Choosing the Right Screenwriting Course: A Step-by-Step Guide

Scriptwriting, also known as screenwriting, is the process of crafting written content for visual media such as films, television shows, and video games. It involves creating dialogues, character actions, and plot points, formatted in a specific way to guide directors, actors, and other production members in bringing the story to life on screen.

Explore various options for online screenwriting classes, both free and paid, to enhance your skills. From fresher to master levels, these courses provide flexible learning choices as per your schedule and understanding style, assisting you in mastering screenwriting from the comfort of your home.

Free Screenwriting Resources

Understand free resources and tools that are available online for enthusiastic screenwriters. These tools, which include writing software, script libraries, and lessons, provide important help and assistance so you may improve your skills without needing to invest money.

Tutorials: Free screenwriting lessons can be found on an array of websites and YouTube channels, addressing all topics from character development to script structure. Expert views from the industry can be found on websites like Film Courage and Script notes Podcast.

Script Libraries: One of the most effective ways to understand and learn the craft is to have access to screenplays produced or written by experts. A well-equipped library of scripts from famous film and TV series can be discovered on websites like SimplyScripts and IMSDb, providing samples of different writing styles and approaches.

Writing Software: There are various free writing software available other than paid programs like Final Draft. Software like Celtx and WriterDuet provide free editions with important features to assist in structuring and formatting your scripts like masters.

Workshops and Webinars: Screenwriting and Stage 32 are two groups of companies that offer free webinars and workshops addressing an array of screenwriting-related topics. Being a part of these workshops provides the chance to connect with other emerging screenwriters and pick the ideas of experienced authors.

Forums and Communities: Joining online forums, like the Absolute Write Water Cooler or the Screenwriting subreddit on Reddit, can present networking chances, assistance, and feedback. You can ask questions, discuss your work, and learn from the experts of others on these platforms.

Study structured online courses offering in-depth screenwriting training. These courses include comprehensive teaching of fundamentals of screenwriting, character growth, story arrangement, and more. They are available on an array of platforms. They include practical assignments, peer reviews, and professional input, and they are designed for writers of all skill levels.

This series of online screenwriting classes are offered by the University of East Anglia, reputed for founding the nation’s first artistic writing programs. You do not need any sort of university registration, and the program is totally free. 

The video lectures in this online screenwriting program are concentrated mainly on writing and storytelling theory, nevertheless, there is not enough focus on the true screenwriting practice. While the videos itself sometimes seem a bit dull, the information is accurate and serves as a great beginning point for more screenplay study.

It’s quite a lot to offer for a free course in duration of about 6 hours. It is suggested that the course be completed in two weeks, involving a few comprehensive lectures per week.

This screenwriting course simply takes you through the principles of Screenwriting 101. The program available on the Udemy learning platform, blends written stories with video lessons.

The duration of the course is about three hours, and by the end of the course, you will have a good grasp of the basics of screenwriting.

For beginners, the rate at which the study is offered is suitable, and the experts teaching are supportive and educated. While screenwriters should take an advanced course on our list, those who are new and are just starting will find plenty of screenwriting knowledge in this course.

Compared to other courses on the list, this course is not offered by the Masterclass brand. Instead, it’s offered on Skillshare and hosted by screenwriter and copywriter Brian Birmingham. For this class, the skill set is a little more advanced than the ones discussed before.

 For beginners, this screenwriting guide is not difficult to understand, yet it offers enough information for advanced and experienced writers to learn something worthwhile.

This course starts with basics and later gets into detail. Additionally, with the precise formatting and well-structured lessons offered in other courses, this class focuses on storytelling and theory over the others. With this class, both beginners and experts enhance their skills.

This is a great online writing course by a very well-known and reputed Masterclass brand. This class is focused on only one thing which is writing for television, and this is the only factor holding this class back. If you aim to write films, there are many courses and classes out there that are directed towards film writing, but you will still get to learn enough in this class if you are able to translate between the two formats.

 

Shonda Rhimes is the creator of popular TV shows like Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, and Scandal. If you are excited to write for the TV, then Shonda Rimes is the best teacher you can have. Masterclass courses are always carefully developed and divided into easily comprehended video lessons. The duration of this course is around 6.5 hours.

Discover top-rated online platforms offering screenwriting classes and their unique features. These online platforms offer various courses for several skill levels, providing upcoming screenwriters the chance to understand and learn from industry experts and level up their craft.

Unique Features: Get to start your learning from screenwriters like Aaron Sorkin, David Mamet, and Shonda Rhimes. The classes offer workbooks, video lessons, and community activities.

Highlights: Comprehensive analysis from industry experts, behind-the-scenes case studies, and beneficial writing tasks. 

Unique Features: Offers various screenwriting courses teaching different factors of screenwriting, from beginners to advanced levels.

Highlights: All course materials are accessible for life, with a variety of pricing options and interactive assignments.

Unique Features: Offers top-notch courses by partnering with colleges and universities such as Michigan State University and Wesleyan University.

Highlights: Exams, certification upon completion, and peer critiques accompany structured learning.

Choosing the right screenwriting course can significantly impact your journey as a writer. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your skills, the variety of courses available online offers something for everyone. From free resources and workshops to comprehensive, structured classes, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be tapped into. As you explore these options, remember that learning how to write a script for a short film is a great starting point. It allows you to practice storytelling on a smaller scale, hone your craft, and prepare for larger projects in the future. Embrace the learning process and let your creativity flourish!