Discover the Best Screenwriting Classes Near Me
A screenwriter is someone who writes and creates screenplays for movies, television, video games, and other forms of media. Screenwriting as an art form has been around since the dawn of entertainment and has evolved as media has shifted from many different iterations, genres, and styles. Some consider Shakespeare to be the first screenwriter, but George Melie’s 1902 film A Trip to the Moon is closest in structure to modern screenplays. Additionally, screenwriting is also considered to be an in-demand and lucrative career choice. If you have an idea or story worth telling, consider learning how to write a screenplay.
Why You Should Learn Screenwriting
There are many reasons to learn screenwriting. The first, most obvious option, is the chance that your screenplay could become an incredibly successful movie, television show, or video game premise. If you are passionate about writing and hope to work in the entertainment industry, learning how to effectively write a screenplay is an impressive skill. This opens the door for other organizations, clubs, and career advancements that you may have never considered. If this seems too far-fetched to you, remember that you’ll never know if you don’t try, so take a chance on your ideas.
Even if you aren’t interested in becoming a professional screenwriter, you could still learn how to write a screenplay as a fun, creative hobby or as a way to get involved in local, small-scale media and entertainment. For example, if you like to take part in local theater and television productions, knowing how to write a screenplay could help you with scriptwriting as well. This hobby is a great way to expand your creativity and push the boundaries within your imagination. It is also a great way to meet and share ideas with people who share your creative interests.
5 Ways to Learn Screenwriting
There are many ways to learn screenwriting. Not only that but learning how to write a screenplay is entirely attainable. This art form is not necessarily complex but requires certain skill sets and techniques. Having an experienced screenwriting instructor who can clearly relay foundational screenwriting information makes the process much easier and faster. Consider trying one of these methods to learn to screenwrite:
- In-person classes with an expert instructor are a great way to dive right into screenwriting. You get to learn screenwriting alongside peers and your instructor will be available to answer any questions you have. Your instructor will likely provide any necessary materials as well.
- Enroll in a live online course. The class is conducted in real-time, so you’ll get direct feedback from an instructor and have the opportunity to meet aspiring screenwriters from around the country. Some classes even ship course materials directly to your door, but you may have to source your own materials from a local shop or online seller.
- You could practice with a self-paced, on-demand class. This includes using videos or tutorials. While these are free and easily accessible, you won’t have the advantage of having an instructor to guide you along the way.
- Search your local library or preferred bookstore for a self-help book about screenwriting. Books are a fantastic resource to use while learning any new skill.
- Set up an interview with a screenwriter. You can reach out to people working in various industries and genres to get more insight into screenwriting. You may even be able to shadow a screenwriter for a day to get a more hands-on experience with the craft.
In-Person Screenwriting Classes
There are in-person screenwriting classes offered nationwide that can help you achieve your screenwriting goals. In-person classes are beneficial and help make learning easier. Having an instructor present to answer your questions is worthwhile because it facilitates the learning process and helps you understand complex concepts. You can also meet like-minded individuals and make a few new friends. Overall, in-person courses are an ideal way to learn about and immerse yourself in the world of screenwriting.
Ask yourself why you want to learn screenwriting. Maybe you’re passionate about the art of writing and want to explore various styles. Perhaps you have a wild story that you are passionate about and want to share with the world. Maybe you just need a creative outlet so you can express yourself. Regardless of your reason, you can learn proper screenwriting practices through these in-person classes.
Looking for the right place to get started on your screenwriting journey? The New York International Screenplay Awards offers an introductory course in the Upper West Side of Manhattan dedicated to learning How to Write an Award-Winning Screenplay. The instructor is an experienced screenwriter who helps you not only craft a compelling story but convert it to a written screenplay. This one-on-one course blends creative and technical aspects that go into screenwriting, so by the end, you’ll be able to confidently write a screenplay. Plus, you will receive a certificate and free feedback on your screenplay.
Once you have mastered the basic concepts involved in screenwriting, you can improve upon your screenplay by adding more in-depth characters through a Character Creation course. This class is also offered by The New York International Screenplay Awards and is taught by an expert instructor. This workshop focuses on the basics of character creation such as maintaining consistency, planning how characters will engage within the plot, and crafting effective dialogue between characters. You will receive a certificate upon completion of the course and plenty of feedback on your screenplay during this course, so you can build upon your characters even further.
There are so many factors to consider while writing a screenplay. The New York International Screenplay Awards has a plethora of courses to help you along the way. Consider the Building a Strong Structure course, which is a more advanced course that helps you tie up any loose ends within your screenplay. This includes things like the structure of the screenplay, the logic behind the plot, and other technical aspects. Similar to other courses offered by this organization, you will receive feedback and a certificate at the completion of this workshop, so you can feel accomplished and prepared to take the next steps in your writing process.
If you are interested in a more hands-on experience with other classmates, Santa Monica College offers an Introduction to Screenwriting course that covers the fundamentals of dramatic screenwriting. You will gain access to the tools screenwriters use and will perfect your writing style through weekly practice sessions designed specifically to help develop screenwriting skills. This class is highly interactive, so you can expect to read your work aloud and hear others' screenplays as well. This practice ensures that you receive ample feedback from multiple perspectives so you can improve upon your screenplay.
Has your child shown interest in screenwriting, acting, or other art forms? Script School hosts a Summer Camp: Make a Movie in a Week in Toluca Lake, California that is perfectly suited for your young blooming artist. This five-day camp has something for everyone, including talk show recordings, zombie movie-making workshops, and the chance to film, evaluate, and edit a completed film. Some previously made movies have even been entered into international film festivals! Your child will gain experience in writing scripts, acting on stage, and using film equipment to create their own film project. This could lead to your child pursuing an active career in the entertainment industry.
If you have dreamt of writing a screenplay but have no clue where to start, look no further than Write a Feature Screenplay in 5 Weeks, a class offered by The Los Angeles City College located in East Hollywood. This class helps you start and finish a screenplay you can be proud of in just a little over one month. The entertainment industry moves fast, so consider this a crash course in this fast-paced industry. You will learn the basic structure of a screenplay as well as how to work within the style of writing that best suits your vision and your story. Come to class with an idea of any kind – whether you have pages to work with or only a simple synopsis.
The Los Angeles City College also has a Sketch Comedy Writing course for those with that special comedic voice. This fun course includes in-class exercises and take-home assignments that help strengthen the writing and delivery of your jokes. In just six weeks, you will have a foundation to build upon and further develop stories, characters, dialogue, and punchlines. Perhaps you don’t see yourself as a strong writer, or even a funny person. Don’t worry – this class is a great place to get started and gain confidence in your ability to make others laugh.
Virtual Screenwriting Classes
In-person classes are a fantastic way to learn new screenwriting skills and meet other people with the same interests. However, you may not have access to an in-person screenwriting class in your area. Maybe there are plenty of classes, but none that work within your schedule. Whatever the reason, don’t let that stop you from learning. Consider looking at online screenwriting classes that are offered all around the country.
When you enroll in an online screenwriting class, you can choose from a variety of courses all without leaving the comfort of your home. These online classes give you the freedom to learn at your own pace and offer more flexible scheduling. Plus, the time you save on a commute to and from class can be used to work on your screenplay.
Some online courses may require you to provide your own materials. If that is the case, you can expect the instructor to provide you with a detailed list of supplies. You can find these supplies in any local store or major online seller. However, take a look around your house before, as you may already have some course materials laying around. Materials may include items such as pens, paper, or a computer.
Writing Pad provides a Screenwriting I: Intro to Screenwriting class for anyone interested in learning how to become a screenwriter. This course is intended for those with some experience with writing or working on a screenplay, but who may still need further instruction. Additionally, this course is taught by an expert screenwriter with ample experience writing for major entertainment corporations such as Fox, Sony, Disney, Nickelodeon, and more. This five-week course will help you develop a movie idea, outline a compelling story, and create an interesting scene for viewers. By the end of this course, you will be more informed on the ins and outs of screenwriting.
The New York Screenwriter’s Lab has a 6-Week Film Screenplay Workshop that equips students with the foundational concepts, tools, and techniques necessary for creating a stellar screenplay. In this course, you will learn how to write elaborate characters and a captivating storyline before translating that idea into a coherent screenplay. This class focuses on key elements that are essential to screenwriting, so you can leave feeling confident that you have learned the most effective method to break into the world of screenwriting.
Want a crash course on story creation? The LA Writers’ Lab offers a 30-Day Outline Your Story class that will help you create a structured story with an interesting plot and well-developed characters. This class emphasizes that an outline is a roadmap to success, so you will have a concise, well-crafted structure to your screenplay. There is a blend of techniques used in this course, including lectures, writing exercises, and class discussion questions to help guide you through the screenwriting process. You will have a chance to watch films, review scenes, and apply necessary screenwriting principles to your very own screenplay.
Private Group Screenwriting Classes
Are you interested in providing screenwriting classes for your team? You may have a writing club and want to bring a fun activity to your next meeting. Look no further than the screenwriting classes for private groups that CourseHorse has to offer. Enrolling is easy and seamless as CourseHorse will deliver the event materials straight to you and your group.
In the Virtual Trivia: Movies course, your group will test their knowledge of cinema and Hollywood. The group facilitator will guide your group through four rounds of challenging yet entertaining trivia questions that your teammates will figure out together. Games typically last an hour but can be modified depending on your group's needs. This is a great way to learn more about movies in a fun environment with colleagues or close friends.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to act in a screenplay? Perhaps you’ve never acted before and want to take the first step. Consider Virtual Team-Building Improv Workshop. Your group will practice various improv techniques to help you collaborate as a team and make decisions quickly in an easy-going environment. This is a great opportunity to practice listening, collaborating, communicating, and allowing yourself to have fun in the process.
Getting ready for the class is so easy. CourseHorse ships all supplies directly to each course participant or provides your group with a comprehensive list of easily accessible items. These items could include a notebook, a pen, or index cards.
For a $150 fee, you can personalize your event with additional games, specific questions, different themes, or add a second event. The minimum group size varies throughout each course, but as long as the minimum number of participants has been met, you can adjust your group size up to a week before the event.
You will also receive a confirmation within 24 hours of your reservation. Plus, when you book a private event with CourseHorse, there are zero booking fees. For more information on available options, reach out to CourseHorse through the contact form on their website.
CourseHorse recommends using the Zoom platform for events, but accommodations can be made if your group prefers Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. Many courses can even come to your office, party, or home if that is preferred.
What Will I Need to Learn Screenwriting?
Before you decide to try screenwriting, you may need to gather a few supplies. Many of these necessary items are available at your local store or online supplier, but you may already have these items on hand. For example, you may need to collect items like notepads, pens, pencils, erasers, and index cards to help you excel as a screenwriter. Other items can include a screenwriter book, a calendar, or screenwriting software. Additionally, you will want to ensure you have a designated writing space that is ideal for productivity.
Is It Difficult to Learn Screenwriting?
Much like anything else, screenwriting is a skill that can be improved upon over time through practice, dedication, and education. Although becoming a screenwriter requires talent and exposure, you can craft a well-received screenplay through time, effort, and persistence. Don’t let your fear of writing deter you from trying something new. Whether you enjoy writing as a hobby or hope to pursue a career as a screenwriter, you will feel accomplished once you complete your very own screenplay.
