode overview
It all begins with an idea. Shonda reveals her process for finding and assessing ideas, and determining what makes a great idea for a TV series.
12x4
Developing the Concept
Episode overview
Show titles, story bibles, tone, structure - Shonda walks you through how to take your idea and turn it into a fully-fleshed out concept.
12x5
Researching Your Story
Episode overview
Effective research can make your story come to life. Using case studies from Scandal and Grey's Anatomy, Shonda discusses her techniques and method for conducting research for her stories.
12x6
Creating Memorable Characters: Part 1
Episode overview
Meredith Grey, Olivia Pope, Cristina Yang - Shonda has created some of the most memorable characters to grace television. In this chapter, Shonda breaks down how she approaches the character development process.
12x7
Creating Memorable Characters: Part 2
Episode overview
Shonda shares her techniques on how to effectively develop and evolve your characters when writing your stories, including when and how to kill off characters.
12x8
Pitching Your Show
Episode overview
You can't make a TV show without pitching it first. Shonda shares how she originally pitched Grey's Anatomy to network executives and her top tips for how to deliver an effective pitch.
12x9
Writing a Script: Structure
Episode overview
Shonda breaks down the five acts of television and what needs to be accomplished in each one to tell an effective story in a one-hour drama.
12x10
Writing a Script: Process
Episode overview
You have your premise, your characters, and your research. Now it's time to write your script. Shonda talks about her own process for preparing to write a script, including how to create beat sheets and outlines.
12x11
Writing a Script: Effective Habits
Episode overview
Writer's block? No time? Shonda breaks through the myths of writing and details how exactly she gets her writing done.
12x12
Writing a Script: The Pilot
Episode overview
When it comes to television, the pilot is everything. Shonda discusses the key ingredients to what makes a great pilot, including discussing her alternative opening scenes for the show Scandal.
12x13
Writing Authentic Dialogue
Episode overview
Shonda shares her tips on how to write realistic and engaging dialogue for your characters.
12x14
Case Study: Grey's Anatomy Pilot - Part 1
Episode overview
Shonda breaks down the Grey's Anatomy pilot act-by-act and shares why she made certain story decisions.
12x15
Case Study: Grey's Anatomy Pilot - Part 2
Episode overview
Shonda continues to break down the Grey's Anatomy pilot act-by-act.
12x16
Case Study: Scandal Pilot - Act One
Episode overview
Shonda breaks down the first act of the Scandal pilot, revealing why she structured the opening scene the way she did.
12x17
Case Study: Scandal Pilot - Act Two
Episode overview
Shonda discusses act two of the Scandal pilot and the introduction of Olivia's White House storyline.
12x18
Case Study: Scandal Pilot - Act Three
Episode overview
Shonda discusses act three of the Scandal pilot and how to balance various story lines in a single episode.
12x19
Case Study: Scandal Pilot - Act Four
Episode overview
Shonda discusses act four of the Scandal pilot and the importance of quickening the pace of your action.
12x20
Case Study: Scandal Pilot - Act Five
Episode overview
Shonda discusses the final act of the Scandal pilot and reveals how she set up the pilot for an entire season of episodes.
12x21
Editing Your Script
Episode overview
You've written the first draft - now comes the task of editing your script. Shonda reveals her own editing process and provides tips on the best things to cut in a script.
12x22
Beyond the Pilot: Writing a Series
Episode overview
Shonda has never had a TV show last for less than six seasons. In this chapter, Shonda discusses what keeps people watching a show beyond the pilot.
12x23
Scandal Case Study: "It's Handled"
Episode overview
In this case study, Shonda discusses how the scene between Olivia and Rowan Pope in the season three premiere of Scandal cleverly uses dialogue to reveal who the characters are, and the importance of the scene in the show's story.
12x24
Breaking into the Industry
Episode overview
Shonda reveals her top tips for networking, working entry-level jobs, and her thoughts on film school.
12x25
Working in a Writers’ Room
Episode overview
Shonda discusses what she looks for in writers when staffing her shows and how her own writers' rooms are structured.
12x26
Working in TV Production
Episode overview
Shonda talks about how a writer can best adapt to the fast-paced world of television production and the important lessons she has learned in over a decade of producing TV.
12x27
Showrunning
Episode overview
Becoming and being a showrunner is exciting, but it comes with immense responsibilities. Shonda talks through how she learned to become an effective showrunner.
12x28
Life of a Writer
Episode overview
Writing is not just a profession; it is a way of life. Shonda discusses the issue of "work/life balance" and the physical and mental habits to survive a writer's life.
12x29
Shonda's Journey
Episode overview
Learn how Shonda went from being a Dartmouth and USC graduate to the queen of Thursday night.
12x30
Conclusion
Episode overview
Shonda wraps up her MasterClass with a few departing thoughts and suggestions for next steps.

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