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10 Best Online Screenwriting Courses

10/27/2020

 
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If you're looking for a screenwriting course, script writing course or a screenplay writing course, the following writing courses aim to teach you how to write a screenplay for film or television. This article details screenwriting courses which are free as well as those that require a fee. 
​
​The online screenwriting courses detailed in this article can be accessed from anywhere at any time and are self-paced unless otherwise indicated.
 
For writers of all genres wanting to study screenplay writing to write a professional script for film or TV, check out these 10 top screenwriting courses.
​

1. Writing Drama for Television with Jed Mercurio – BBC Maestro

There are now new online writing courses from BBC Maestro where you can learn from successful and well-known experts in their field. Here you can learn screenwriting online from Jed Mercurio, one of Britain’s most successful television writers.

Learning Outcomes
You receive "A complete course taught by Jed Mercurio, acclaimed screenwriter of Line of Duty and Bodyguard. Designed to take you from first draft and set you on the path to final script". 
  • Begin your journey into television writing and discover your value as a new writer.
  • Where do you find ideas for your own television series? Jed will show you.
  • How to take your inspiration and turn it into a premise for a TV series.
  • Learn about the different types of series, and what every long-running TV show must have.
  • How to create successful settings and invigorate well-trodden paths.
  • And much more...

Additional Info
  • There are 28 lessons, which comprises 7 hours of video content, and course notes.

Links
  • Website: Writing Drama for Television

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Final Draft 11 EDU

2. An Introduction to Screenwriting – FREE

This two-week online screenwriting course by the University of East Anglia via FutureLearn covers the key aspects involved in the process of script writing. Whether you are beginner or experienced writer, this course aims to provide the skills to write an effective screenplay and the understanding of terminology associated with this style of writing.
 
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be aware of the important aspects required when creating a screenplay, have the ability to discuss the fundamental principles of the screenwriting process, recognize what is essential for a screenplay format, understand what is required to construct a professional script and how to write a story "pitch".

Additional Info
  • There are no prerequisites for entry into this course – just an interest in wanting to study screenwriting.
  • The study time for this course is 3 hours each week. The course is 2 weeks.
  • The University of East Anglia also offers a BA Film and Television Studies undergraduate course here.
 
Links
  • Website: An Introduction to Screenwriting.

3. Free Online Screenwriting Course​ – Alison.com

"Master the essentials of scriptwriting to see your ideas on the screen with this free online screenwriting course."

Via publisher One Education, this free online screenwriting course teaches you the fundamentals of scriptwriting and explores various genres and formats.

Students are shown how to carry out research, develop a script and turn your vision into a screenplay.
 
Learning Outcomes
The course demonstrates how to develop compelling characters, polish your script and create a pitch that sells your idea. You are also taken through the common do’s and don’t’s of writing for the big or small screen.

Additional Info
  • This course provides an understanding of script structure and format, and outlines how to write a synopsis. Students are also taught how to create a credible pitch when selling a screenplay to a producer or production company.
 
Links
  • Website: ​Free Online Screenwriting Course.

4. Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting

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​This online screenwriting course accessed via MasterClass, a popular streaming platform where you can view numerous video lessons in different categories by leading industry experts, provides 35 video lessons (just over 8 hours) by Aaron Sorkin, award-winning writer of The West Wing and The Social Network among many other films and TV programmes.
 
In this course "you’ll learn his rules of storytelling, dialogue, character development, and what makes a script actually sell. By the end, you’ll write screenplays that capture your audience’s attention".
 
The course enables members to view lessons from a successful and established screenwriter who is one of experts in this field. It is aimed at all levels of writers who have an interest in screenwriting for film/movies.
​
Learning Outcomes
The lessons in this screenwriting course cover intention and obstacle, story ideas, developing characters, incorporating research, rules of story, film story arc, writing scenes, tackling rewrites, and much more.
 
Additional Info
  • The MasterClass membership provides access to their comprehensive catalog of courses which, as well as writing classes, includes arts & entertainment, business, cookery, sports & gaming, and many more.
  • Course material can be accessed at any time on all the usual devices – smartphone, PC, etc. – as well as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku streaming media players. The course content can be downloaded and watched offline.
  • The subscription to access all online classes on MasterClass comes with a 30-day guarantee.
  • MasterClass membership can be cancelled at any time (partially unused membership periods are not refunded).
  
Links
  • Website: Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting.

5. Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television

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​This online TV writing course, also provided by MasterClass, comprises 30 video lessons (6 hours 26 mins) from Shonda Rhimes, screenwriter, television producer, author, and showrunner of Grey's Anatomy.
 
In this course "Shonda teaches you how to create compelling characters, write a pilot, pitch your idea, and stand out in the writers’ room. You’ll also get original pilot scripts, pitch notes, and series bibles from her shows".
 
This course can benefit beginner to advanced writers who want to learn the key aspects of writing for TV from an industry expert.
​
Learning Outcomes
The lessons in this television writing course include finding an idea, developing the concept, researching your story, creating memorable characters, pitching your show, tackling the process and structure of writing a script, writing authentic dialogue, editing your script, and much more.
 
Additional Info
  • The MasterClass membership provides access to their comprehensive catalog of courses which, as well as writing classes, includes arts & entertainment, business, cookery, sports & gaming, and many more.
  • Course material can be accessed at any time on all the usual devices – smartphone, PC, etc. – as well as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku streaming media players. PDF workbooks are provided for each class.
  • The subscription to access all online classes on MasterClass comes with a 30-day guarantee.
  • MasterClass Membership can be cancelled at any time (partially unused membership periods are not refunded).
 
Links
  • Website: Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television.

6. Learn Screenwriting by Writing Screenplays

From the New York Film Academy (NYFA), a premier visual and performing arts college, this screenwriting course is run online (see specific course below) and in many locations around the world.
 
Providing hands-on and interactive learning, this course offers innovative screenwriting classes which "are taught by award-winning industry professionals, in a real-world environment with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment".
 
The screenwriting courses from NYFA comprises 8-week screenwriting course, a 12-week evening screenwriting course, and a 15-week online screenwriting course.
 
Additional Info
  • Other courses available to study with the NYFA include filmmaking, cinematography, and documentary filmmaking.
  • As well as this certificate program, the NYFA also offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in this area of study.
  • NYFA Locations around the world include US, Australia, Italy, France, China and Russia. But please note that not all study programs are offered at all locations.
 
Links
  • Website: Learn Screenwriting by Writing Screenplays.

7. Inspirational Screenwriting

This "#1 Screenwriting Course" from Udemy has been created by Paul Castro, highly respected and professional screenwriter of over 40 original TV pilots and feature-length screenplays.
 
Students of this course will "learn the screenwriting secrets behind successful cinematic stories in the world of film & television script writing".
​
There are no prerequisites to undertake this course, first-time screenwriters to writers with experience can enroll, so only the enthusiasm to study the wonderful craft of screenwriting is required.
​
Learning Outcomes
If you would like to be able to craft a full-length film screenplay taught by an leading industry expert, this course could benefit you. Lessons in this screenwriting course include screenwriting techniques, plot development for the big screen, creating compelling characters, sequence writing to manage an ensemble cast, and much more.
 
Additional Info
  • There is a 30-day money-back guarantee with this course (as with all Udemy courses).
  • This course comprises 6 sections, 26 lectures, and is 2 hours and 52 minutes in length.
  • Participants can start at any time and complete at their own pace.
 
Links
  • Website: Inspirational Screenwriting.
  • See Udemy's full list of Creative Writing courses here.

8. The Fundamentals of Screenwriting

Script University, developed by Writer's Digest, provides an online screenwriting course to "give your script a solid foundation". For writers with the gem of an idea but needing the tools and guidance to take it to the next level and make the screenplay a success, this course puts you on the right track.
 
Your expert tutor for this online screenwriting course is Donald H. Hewitt, a screenwriter and member of the Writers Guild of America with two decades of experience in this industry.
​
This online screenwriting course is aimed at anyone interested in writing a screenplay and wanting to learn the key aspects of screenwriting and the essential techniques when working toward your final draft.

Learning Outcomes
The four sessions of this course cover structure, format and action; character and conflict; plot and subplot; and dialogue and rewriting.
 
Additional Info
  • This four-week online screenwriting course is available to enroll on set dates throughout the year.
  
Links
  • Website: The Fundamentals of Screenwriting.
  • See Script University's full list of online screenwriting courses here.
Final Draft 11 EDU

9. Write a Feature Length Screenplay for Film or Television – Free

This online screenwriting course provided by Michigan State University via Coursera offers writers of all genres the learning to write a "polished and pitch-ready script".
 
From a leading educational institution via Coursera, Michigan State University provides the tools and techniques for writers to create a screenplay in this practical, motivating and highly recommended course.

No previous script-writing experience is required to enroll, so this course would suit beginners as well as professional writers.
​
Learning Outcomes
The video lessons cover a 20-week period and include creating the idea, creating your character profile/s, the three-act story arc, screenplay formatting and software, how to structure each act, and more.
 
Additional Info
  • There are flexible deadlines, so students can work around their schedule.
  • Students can enroll on to this course at any time.
  • The course states that it takes approximately 93 hours to complete.
 
Links
  • Website: Write a Feature Length Screenplay for Film or Television.
  • See Coursera's full list of screenwriting courses here.

10. Playwriting and Screenwriting Course

This is an online playwriting and screenwriting course from Oplex Careers via Reed.co.uk which offers learners "an insight into the art of playwriting and screenwriting exploring theories and concepts to enhance your creative writing".
 
Students of this course will cover a variety of topics on the best practices when writing for this medium, along with techniques, theories, and more. As well as undertaking a range of lessons, this course provides numerous examples for assessment.

Whether beginner, intermediate or advanced, this course is suitable for any level of writer wanting to study playwriting and screenwriting.

Learning Outcomes
This online screenwriting course covers an introduction to playwriting and screenwriting, finding the motivation, starting your first piece of writing, the importance of characters and the back story, developing your story, identifying your own style of writing, creating structure, and more.
 
Additional Info
  • This online course is self-paced (access is available for up to 12 months from enrollment date).
  • A fee is applicable to receive certification for this course.
  • The course states that it takes approximately 80 hours to complete.
  
Links
  • Website: Playwriting and Screenwriting Course.
  • See Reed.co.uk's full list of screenwriting courses from various vendors here.

Conclusion
Now you’ve decided to progress your screenwriting skills, learning from a professional script writing course will help you to develop your writing further.
 
Also, you can connect with other writers with the same interest and passion for writing who you can discuss ideas with or ask for advice and feedback.
 
If you make time to write each day, even for just a few minutes, and apply the techniques and tips from a writing class, you will see the improvements and your growth as a writer.

I wish you all the best on the next step of your writing journey!


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