Screenwriting Beginners Online Short Course
Course description
Ever wanted to write a script, but don’t know where to begin? Then this course is for you!
Covering everything from that first idea to tackling that tricky rewrite, this introductory course is designed to demystify the whole process and get you writing.
Learn the tricks of the trade in a fun and supportive environment from a screenwriter and tutor with writing credits on TV, radio and shorts and over 20 years teaching experience.
All our Online Short Courses include:
- Live online lessons with the same tutors
- The same course content and learning outcomes
- Lesson recordings, for review
- Access to VLE with course content
- Forums for support
- 2 weeks online access
- Certificate upon completion
Please note that all courses are taught in UK time.
Available dates
Details
Topics covered
- We will work on taking your ideas from that first spark to working out its ideal form (is it a short film, a feature or a TV pilot?).
- We will look at the importance in mapping out your story before writing it, whether through a treatment/outline, note cards or ‘mind maps’.
- We will examine classic theories of story structure and see how they can work for you.
- We will look at the dialogue and the challenges of making it sound authentic rather than 'written'.
- We will look at the role genre plays and how it can be used (and subverted) to engage your prospective audience.
- We will cover practical elements such as: formatting, outlining and (when you feel your work is ready) how best to approach the industry’s ‘gatekeepers’ (producers, development execs, agents etc.)
- Please note: while the course has a weekly presentation/lecture element, attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own ideas and work in progress (though we may only have time to look at short pitches and scenes rather full scripts).
After all, the best way to learn to write a script is to write a script!
Materials
Online short course materials
To take part in the Online sessions you will need:
- An up-to-date web browser (we recommend Chrome)
- Microphone and headphones (a headset with a microphone function is recommended. The built-in microphone in your device would also be fine)
- Webcam
- Strong Internet connection - we recommend a minimum of 2 Mbps download, and 1 Mbps upload, faster if possible. You can test your network speed here - https://www.speedtest.net
There are no specific advance requirements for this course, though you may wish to buy (or download a free trial version) of screenwriting software such as Fade In or Final Draft.
You are also encouraged to bring an idea (or ideas) that you would like to develop into a script (whether for a feature, short or TV pilot).
While the course uses an eclectic range of clips (which may change according the group’s areas of interest) two features that are often referenced are ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ and Billy Wilder’s ‘The Apartment’ so you may wish to watch those ahead of time.
That said, there are no specific films that you *must* watch.
Finally, I would also recommend getting in the habit of reading recent screenplays (https://www.scriptslug.com is a particularly good resource).
Meet the Tutor
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