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TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

Discover the secrets of compelling TV storytelling, from crafting unforgettable characters to mapping out engaging episodes. This intensive course covers the essentials of TV writing, including format, scene structure, and industry insights to help you break in. Whether you're drawn to comedy, drama, or something in between, learn how to create episodes that captivate audiences.

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  • 18 and older
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  • Zoom Conference
  • 6 hours over 2 sessions

Express Checkout – $210

Sat. Nov 7, 2026, 1pm ET (2 sessions)


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  • Price includes $25 registration fee, paid once per term.
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  • Sat, Nov 07 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Sun, Nov 08 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
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Class Description

Description

The TV Writing Intensive happens in a short time span (1 day in NYC, or 2 days on Zoom). It’s open to writers of any level. Farther down, you can view a syllabus for this course.

The best TV shows are addictive, beckoning us to bring the characters into our homes or devices, episode after episode. The people might be cops, thugs, monsters, geeks, doctors, lawyers, fixers, or just ordinary people with everyday problems. The format might be network, streaming, or a web series. As long as it hooks us.

Each TV show is a unique story-machine, with its own rules and formulas. Here you’ll learn how to write for TV and how to market your work.

Whether you seek to write comedy, drama, or something in between, we’ll show you how to write TV episodes that might, someday, get everybody buzzing.

TV writers either work on the staff of an existing series or they create an original show. To break into the business, you need samples of your work—either episodes of existing shows or original scripts, the latter more desirable these days.

TV Writing I and the Intensive focus on writing “spec” scripts for existing shows, which is the best way to learn how TV episodes work. TV Writing II Pilot focuses on creating an original series and “pilot” episode.

These courses cover “scripted” shows, as opposed to reality TV.

Syllabus

This course gives an overview of the basics of TV writing craft. Course components:

  • Brief lectures
  • Writing exercises

Topics:

  • The Current TV Landscape 
  • Episode Ideas
  • Mapping Out Episodes
  • Format
  • Scene
  •  Breaking In

Note: Content may vary among individual classes.

About

  • Zoom classes happen in real time. 
  • The Zoom classes unite students from all over the world at Gotham—New York City’s most well-established writing school.
  • The Zoom classes happen on videoconference, in “real time.” Very much like an in-person class except everyone is on a computer or device in their own space. The Zoom software is free and simple to use.
  • You can take a Zoom writing class from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. The majority of our Zoom students are located in the U.S. but we also draw students from practically every country in the world.
  • Tech support will be available. Out of respect for everyone’s privacy, the Zoom sessions are not recorded.

Remote Learning

This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.

Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.

Refund Policy

All Classes (except One-day and Zoom Intensives and Write-Ins):

  • For a refund or credit, contact us three business days or more before your class starts. You can either choose to hold a full credit with us good for one year on other Gotham classes OR you can opt for a refund less a $25 administrative fee and your $25 registration fee ($50 total).
  • If you need to withdraw after your class has started (or two business days before it starts), you won’t receive a refund, but you’re welcome to a Gotham credit less the price of Week 1 and your $25 registration fee, but we need to hear from you three business days or more before Week 2 meets for that to happen. After that point, no credits are available.

One-day and Zoom Intensives:

  • You may reschedule a One-day or Zoom Intensive one time, if you notify us two business days before the class begins. After that first reschedule, there is a $25 rescheduling fee.
  • If you notify us three business days or more before your class begins, rescheduling is free. If you notify us less than three business days before your class begins, there is a $25 rescheduling fee. If you don’t notify us until after your class begins, we cannot reschedule you.
  • You may get a refund (minus a $50 fee) if you notify us three business days or more before your class begins.

Write-Ins:

  • If you withdraw 1 business day or more before it begins, you’re welcome to a full credit good for one year toward another Write-In. No refunds are available.
  • If you simply don’t show up and don’t notify us in advance, you forfeit your money.

A few more things:

  • Credits are valid for one year and cannot be changed into refunds down the road.
  • Simply not attending class or notifying the instructor does not mean you've officially withdrawn.
  • Some exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis for medical emergencies with a doctor's note.
  • Refunds take up to six weeks to process.

Please understand, we can't issue a refund after classes have started, even if you miss your first class. Similarly, we can't offer you a credit one day before your second class or after that. We understand that other obligations get in the way of attending class, but these policies allow us to get other interested writers into class early enough to have a good experience, and this allows us to offer our classes at a reasonable price.

Important Notes:

  • Students are allowed to join a class in the second week.
  • Only those who pay the tuition in full can be guaranteed a place in class.
  • Class dates and times may be subject to change. A substitute may be assigned or make-up classes added to the end of the term.
  • Auditing and the recording of classes are not allowed.
  • For all classes, students receive a record of payment and registration.
  • Gotham reserves the right to remove any student at our discretion.
  • Gotham does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, or marital status.
  • Our courses are not intended to provide instruction that will result in the student's acquisition of occupational skills.

In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

Reviews of Classes at Gotham Writers Workshop (752)

(4.4-star rating across 752 reviews)

This class: 4.7 out of 5 from 31 reviews

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    Jim is very knowledgeable & shared his TV writing experience with us. I loved the class & wish I could learn more from him.
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    The teacher was friendly and informed, and I learned a lot. This was a good introduction to the genre of writing for TV.
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    I initially thought a day-long class would be daunting, even intimidating, but Jim Mendrinos is personable, funny, and clearly knows all the ins and outs of TV. I love that no matter the show mentioned, he has knowledgeable input. I couldn't recommend the class enough.
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    This instructor really broke down the structure of various types of television shows in a way that was accessible and clear. It is a very useful start for anyone interested in TV writing. However, the 10 week course has a more in depth and well-paced approach that may make more sense if one would like to walk away with a workshopped TV writing sample or full spec script.
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    A great one day course if your going in to TV writing, Lots to absorb so pay attention! The Instructor got right to the point and has lots of experience!!
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    Excellent instructor and very well structured.
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    The class was informative but the professional resume of the instructor seemed dated...with the tv landscape changing so rapidly, I would expect a fresher, more innovative POV.
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    Great course! The instructor, Jim Mendrinis, has a deep and detailed knowledge of the television industry and outlines everything clearly and with clear examples. It was a pleasure and very informative.
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    Jim was great, super open and candid and fit a lot of great info in the course. I would highly recommend.
  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

  • TV Writing Intensive (Zoom)

    Awesomeness!!!
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Gotham Writers Workshop

Gotham Writers Workshop is a creative writing school in New York City and online that has been teaching students since 1993. They offer classes for both new and experienced writers, focusing on writing craft and providing a safe and structured environment for improvement.

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