Script Writing Courses

They used to say that everyone has a book inside them, just waiting to come out. Today, I’m not sure that’s true. People are more visual, and often find it difficult to take the time to read a book. Film is different, so maybe we should say there’s a screenplay in everyone, and it’s never been easier to find out how to develop it. All you need is a list of script writing courses so you can find the one that suits your time, budget and scriptwriting ambitions.

Online script writing courses allow you to study in your own time and without travelling; they’re ideal for the budding screenwriter who still has a ‘proper’ job. Studying online allows you to fit seminars (or webinars) around your life. You listen to the recording when you have the time. Sadly, there is an enormous downside; no feedback. No interaction with your tutor, and when it comes to writing, whether it’s script writing or any other kind of writing, feedback and interaction are pretty crucial.

Fortunately there are script writing courses online where the tutor not only gives the seminar live (so you can make the effort to attend) but also provides direct, one on one feedback, though these are typically more expensive than other online script writing courses which simply provide course materials and pre-recorded lectures or webinars.

Script writing is not and end. It is a means. At the end of the process you’ll have a scipt, but what then? Gotham Writers Workshop offer an online course for script writers which covers the next stage; How to Sell Your Screenplay. Students learn from an insider, get an opportunity to pitch to the instructor and gain a realistic view of whether they can make it as a screen writer.

Many of the script writing courses on the web (and in person) provide analyses of existing screenplays to help you understand how to put a movie script together. You’ll find these at writeyourscreenplay.com, but if you want to browse through the scipts yourself, you’ll find many are available for download, there is a useful, searchable index at simplyscripts.com, though the pages are not always up to date.

The BBC has a considerable reputation when it comes to training, and many London based courses are run by experienced television script writers and editors. Screenwriting Goldmine operate weekend courses in script writing where they cover the essentials of the craft, including how to sell the result; how to pitch to agents and executives. Each weekend course has an associated ‘special guest’ a professional from the industry, who provides useful information on the market, what’s in demand and how you can use that knowledge to sell your work.

What's most surprising about these courses is that they're not expensive, in educational terms. Almost every one has some sort of associated payment plan, so if there is a frustrated writer deep inside you, of if you've ever watched a movie and thought 'I could do better than that', why wait? There are many, many script writing courses, online and offline. There's bound to be one to suit you.

Don't make Hollywood wait!

If not now, when?