This content was published: September 4, 2003. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
NBC sitcom writer teaches PCC online course
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – We were all raised on television, but have you ever thought about writing for it? An online course offered by Portland Community College can teach you much more than the mechanics of television writing – you may actually try your hand at writing sample scripts for your favorite TV shows.You Can Write For TV, a non-credit course, will offer all the tools you need to take a leap into the business. Students will find out how to make the medium work for their personal style, how each TV genre is developed, develop riveting characters, and how to market their TV pilot.The online course is taught by Madeline DiMaggio, a television writer veteran who has worked as a creative consultant and story editor for NBC and Paramount Studios. DiMaggio began her career writing episodes for "Bob Newhart,""Hart to Hart,""Three’s Company,""Kojak,"and "Fantasy Island."She has gone on to write for hour-long drama and action shows, pilots, soaps, animation, after-school specials, and feature films, and is the author of "How to Write for Television."Held entirely online via the Internet, the class offers the flexibility to open lessons whenever your schedule allows and features discussion boards with other students. New six-week classes will begin monthly throughout the fall on Wednesdays, Sept. 17, Oct. 8, Nov. 5 and Dec.10. Cost is $79. Visit www.ourcoursescometoyou.com for further details.For more information, contact PCC Community Education at 503-731-6650.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »