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Screenwriting Classes NYC

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Unleash your creative potential with screenwriting classes in NYC. From developing compelling characters to crafting captivating plots, these courses provide invaluable knowledge and skills that will elevate your writing to new heights, opening doors to exciting opportunities in the industry.

4 classes in-person in NYC have spots left, and 10 classes live online are available.

How to Write an Award-Winning Screenplay (Private 2-Hour Session)

New York International Screenplay Awards @ David Rubenstein Atrium, New York, NY

Learn the secrets to creating an award-winning screenplay in this workshop led by Emine Dursun, an experienced festival director, jury member, and screenwriter. Discover the crucial elements of storytelling and master the technical aspects of formatting. Gain insider knowledge on the criteria used by top competitions like Nicholls Fellowship, Blue Cat, and NYISA.

(2) All levels 12 and older

Character Creation (Private 2-Hour Session)

New York International Screenplay Awards @ David Rubenstein Atrium, New York, NY

Unlock the secrets to creating captivating characters at the New York International Screenplay Awards' Advanced Screenwriting Development Programs. Dive deep into the principles of characterization, engagement with plots, consistency, connections with others and the audience, and the effects of dialogue. Don't miss out on this immersive workshop for aspiring screenwriters.

(2) All levels 12 and older

Building A Strong Structure (Private 2-Hour Session)

New York International Screenplay Awards @ David Rubenstein Atrium, New York, NY

Master the art of screenwriting with New York International Screenplay Awards' Advanced Screenwriting Development Programs. Learn the principles and steps to create a strong structure for your screenplay in this compact workshop. Get expert guidance and valuable feedback on your work.

(2) All levels 12 and older
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Screenwriting I: 10-Week Workshop

Gotham Writers Workshop @ 555 8th Ave, New York, NY

Master the art of screenwriting and bring your stories to life on the big screen. Learn the fundamentals of cinematic storytelling and how to create compelling characters and plotlines in this immersive workshop at Gotham Writers Workshop. Unleash your creativity and craft a screenplay that will captivate audiences with its emotional depth and visual splendor.

(745) Beginner 18 and older
$490

10 sessions

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Screenplay Writing 101 (Private - 2 Hours)

Script School @ Online Classroom

Transform your movie or TV idea into a fully structured and captivating story with the guidance of experienced screenwriters at Script School's exclusive Story Development course. Gain valuable insights on theme selection, character development, and storyline design, equipping you with the essential tools to bring your story to life through a treatment and eventually a screenplay.

(5) All levels 13 and older

Screenwriting I: 10 Week Workshop (Online)

Gotham Writers Workshop @ Zoom Conference

Master the art of screenwriting with this immersive workshop from Gotham Writers Workshop. Dive into the world of movies, learning the fundamentals of dramatic writing, crafting compelling characters, and developing captivating plotlines. Whether you dream of Hollywood glamour or indie grit, this course will equip you with the skills to bring your stories to life on the silver screen.

(745) Beginner 18 and older
$464

10 sessions

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30-Day Outline Your Story

L.A. Writers' Lab

Discover the craft of outlining your story in this immersive workshop at L.A. Writers' Lab. Unleash the wildness of your imagination while mastering the art of story structure. Through lectures, exercises, and film analysis, unlock your protagonist's transformation and build a compelling narrative.

(2) All levels 18 and older
$400

5 sessions

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Screenwriting I: Intro to Screenwriting

Writing Pad

Learn from veteran screenwriter Chris Reed and turn your movie ideas into a killer script. Discover the secrets of story structure, character development, and formatting in this online screenwriting class. Don't miss your chance to break into the industry and avoid rookie mistakes.

(59) Beginner 16 and older
$480

5 sessions

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Screenwriting III: A Master Screenwriting Workshop

Writing Pad

Take your movie script to the next level with veteran screenwriter Chris Reed. In this workshop, you'll learn advanced techniques and tried-and-true solutions to overcome your script challenges. Craft your protagonist's inner conflict and story surprises while getting personalized guidance to move closer to a finished draft.

(59) Advanced 16 and older
$420

4 sessions

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Screenwriting II: Outlining and Writing a Feature

The Barrow Group Acting School @ Live Online

Learn advanced techniques in crafting compelling feature film scripts in this intensive course. Refine your outlining and writing skills under the guidance of industry professionals at a renowned acting school. Elevate your screenwriting abilities and bring your creative visions to life on the page.

(66) Intermediate 18 and older
$495

11 sessions

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Write Your Screenplay

Jacob Krueger Studio

Discover screenwriting and forever change the way you approach your craft. Award-winning screenwriter Jacob Krueger will guide you through a transformative four-week workshop that teaches you how to grow your script from the initial idea to the movie of your dreams. Join a supportive community of fellow writers as you learn to integrate your artistic goals into your real-world life.

(43) Beginner 16 and older
$375

4 sessions

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Screenwriting I: Introduction

The Barrow Group Acting School @ Live Online

Learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and how to bring your ideas to life on the big screen with The Barrow Group Acting School's course. Explore screenplay structure, character development, and dialogue through engaging weekly assignments, readings, and viewings. Develop your own original short screenplay with guidance from industry professionals during this ten-week course.

(66) Beginner 18 and older
$425

9 sessions

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Scripts in Focus Level I: 6 Weeks (Self-Paced)

Gotham Writers Workshop

Unleash the power of your words and transform them into captivating scripts that resonate with your audience. Explore the art of scriptwriting with expert guidance and hands-on exercises.

(745) All levels 18 and older
$364

2 sessions

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The 90-Day Screenplay

L.A. Writers' Lab

Unlock the transformative power of storytelling in the lively and immersive 90-Day Screenplay course at L.A. Writers' Lab. Discover a process that marries imagination with structure, allowing you to bring your unique perspective to life on the page. Join us for weekly live Zoom calls, craft lessons, and screening clips to ignite your creativity and master the art of storytelling.

(2) All levels 18 and older
$1,000

14 sessions

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Meditative Writing

Jacob Krueger Studio @ 247 W 35th St, New York, NY

The goal of meditative writing is to return you to that time, when finding your voice as a writer was as easy as being yourself, and raw creativity flowed as effortlessly as inspiration. You’ll learn to banish writer’s block forever, find inspiration in an instant, and discover the heart of your story and your characters, by tapping into your own voice as a writer, and your deepest creative instincts. Each session begins with a short guided...

(43) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$375

4 sessions

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Write Your Screenplay Level 3

Jacob Krueger Studio @ 247 W 35th St, New York, NY

Available exclusively to students who have completed our Level 1 & 2 classes and member of our Protrack Mentorship program and limited to only 12 students, our Level 3 workshop provides a close knit community for serious writers to workshop their scenes through in-class table reads and get advanced feedback on their scripts. About this Course: A Screenwriting Workshop for Serious Writers With an intimate class size and extensive opportunities...

(43) Advanced 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$1,200

10 sessions

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Write Your Screenplay Level 2

Jacob Krueger Studio @ 247 W 35th St, New York, NY

Now that you’ve learned the foundations of structure in Write Your Screenplay, it’s time to take your Art and your Craft to the next level in this Level 2 Screenwriting Workshop. While most screenwriting classes try to juggle both the art and the craft of writing at the same time, this class takes a different approach, focusing first on exercises to find the story you really want to tell, then taking that seed and...

(43) Intermediate 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$575

6 sessions

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Playwriting: Big Stories in Short Forms

Irish Arts Center @ 150 W 46th St, New York, NY

From Farquhar to Beckett, to Behan and Friel, Ireland has produced many of the world's major dramatists. Playwright, Jeffrey James Keyes, takes over our playwriting class for the winter.

(51) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$180

8 sessions

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10 Week Evening Screenwriting

International Film Institute of New York @ 440 Lafayette St, New York, NY

Screenplays demand a specific structure. In this seminar students will begin with an idea and during the first five sessions build a coherent treatment of the events and major emotional arcs of the film's three acts. In the final five sessions students will begin and complete the first act and an outline of their feature length screenplay. Topics to be discussed will include: Cinematic Storytelling: The Foundation of Filmmaking Good Stories...

(5) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$800

10 sessions

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The Outline and the Beat Sheet

Jacob Krueger Studio @ 247 W 35th St, New York, NY

Everybody knows an outline can be a vital tool for developing the structure of a screenplay, and a necessary requirement when working with producers and directors. But how do you outline a screenplay without losing touch with your instincts, or following the same old tired formulas?  In this workshop with award winning screenwriter Joe Gilford, you’ll learn a new approach to outlining that begins with character and grows organically from...

(43) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$350

4 sessions

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Reviews for Screenwriting Classes in NYC

Screenwriting Classes in NYC are rated 4.5 stars based on 978 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Write Your Screenplay

    Reviewed by DIANE G. on 12/7/2023
    Jake is an amazing teacher. Many are good at their craft but unable to share it. He does it with a warm, interactive style that made the class fun and interesting.
  • How to Write an Award-Winning Screenplay (Private 2-Hour Session)

    Reviewed by damien l. on 2/7/2023
    Emine Durson is magic. She is so on point and detail oriented and talented. I am extremely grateful for the 2 hours she made her gifts available to me.
  • Screenwriting I: 10-Week Workshop

    Anonymous review on 6/17/2021
    Jeremy is a great teacher!
  • Write Your Screenplay

    Reviewed by Dan W. on 2/25/2020
    I haven't been this inspired in ages. Jacob made the course work and eventual worth of the screenplay seem like something that I knew I should do but didn't know how to finish.
  • How to Write an Award-Winning Screenplay (Private 2-Hour Session)

    Reviewed by Abbey B. on 3/11/2019
    Fabulous
  • Write Your Screenplay

    Anonymous review on 2/15/2019
    Inspiring, practical, encouraging. The kickstart you need.
  • Write Your Screenplay

    Reviewed by Matthew D. on 2/8/2019
    I have been around writing for a very long time from many perspectives, have degrees in writing and so on and within the first 15 minutes of class I started hearing things from Jacob that I had never heard anywhere. He is a brilliant teacher and the kind of person you just want to be around because I know he is changing not just my writing but my life in ways that I still have not even fully realized yet.
  • Write Your Screenplay

    Reviewed by Agnes C. on 6/28/2018
    Katie was great!
  • Screenwriting I: 10-Week Workshop

    Reviewed by Anayes B. on 6/23/2017
    I loved this class! The instructor was very knowledgeable, and created an environment that was easy to learn and ask questions in. As a first-timer, I feel like I learned what I needed in order to advance to the next level. Highly recommend!
  • Write Your Screenplay

    Reviewed by Alex S. on 3/2/2016
    The class really help me get over my fears and insecurities and just start writing! The exercices are brilliant and really help you develop good habits and painlessly start building structure.

Discover the Best Screenwriting Classes in NYC

Screenwriting is simply the act of writing a screenplay. More specifically, screenplays are the scripts that are used in various forms of media such as movies, television shows, and even video games. These scripts are all-encompassing as they include elements such as the dialogue between characters, particular acting instructions, and the direction of movement. Screenwriting can be a gainful career choice, a creative outlet, or a practice in different styles of writing.

Why You Should Learn Screenwriting in NYC

There are many benefits to learning screenwriting. The most obvious reason is the chance to break into the entertainment industry as a successful screenwriter. Screenwriting in New York City can certainly turn into a profitable career as many television shows and movies are filmed all throughout the city. Additionally, the NYC film and television industry brings in billions of dollars and employs hundreds of thousands of individuals on a yearly basis, so there is a huge market for screenwriters and other industry-related fields. It is no surprise that writers flock to New York as it has the second highest level of employment for writers. With the right education, skills, and tools, it is possible to write a powerful screenplay.

Other than the chance at fame and fortune, there are plenty of personal reasons to learn screenwriting. For example, many people think that writing is a daunting or difficult task. However, you don’t have to be a perfect writer in order to enjoy doing it. Writing in all forms can be incredibly cathartic. If you have something on your mind or a story that you feel would translate well on the big screen, screenwriting may be a great hobby to pick up. Who knows – with time, dedication, and plenty of revision, you could even enter and win a screenwriting contest.

In-Person Screenwriting Classes & Schools in NYC

There are many opportunities to learn how to write a screenplay through an in-person screenwriting class in NYC. Learning this way is fast and easy since you will have an experienced screenwriting instructor at your disposal to answer questions, provide feedback, or help with formatting errors. Plus, there will be other individuals in the classroom who share the same passion, so you will have new friends and a fresh set of eyes to look at your writing.

Taking an in-person class also removes the stress that finding materials and ample workspace often brings. If you live in a cramped apartment or in a noisy area, your instructor and classroom will usually provide a calm, welcoming area in which to work on your screenplay. This is one less thing for you to worry about, which lets you focus more on your work.

The New York International Screenplay Awards located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan offers many courses that help write an effective, engaging, and elaborate screenplay. For example, How to Write an Award-Winning Screenplay discusses what it takes to create an award-winning screenplay. The instructor is an experienced screenwriter and film festival director who knows that a screenplay not only has to be well-written but also marketable. In this course, you will learn how to write, discuss film competition criteria, and let your creativity blossom.

Every good story starts with a basic foundation and an understandable plot. There is a Building A Strong Structure course also offered by the New York International Screenplay Awards that helps with this part of the screenwriting process. This two-hour course mainly focuses on the structure of the screenplay, including the steps, practices, and techniques needed to create a logical and well-thought-out story. By the end of this workshop, your story will feel more developed and coherent.

Once you have mastered the basics of your screenplay form and structure, you can create complex and relatable characters in their Character Creation course. Your instructor will help you create characters who are consistently developing throughout the story. You will learn how to write characters who engage well with one another and who keep the plot moving forward. Not only this, your characters will feel more relatable to the audience as well, which helps viewers engage more with the plot. You will also learn how to effectively incorporate dialogue that has flair and adds personality, which can either spur camaraderie or conflict between the characters.

Now that your screenplay has strong, well-developed characters, it is time to include enticing dialogue. In the Efficient Moving Dialogue Writing workshop, you will learn some of the best techniques for adding powerful dialogue. It is important to know the main point of your story, but dialogue needs consistency, subtext, and characterization. This workshop emphasizes the importance of adding all three into your characters' conversations. You will receive feedback on your current screenplay and learn how to incorporate dialogue in a more natural way throughout this course.

Have you been told that you have a good sense of humor? Maybe it’s time to put your good humor to use in your screenplay. Consider enrolling in the Writing Your Comedy Pilot course to strengthen your comedy skills. The Brooklyn Comedy Collective in Williamsburg brings humor to the forefront in this seven-week class. You will learn the basics of writing a standard, three-act comedy pilot that includes scene transitions, act breaks, plot lines, and more. The course workload is challenging but rewarding, as you will read, write, revise, and analyze many different works throughout the duration of the course. The class is conducted like a workshop, so you will have the chance to share your past, current, and future ideas with other individuals.

If you are seeking a more in-depth experience, the Intensive Creative Writing Weekend by the Alaa Al Aswany Creative Writing Workshop is the course to check out. Located in Greenwood, Brooklyn, you can expect a workshop designed for those who want to learn the art of storytelling. In this course, you will learn the importance of delivering lines with a certain tempo, tone, rhythm, and brevity. Not only this, you will learn how to develop characters with spirited personalities, provide descriptive settings, and include subtext. With the help of the instructor and the in-class writing exercises, you will leave feeling more confident in your abilities.

As the screenwriter, you won’t always have the opportunity to act as well. However, understanding the basics of acting may help you create a more coherent and concise script for your performers. Consider the Barrow Group Acting School’s Beginners Acting I: The Basics class. This course will help you gain more positional and emotional awareness within your movements, which you can then translate when writing your script. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, you can expect to find this lively course designed to make performing a more organic and voluntary experience. You will learn how to analyze scripts and study specific scenes, which can later help strengthen your future screenplays.

Virtual Screenwriting Classes & Schools

There are many people who can’t access in-person screenwriting classes. It all depends on your location and your schedule. If you can’t find an in-person class that works for you, don’t let it deter you from learning how to write your screenplay. You can search for online screenwriting classes and choose from classes taught all across the country. Enrolling in an online course will help you save time and money on a commute as well. This leaves more time for you to work on your script.

Many online classes ask that you provide your own materials, but your instructor will send a detailed supply list. These items can be purchased from a local store or online seller, but may also be found already around your house. Ensure that you come to class prepared so you can get started writing.

Writing Pad offers a Screenwriting I: Intro to Screenwriting course for those who dream of writing an amazing script. This five-week course is taught by an experienced screenwriter who has written for many major television networks such as Disney and Fox. Because the instructor has insight into the entertainment business, you can expect to gain awareness of how you can enter into this career path. You will come prepared with a screenplay idea and then work on structure, format, and scene creation. By the end of the class, you will feel more confident in your writing abilities and have a more fully developed screenplay.

Similarly, the Barrow Group Acting School has a Screenwriting II: Writing a Feature course for those who have already taken a beginner-level screenwriting course and have a screenplay draft. This workshop will guide students through the script-writing process by analyzing feature film scripts, studying screenplay structure, and learning how to create strong characters. Your instructor will assign relevant reading and writing assignments on a weekly basis to supplement the lecture material. In addition, you will receive expert feedback from your instructor on your writing and learn ways to develop a clear, functional outline for your story. 

If you already have a script in progress but don’t know how to finish it, consider enrolling in Screenwriting III: A Master Screenwriting Workshop provided by Writing Pad. This course guides you through the screenwriting process with the help of an expert instructor. This instructor crafts personalized lectures and writing assignments that will help you wrap up your screenplay in a way that feels organic and satisfying. In these lectures and assignments, you will learn advanced techniques that many professional screenwriters use to create a compelling screenplay with evolving characters and an enthralling storyline. The instructor will also provide solutions to your specific screenplay challenges so you will know how to avoid issues in the future.

Private Group Screenwriting Classes in NYC

Are you interested in scheduling a screenwriting class or related course as a fun team-building event for your business or organization? Perhaps your club wants to learn the art of screenwriting together as a group. CourseHorse has screenwriting classes for private groups in NYC that will bring screenwriting directly to your group. Private classes are a great way to connect with others in the group and offer a fun way to learn a new skill together.

Learn more about movies in an interactive way with the Virtual Trivia: Movies event. Your group will test their knowledge of cinema and Hollywood with the help of an event facilitator. In this trivia session, you can expect to go through four rounds of different styles of trivia – even including a surprise round. You will engage in healthy competition throughout the hour-long trivia event as well. Half of the event will be spent broken up into teams, whereas the other half will be spent answering trivia as an entire group. This is a great way to show off your smarts, learn more about film, and have fun with your group.

Perhaps your group wants to challenge themselves in an even more interactive way. For one hour, put down the screenplay and immerse yourself in the world of humor, theatre, and spontaneity with the Virtual Team-Building Improv Workshop. In this event, your group will learn improved techniques designed to make your group work together, make quick decisions, and have a good time with one another. This no-pressure course shakes things up within your group and allows you to let loose a bit. This workshop is a fun time but also helps with collaboration, problem-solving, and improved communication. These skills are incredibly desirable and transferable.

CourseHorse takes the hassle out of signing up for class since they ship all the essential supplies directly to each course participant. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of your reservation. Plus, there are zero booking fees when you book an event through CourseHorse.

The minimum group size depends on the event, but there is no need to worry. If your group has met the minimum number of participants required, you can adjust the number of group members up until a week before the event. This makes signing up a lot less stressful.

Additionally, you can customize your event for an additional $150 fee. These customizations include personalized questions, an extra game, or a second event. If you have questions, please reach out to CourseHorse through the contact form on their website to hear more about the available options.

CourseHorse recommends using the Zoom platform for your class, but they can accommodate other platforms such as Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. There are many courses that offer to come to your office, party, or home as well if that is preferable.

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