If you have ever dreamed of writing a television series and didn't know where to start, the Television Series Career Academy is designed for you.
The courses offered cover both the writing and producing sides of television series creation. Together, these skills open the doors to becoming a TV Showrunner, the coveted seat of the professional who not only creates and writes the series but also is the Executive Producer whose creative vision is executed throughout the entire series.
The non-screenplay courses teach you how to conceive your series before you write a pilot screenplay. This approach is recommended to new aspiring series writers and showrunners.
Additionally, how to conceive your pitch and put together a pitch deck. What is the "cheat sheet" when crafting your TV series so that Executives in Studios and Networks can visualize your series.
How to distinguish the format and genre of your series. For example, is your series idea scripted such as Emily in Paris, Yellowstone, or Wheel of Time?
Or is your series unscripted such as Love It or List It, Love Island or Project Runway?
Courses offered also look at screenplays, how do you read a screenplay and why are they formatted the way they are.
Using visual tools, this course aims to explore your creative ideas and put them into a recognizable television format.
Writing assignments will focus on elements such as a series synopsis, episode ideas, character bios, storylines, overall series tone and your own personal statement of why you are the right person to create and write this series.
Course descriptions give further details on each course.
"I feel privileged and very thankful to have had Cynthia as an instructor. She excelled in providing the necessary instruction, paired with much-needed real life connections and guests.”
— Writers’ Program Student
Executive Producer, Award Winning Feature Film Director, Television and Film Writer
UCLA Extension Writers Program Instructor since 2016
Television Instructor and Trainer for Screenwriting, Series Creation and Showrunning
Hi, I’m Cynthia Hsiung
I have been a Television and Film professional for over 30 years with titles including Executive Producer, Director, Writer and Development Executive for companies including HBO, Warner Bros., Viacom MTV Networks, Renaissance Pictures under Universal Studios to name a few. My favorite title these days is Instructor and TV Career Mentor. I regularly teach courses for UCLA's Extension Writers Program and have been the International Expert and Trainer for the Singapore ProducersLab 2020 and 2021. Everyone loves television but having a creative career in TV can be an elusive prospect. I specialize in the areas of series development, screenplay writing, producing and showrunning. I can help you figure out how to get started, what skills you should learn and what steps you can take to make your television dreams become a reality. Looking forward to working with you!
Television Writing, Producing, Showrunning Courses
Beginner courses now available. Advanced courses coming soon.