You'll learn the basics of crafting compelling stories for the screen. The course covers story structure, character development, dialogue writing, and formatting scripts. You'll analyze successful screenplays, practice writing scenes, and develop your own short screenplay. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation in the art and craft of screenwriting for both film and TV.
It's not super hard, but it does require creativity and dedication. The concepts aren't too complex, but applying them can be challenging. You'll need to come up with original ideas and be open to feedback. The hardest part is probably staying motivated to keep writing and revising. Overall, if you enjoy storytelling and are willing to put in the work, you should be fine.
Introduction to Film Studies: This course covers the basics of film analysis, history, and theory. You'll watch a bunch of classic and contemporary films and learn how to dissect them.
Creative Writing: In this class, you'll explore various forms of creative writing, including short stories and poetry. It'll help you develop your storytelling skills and find your voice as a writer.
Playwriting: Learn to write for the stage instead of the screen. You'll focus on dialogue, character development, and creating compelling stories within the constraints of live theater.
Television Writing: Dive into the specifics of writing for TV series. You'll learn about episode structure, season arcs, and how to write for continuing characters.
Adaptation Writing: Explore the process of turning existing works (books, articles, true stories) into screenplays. You'll learn how to condense and reshape stories for the screen.
Short Film Production: Take your screenplay skills and apply them to actually making a film. You'll write, shoot, and edit your own short film.
Film and Television Production: Students learn all aspects of creating content for the screen, from writing and directing to editing and producing. Graduates often work on film sets or in TV production companies.
Creative Writing: This major focuses on developing writing skills across various forms, including fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. Graduates often pursue careers in publishing, journalism, or continue on to MFA programs.
Media Studies: Students analyze media's role in society, covering topics like film theory, digital culture, and media production. Graduates often work in media criticism, content creation, or pursue further studies in communications.
English: This major involves studying literature, language, and various forms of writing. While not exclusively focused on screenwriting, it provides a strong foundation in storytelling and analysis that can be applied to script writing.
Screenwriter: Write scripts for films, TV shows, or web series. You'll develop story ideas, create characters, and craft dialogue that brings stories to life on screen.
Script Reader: Work for production companies or agencies, reading and evaluating screenplays. You'll write coverage reports and help decide which scripts are worth pursuing.
Story Editor: Work in television to help shape the overall narrative of a series. You'll collaborate with writers to develop episode ideas and ensure continuity across a season.
Content Creator: Develop and produce original content for online platforms like YouTube or TikTok. You'll use your storytelling skills to create engaging short-form videos.
Development Executive: Work at a production company or studio to find and develop new projects. You'll read scripts, work with writers on revisions, and help shepherd projects from idea to screen.
Do I need to buy special software to write screenplays? While professional software like Final Draft can be helpful, it's not necessary for beginners. You can use free options like Celtx or even Google Docs with the right formatting.
How long does it take to write a feature-length screenplay? It varies widely, but most writers take anywhere from 3-6 months for a first draft. Remember, rewriting is a big part of the process too.
Can I make money selling spec scripts? It's possible, but very rare for new writers. Most successful screenwriters build careers by getting representation, taking assignments, and developing a portfolio of work.
Is it better to specialize in a specific genre? While it's good to explore different genres, many writers find success by becoming known for a particular style or type of story. However, versatility can also be an asset in your career.