Screenwriting is a craft that combines creativity, technique, and storytelling skills to create compelling films and television shows. Whether you’re a beginner looking to pen your first script or a seasoned writer seeking to refine your skills, there are numerous online classes available that cater to various levels of expertise. Here’s a guide to some of the top online screenwriting classes you can take to elevate your craft.
- MasterClass – Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting
One of the most acclaimed screenwriters in Hollywood, Aaron Sorkin (known for “The Social Network” and “A Few Good Men”) offers a MasterClass that delves deep into his unique writing style. In this course, students can expect to cover dialogue, character development, and the importance of structure. The interactive assignments and community feedback add an extra layer of engagement.
Key Features:
– Video lessons on various aspects of screenwriting
– Insightful assignments and feedback opportunities
– Includes behind-the-scenes stories from Sorkin’s career
- Screencraft’s Screenwriting 101
Screencraft offers several online courses, including “Screenwriting 101,” focused on the essentials of writing for the screen. This course covers fundamentals such as structure, character development, dialogue, and screenplay formatting. It’s perfect for beginners who want a solid foundation in screenwriting.
Key Features:
– Comprehensive modules covering key screenwriting topics
– Access to resources and materials
– Community forum for discussion and feedback
- Udemy – Complete Screenwriting Course: Write a Feature Film in 30 Days
This Udemy course provides a structured pathway for aspiring screenwriters to draft a complete feature film script in just 30 days. The course is project-based, encouraging students to write and polish their scripts as they learn. It covers everything from outlining to finalizing the script.
Key Features:
– 30 comprehensive lessons, each designed to tackle specific scriptwriting elements
– Lifetime access to course materials
– Opportunities to receive feedback on your writing
- The Writers Store – Screenwriting 101 Online Course
This course is designed for beginners and covers essential topics needed to start writing a screenplay. It offers a step-by-step approach, including lesson handouts, assignments, and script analysis. The course helps students understand the basics of storytelling, character arcs, and marketable concepts.
Key Features:
– Comprehensive curriculum designed for beginners
– Hands-on writing assignments and exercises
– Feedback on written work from experienced instructors
- Coursera – Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot
Offered by Wesleyan University on Coursera, this course focuses on narrative structure and how to craft compelling plots—fundamental elements of screenwriting. Although it’s not exclusively about screenwriting, it offers valuable insights into storytelling that are applicable to the medium.
Key Features:
– Insight into plotting techniques used in various forms of writing
– Flexible deadlines and ability to learn at your own pace
– Peer-reviewed assignments for constructive feedback
- ScreenwritingU – 8-Week Screenwriting Course
ScreenwritingU offers an immersive, intensive 8-week course that guides students through the screenwriting process while providing personalized mentoring. The course emphasizes character development, structure, and writing strategies essential for successful screenplays.
Key Features:
– Extensive focus on character arcs and emotional engagement
– One-on-one mentorship from industry professionals
– In-depth resources for developing your script
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts – Online Screenwriting Course
The prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts offers a high-level online screenwriting class focusing on developing personal voice and style. While it bears academic rigor, the course retains practical elements, allowing aspiring writers to develop their projects.
Key Features:
– Access to faculty with industry experience
– Intense focus on the workshopping process
– Networking opportunities with fellow filmmakers
- Gotham Writers – Scriptwriting
Gotham Writers offers a robust online scriptwriting course that focuses on the basics of writing scripts for film, TV, and web. The course covers key concepts such as dialogue, plot development, and character arcs and includes a mix of lectures, writing exercises, and feedback.
Key Features:
– Comprehensive curriculum designed for various screenwriting formats
– Personal feedback from experienced instructors
– Inclusive, supportive community for writers
Conclusion
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to deepen your skills, these online screenwriting classes provide a wealth of knowledge, resources, and opportunities for feedback. Engaging with both professional writers and fellow aspiring screenwriters can enhance your understanding and ability to craft compelling stories for the screen. Choose a course that best fits your needs and start your journey to becoming a skilled screenwriter today!
