Introduction to TV & Media Production
Taught by:
Tai Hanson-Shin
FRIDAYS
3:00 – 4:30
SEMESTER 1 (15 classes) : WEEK OF 9/7/2026 – WEEK OF 1/11/2027
(NO CLASS: 9/19/26 ; 11/25/26 ; 11/28/26 ; 12/23/26 ; 12/26/26 ; 12/30/26 ; 1/2/27)
SEMESTER 2 (15 classes) : WEEK OF 1/25/2027 – WEEK OF 5/3/2027
(HOLD: WEEK OF 5/10/27 FOR ANY NECESSARY MAKE-UP CLASS)
This Introduction to TV & Media Production course is your middle to high school student’s chance to dip their toes into the world of Hollywood and Entertainment. Over the course of 2 semesters (15 classes each semester / 30 classes total), students will explore a broad range of topics in TV and Media Production that give them an idea of what it takes to break in and build a career in the field. Ultimately, students will produce their very own content or show that we will screen in class.
Topics to be discussed:
* The History of Television and Today’s Media
* Breaking In – Landing your First Assistant Job
* Developing an Idea to Greenlight
* The Making Of – Pre-Production through Post Production
* Selling yourself – Interview practice and resume building
* And so much more!
This course is meant to give broad strokes and help students grasp what it takes to navigate a career in the field of TV and Media Production. There will be guest speakers and class sessions that deep dive into specific areas, but our main goal will be to build out the language and toolkit for what it takes to bring your own ideas to a screen near you!
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Each week, we’ll begin with a guiding question, and over the course of the class, we’ll learn and discuss topics as it relates to answering the guiding question. By the end of class, students will have a vocabulary and skills to add to their growing toolkit that make it possible to answer the guiding question from their own perspectives.
Classes are offered virtually, via Zoom OR In-Person at Excellence in Education
What you’ll need for this course:
• Your own creativity and desire to learn
• Computer and internet access
• Any camera equipment you already own (iPhone, DSLR camera, etc.)
• A good attitude!
Any questions? Contact Tai Hanson-Shin – tai.m.hanson@gmail.com
Screenwriting & Storytelling: Writing Your First Feature Film
Instructor: Jurri Schenck – MFA of USC Cinematic Arts – Production
Thursdays
3:00 – 4:30
For Junior High & High School Students (Ages 12+)
This year-long course introduces students to the art of cinematic storytelling and guides them through the process of writing the rough first draft of their own feature-length screenplay. Designed for junior high and high school students (ages 12+), the class combines creative writing with professional storytelling techniques used in film and television.
Students will learn story structure through Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, using Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey and The Wizard of Oz as a guide. They will also explore character archetypes using Victoria Lynn Schmidt’s 45 Master Characters, and study the emotional structure foundations of drama through Lajos Egri’s The Art of Dramatic Writing. In addition, students will learn storytelling insights from Pixar, examining how character, theme, and emotional arcs shape powerful stories.
Over two semesters, students will develop an original story idea, build compelling characters, learn screenplay format, and structure their story using proven storytelling frameworks.
Across two semesters, students will progress through the full writing process:
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Developing story ideas and themes
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Building compelling protagonists and antagonists
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Designing character arcs and emotional stakes
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Structuring a story using the Hero’s Journey
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Learning screenplay format and scene construction
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Writing dialogue and visual storytelling
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Outlining and drafting a full screenplay
By the end of the course, each student will complete a rough first draft of a feature-length screenplay, gaining valuable skills in creativity, storytelling, and writing.
COST: $300 per Semester + 2 Books
- The Writer’s Journey – 3rd Edition by Christopher Vogler: https://a.co/d/01So9UYM
- 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt: https://a.co/d/0hTKQg7x
American History Through Music!
(Songs & Stories!)
Taught by:
Carolyn Forte
WEDNESDAY
3:30 – 4:15
Appropriate for grades K-8. Older music lovers are welcome! Younger children are welcome with a parent.
Traditional American songs, which include folk songs from around the world, were once known by every schoolchild. Although they are foundational to an understanding of American literature, culture and history, our public schools dropped almost all of them in the 1970s, along with the fun and historical understanding they include.
In this class we will learn traditional songs from American history and the history/stories behind them. We will do a lot of singing, clapping and moving with great music while learning about American History. Carolyn majored in Music History and has been a song leader for several decades. End your week with music, fun and history!