10 Best Online Screenwriting Courses & Classes of 2024

Review of the Best Screenwriting Courses & Classes of 2024. Read about the best online Screenwriting courses to select the right one as per your requirements:

Learning to write a script can be challenging. Sequencing the plot as you narrate the story is not an easy task. Many people love the creative aspect of scriptwriting. But they don’t know how to come up with a story concept, conflict, and character.

Online screenwriting courses can help you start your career in writing scripts for media companies. Enrolling in online screenwriting classes will help you build the foundation for a scriptwriting career. The courses will teach you about writing professional scripts for feature films, TV shows, and computer games.

You can select from different courses available online to brush up on your scriptwriting skills. Most online courses can be accessed by paying a small fee. However, you can find screenwriting courses online for the free version as well.

Screenwriting Courses & Classes – Perfect Review

In this article, we have reviewed the best online screenwriting courses. This review will help you in selecting online screenwriting classes that best meet your requirements.

The chart below shows the number of full writing credits on feature films in the past seventy years:

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Screenwriting Class FAQs

Q #1) What is a screenwriter?

Answer: A screenwriter (also known as a scriptwriter) is a professional who writes scripts for mass media. The scripts are written for films, TV shows, radio shows, theater, and video games. Screenwriters write original scripts or adapt an existing book into a screenplay.

Screenwriters prepare scripts like writing a story. They work with film directors, producers, and actors when drafting the script. The scripts are often revised multiple times and completed under a strict deadline.

Q #2) How do you become a screenwriter?

Answer: To become a screenwriter, you need to know how to write scripts for the mass media. There are no degree requirements to become a screenwriter. You can take on this profession simply by completing online screenwriting courses.

You should also read screenplays and watch actors play out the script. Practice is also important. Consider writing scripts for a fictional story to improve your skills. Additionally, you must find a screenwriting mentor who can guide you in your career path as a screenwriter.

Q #3) How can I learn to write a screenplay?

Answer: You can learn to write professional screenplays by enrolling in screenwriting courses. Also, you should read screenwriting books written by successful screenwriters. You can look at books on Amazon by successful screenwriters such as Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

Additionally, you should consider attending screenwriting workshops. The New York Film Academy, Script Anatomy, Moving Pictures Institute, and many others hold workshops throughout the year. You can hone your storytelling skills by taking part in the workshops.

Q #4) Are screenwriters in high demand?

Answer: Screenwriters are in high demand due to the booming media industry. There is a demand for screenwriters in various industries including motion pictures, radios, theaters, and video games. The demand for screenwriters will likely be high in the coming years.

While plenty of opportunities are available for screenwriters, you need to have the skills to write a marketable screenplay for a successful career. It is important to build the foundation on the fundamentals of screenwriting such as structure, climax, anticlimax, and plot.

Q #5) What courses should I take to become a screenwriter?

Answer: You can become a screenwriter by taking short online screenwriting courses. Additionally, you should read books and take courses on creative writing, media and communications, and short films. Taking a psychology course will help you better incorporate feelings and emotions into your scripts.

If you can afford the time and money, you should also consider taking a liberal arts degree. The degree will expose you to a range of topics such as creative arts, classic and contemporary literature, sociology, psychology, and many more that will help you become a better scriptwriter.

Q #6) What is the best screenwriter course?

Answer: The best screenwriting course for learning how to write scripts for films and movies include Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting, Screenwriting Masterclass: A Complete Guide, and Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series.

Q #7) Can you learn screenwriting online?

Answer: You can find the best online screenwriter courses Master Class, Coursera, and Udemy platforms. You can access online screenwriting courses available on these platforms only by paying for a small monthly subscription.

Suggested reading =>> 70+ Best Udemy Courses

Q #8) What classes should I take to become a screenwriter?

Answer: You can take courses in creative writing, scriptwriting, film studies, and dramatic writing to become a good writer. But remember that taking courses alone won’t make you a good screenwriter. You should consider working as an intern for major film studios to get exposure to writing scripts for films and TV shows.

Q #9) Is the screenwriting certificate worth it?

Answer: Getting a screenwriting certificate is not required to become a professional scriptwriter for films, TV shows, and video games. But it will help you gain credibility, especially early in your screenwriting career.

Also Read =>> Online Certification Course Based on Your Interest

Advantages of Online Screenwriting Classes

Online screenwriting classes offer various advantages over traditional screenwriting classes. The biggest advantage of online classes is that you can take the classes at your own pace. You can listen to audio or video lectures of famous scriptwriters on your PC, laptop, smartphone, and other mobile devices.

Another benefit of online screenwriting classes is that you don’t have to go through the hassles of commuting. Just turn on your computer or smartphone and watch videos from the comfort of your own home.

Online screenwriting classes also give you a greater variety of courses. You will find limited screenwriting classes in your area. With online classes, you have more choices. Learn from the best scriptwriters and jump-start your screenwriting career with online courses.

How Much Does Online Screenwriting Courses Cost

An online screenwriting course doesn’t cost as much. With Master Class courses, you will have to pay a $15 monthly fee to access dozens of courses available on the platform.

Udemy and Coursera charge for each course that ranges between $19 to $109 for screenwriting or dramatic writing courses available online. You can select multiple online courses to improve your screenwriting skills.

List of the Best Screenwriting Courses

Here is a list of the Top online screenwriting classes:

1. Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting (Master Class)
2. David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing (Master Class)
3. Alicia Keys Teaches Song Writing and Producing (Master Class)
4. James Patterson Teaches Writing (Master Class)
5. Screenwriting Masterclass: A Complete Guide (Udemy)
6. Screenwriting Workshop (Udemy)
7. Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot (Coursera)
8. Michigan State: Write a Feature Length Screenplay for Film or Television (Coursera)
9. Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Coursera)
10. Learning Screenwriting by Roger S.H. Schulman

Comparison of the Top Online Scriptwriting Classes

Detailed Reviews:

#1) Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting

Best for beginners who want to start a career as a TV or film screenwriter.

Aaron Sorkin is a famous American movie director and screenwriter. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from Syracuse University, NY. The screenwriter is known for his sharp and witty dialogues in scripts for plays, TV shows, and movies.

His Broadway script A Few Good Men (1989) was a success that brought him initial recognition. The script was later adapted for the film of the same name released in 1992 starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise.

Sorkin wrote the script for the TV show The West Wing (1999-2006) that won him his first Emmy award. He went on to win four more Emmy Awards for the show. He also won the Academy Word for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film The Social Network (2011).

Additionally, the famous screenwriter has won a BAFTA Award, two Writers Guild of America Awards, two Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, and three Golden Globes awards for films and TV shows.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn about the rules of scriptwriting for films and TVs
• Get expert insights about creating captivating scripts
• Learn how to write engaging dialogue
• Find out about the rules of storytelling
• Learn how to pitch ideas to producers and directors

Review of the Course:

The course teaches you about the basics of storytelling. You will learn about creating dialogues and character development. The course also teaches how to write scripts that will sell. The course consists of 35 video lessons that are about 8 hours in length.

Here is a brief course content:

1. Introduction
2. Intention & Obstacle
3. Story Ideas
4. Developing Characters: Part 1
5. Developing Characters: Part 2
6. Research
7. Incorporating Research
8. The Audience
9. Rules of Story
10. Film Story Arc
11. Writing Habits
12. Group Workshop: Untitled by JJ Braider
13. Group Workshop: E is for Edie by Jeanie Bergen
14. Group Workshop: Chronic by Roland Zaleski
15. Group Workshop: The Merc by Evelyn Yves
16. Group Workshop: From Here to Alli by Corey Wright
17. Writing Scenes: Part 1
18. Writing Scenes: Part 2
19. Scene Case Study: Steve Jobs
20. Scene Case Study: The West Wing
21. Writing Captivating Dialogue
22. Dialogue Case Study: The West Wing
23. Rewrites: First Draft
24. Rewrites: Notes
25. The West Wing Writers’ Room: Part 1
26. The West Wing Writers’ Room: Part 2
27. The West Wing Writers’ Room: Part 3
28. The West Wing Writers’ Room: Part 4
29. The West Wing Writers’ Room: Part 5
30. The West Wing Writers’ Room: Part 6
31. The West Wing Writers’ Room: Part 7
32. The West Wing Writers’ Room: Part 8
33. Group Workshop: Pitch Session
34. Group Workshop: Aaron Pitches Mission to Mars
35. Closing Thoughts

The course is filled with a lot of tips by the Oscar-winning scriptwriter. You will learn about coming up with original ideas for the scripts. The course also informs you about the process of developing characters and dialogues.

You will learn about writing stories that will keep the audience entertained and engaged. The instructor will teach you the rules of story writing that were laid out since the time of Aristotle more than two thousand years ago.

At the end of the course, you can participate in a group workshop for pitching in your scripts to Hollywood’s bigwigs. The course content will allow you to learn the entire process and become an expert in scriptwriting for film and television.

Pros of the Course:

• Get insight tips from Oscar-winning scriptwriters
• Diagnose your scripts
• Pitch your script for big screen adaptation
• Learn about writing habits to remain motivated and productive

Cons of the Course:

• Course content may seem taxing for beginners

Verdict: Most reviewers praise the course for easy-to-follow lessons. Students also praise the MasterClass course for learning at their own pace. You can download content and watch it at your convenience.

Price:

• $15 per month.
• Trial: No | Get a refund in 30 days

Website: Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting

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#2) David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing

Best for individuals who want to learn skills to succeed as a dramatist.

David Mamet is an acclaimed American author, movie director, and playwright. He received Pulitzer Award for his Broadway play Glengarry Glen Ross (1984). He has directed and written various films such as House of Games (1987), The Spanish Prisoner (1997), and Heist (2001).

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn about scriptwriting for dramas
• Find out how to develop your unique voice
• Learn how to keep the stories simple yet engaging
• Gain insights about the skills needed to succeed as a dramatist

Review of the Course:

The course content teaches you the art of writing complex scripts for TV dramas. You will learn about the nuances of dialogue and the skills to create your voice. The course consists of 26 video lessons that are packed with information regarding writing scripts for dramas.

Here is a brief outline of the course:

1. Introduction
2. Purpose of Drama
3. Purpose of Drama (Cont’d)
4. Dramatic Rules
5. Dramatic Rules (Cont’d)
6. Story Ideas
7. Character
8. Plot
9. Structuring the Plot
10. Structuring the Plot (Cont’d)
11. Case Study: Structuring the Plot – American Buffalo
12. Case Study: Structuring the Plot – Glengarry Glen Ross
13. Dialogue
14. Dialogue (Cont’d)
15. Narration & Exposition
16. Scenes
17. Writing Process
18. Writing Process (contd)
19. The Audience
20. Lies & Truth
21. Lies & Truth (Cont’d)
22. Actors
23. Life of a Dramatist
24. Closing

All lessons can be watched multiple times since they are not live. You can also download the content on your mobile or desktop device. By taking the course, you will understand the purpose of drama scripts. You will also learn about rules for writing scripts for drama, creating characters, and polishing the script to make it flawless.

Pros of the Course:

• Structured lessons
• Engaging course content
• Concise and to-the-point
• Flexible pace of learning

Cons of the Course:

• Course content may be short

Verdict: Reviewers have praised the course for the examples covered in the course. Students praise the instructor’s realistic view of writing. You will get lots of information for drama writing including ancient rules of writing drama and narration. The course is recommended for anyone interested in becoming an expert drama scriptwriter.

Price:

• $15 per month
• Trial: No | Get a refund in 30 days

Website: David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing

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#3) Alicia Keys Teaches Songwriting and Producing

Best for songwriters who want to write lyrics for professional singers.

Alicia Keys is a popular American singer and songwriter. She achieved fame in the early 2000s with her soul and R&B music blend. She graduated from the Professional Performing Arts School as a valedictorian. The singer was associated with Arista Records and later J Records, owned by Clive Davis.

She has won various accolades during her career including 17 NAACP Image Awards, 15 Grammy awards, and 12 ASCAP Awards. The Times named the artist in their list of 100 most influential people in 2005 and also in 2017.

Apart from music, Keyes has also acted in various movies. She appeared in the movies Smokin’ Aces (2006) and The Nanny Diaries (2007). She also directed a documentary raising awareness about breast cancer.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn the art of poetry and melodies
• Develop your own unique style
• Writing poetry drawing inspiration from real life
• Using Connections to develop your creative voice

Review of the Course:

The course will teach you the fundamentals of creating scripts with authentic emotion. You will learn how to create scripts based on inspiration from real life. The instructor will teach you how to connect the dots to create a creative voice.

Here is a brief outline of the course:

1. Meet Your Instructor
2. Alicia’s Musical Foundation and Influences
3. Start With Melody and Lyrics
4. Alicia, the Songwriter
5. Bring All the Elements Together
6. Connect to the World Around You
7. Songwriting With Empathy
8. Alicia, the Producer
9. Vocal Arrangements
10. Build Energy in the Booth
11. The Anatomy of an Anthem
12. Alicia’s Retro-Futuristic Sound
13. Alchemy in the Control Room
14. Instruments to Boost a Big Sound
15. Creative Collaboration
16. Sisterhood in the Music Industry
17. Rising Artist Spotlight: Joy Nesbitt’s “Echo”
18. Power and Purpose
19. Always Be Learning

You can watch the content on your mobile or desktop device. With the course, you will learn how to create poetry with a unique voice.

Pros of the Course:

• Deep insights from experts
• Develop empathy in poetry
• Discusses how to develop a unique voice
• Build energy in the booth

Cons of the Course:

• Course content may be monotonous

Verdict: The course content is unique and tells the art of creating a unique voice. You will learn about vocal arrangements and developing poetry that resonates with the audience.

Price:

• $15 per month
• Trial: No | Get a refund in 30 days

Website: Alicia Keys Teaches Songwriting and Producing

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#4) James Patterson Teaches Writing

Best for individuals who want to develop skills in writing novels and books.

James Patterson is a famous American author and bestseller. He is the author of several books that were NY Times bestsellers. He has written many non-fiction, thrillers, and romance novels. His well-known works include NYPD Red, Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Maximum Ride, and Danial X.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn how to write bestselling books
• Find out how to write and develop characters in books
• Learn about unique approaches to developing plots
• Edit and polish your work
• Market your work to publishers and producers

Review of the Course:

The course consists of teaching you the tricks of writing professional scripts. You will learn about getting into the right mindset for writing scripts for movies or novels. The course content will help you learn about the secrets to remaining motivated and focused on screenwriting. The course consists of 22 video lessons that are about 3 hours and 30 minutes long.

Here is a brief outline of the course:

1. Introduction
2. Passion+Habit
3. Raw Ideas
4. Plot
5. Research
6. Outlines
7. Writer’s Block
8. Creating Characters
9. First Lines
10. Writing Dialogue
11. Building a Chapter
12. Writing Suspense
13. Ending the Book
14. Editing
15. Working with a Co-author
16. Getting Published
17. Book Titles and Covers
18. Marketing the Patterson Way
19. Hollywood
20. Personal Story
21. Closing

You can download the content and watch the videos offline. Class guides can also be downloaded so that you can watch the content when offline. You can watch lessons on your TV, mobile, and desktop devices.

Pros of the Course:

• Engaging lessons
• Deep insights about writing novels
• Downloadable content

Cons of the Course:

• Course content focused on novel writing

Verdict: The MasterClass course is great for anyone who wants to write novels for books. Reviewers praised the course for wrapping up the lessons with references. You will learn how to market the books to publishers and also get them adapted for the big screen.

Price:

• $15 per month.
• Trial: No | Get a refund in 30 days

Website: James Patterson Teaches Writing

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#5) Screenwriting Masterclass: A Complete Guide (Udemy)

Best for beginners who want to learn the basics of screenwriting.

Udemy’s screenwriting masterclass is created by a collaboration of video artists and a training school. Phil Ebiner is one of the instructors of the course who is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television. He has more than a decade of experience in video production and editing.

Brian Birmingham is another course instructor who has experience in the film industry as a screenwriter and copywriter. He has contributed to various high-grossing films such as Black Panther, A Beautiful Day in a Neighborhood, and Toy Story 4.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn the basics of screenwriting
• Develop fundamental skills in storytelling
• Find out how to structure stories and develop characters
• Develop ideas for a screenplay

Review of the Course:

The course provides easy-to-understand instructions on how to craft professional scripts for films. You will learn how to write an engaging story using a structured approach. The course content will help you learn the entire scriptwriting process from coming up with ideas and creating scripts.

The course has 13 sections and 44 lectures. The total length of the course is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Here is a brief outline of the course:

1. Introduction to the Screenwriting Course
2. Originality in Screenwriting
3. Finding Ideas for Your Screenplay
4. Developing Your Story
5. Character Development for Screenwriters
6. Screenplay Story Structure
7. Writing Your Screenplay Outline
8. Writing & Formatting Your Screenplay
9. Screenplay Revisions
10. Feature Film Story Breakdown
11. Course Conclusion

The course also contains bonus videos with a discussion between instructors Phil and Brain regarding screenwriting. The bonus also contains a lecture from Video School and Phil regarding how to maximize learning from screenwriting courses.

Pros of the Course:

• Easy to understand for beginners
• Clear and concise instructions
• Project-based learning
• Step-by-step tutorials
• Full support from expert instructors

Cons of the Course:

• The course is oversimplistic and would disappoint anyone with moderate knowledge of scriptwriting

Verdict: The course is recommended for aspiring screenwriters who want to learn professional tips for writing scripts for films and TV shows. Most students have praised the course for its helpful and impactful content.

The students also praise the clear and precise instructions from the instructor. The instructor explains the complex screenwriting concept in a simple manner that everyone can understand. The course is recommended for beginners rather than amateur story writers.

Price:

• $13.99
• Trial: Yes | 7 days

Website: A Complete Guide (Udemy)

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#6) Screenwriting Workshop (Udemy)

Best for people who want to write scripts for Hollywood films.

The Udemy course is created by Dani Alcorn. She is an acclaimed author and founder of the Writing Academy. Dani graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University majoring in Radio, Television, and Film.

She is the author of the novel The Last Telepath as well as three screenplays. Her notable plays include A Quintessence of Dust, How to Catch an Englishman and D No Harm.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn the basics of writing a screenplay
• Learn how to structure your screenplay
• Polish your screenplay based on peer feedback
• Analyze scripts of famous plays
• Learn how to get your screenplay noticed

Review of the Course:

Screenwriting Workshop will help you turn a great movie idea into a professional screenplay. You will learn how to polish your script and promote it on the big screen. The course will provide step-by-step instructions on how to create and polish a script.

You will learn about creating a story structure, writing compelling characters, and using archetypes to flesh out detailed characters. The course consists of 51 lectures grouped into seven sections. The total length of the course content is about 7 hours.

Here is an outline of the Udemy screenwriting workshop:

1. Exploring Modern Screenwriting
2. Planning Your Screenplay
3. Structuring Your Screenplay
4. Writing Your Screenplay
5. Polishing Your Screenplay
6. Film Analysis

By taking the screenwriting workshop, you will learn about the top-grossing genres for scriptwriting. You will also learn about the difference between movie and TV show scripts. The course will also teach you a quick history of movies and TV programming.

One of the best screenwriting courses in the world, the course goes further by analyzing scripts of popular shows. The instructor will analyze scripts of various films including The Shawshank Redemption, The Silence of the Lambs, The Lion King, and more.

The course also teaches you how to market your scripts and gives you online resources to develop and polish your script.

Pros of the Course:

• Develop skills to create perfect intros and endings
• Learn how to make your story resonate with audiences
• Develop skills to pace your story
• Learn how to pitch an idea for the story

Cons of the Course:

• The instructor did not give detailed feedback

Verdict: Students will learn a lot from taking this Udemy course. You will learn how to start screen scripts. The course information will get you started on writing professional scripts for films and novels. This course is highly recommended for individuals who want to learn about professional screenwriting.

Price:

• $18.99
• Trial: 30 days money back guarantee

Website: Screenwriting Workshop (Udemy)

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#7) Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot by Wesleyan University (Coursera)

Best for learning the basic elements of writing novels and movie scripts.

Brando Skyhorse is an acclaimed American author and recipient of various awards. He won the PEN/Hemmingway Award and Sue Kaufman Award for his debut novel The Madonnas of Echo Park. He won scholarships for his work at Ucross Can Serrat in Spain.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn about the elements of good scriptwriting and novelization
• Learn how to write challenging elements of a story
• Find out how to manipulate emotions, desires, and feelings
• Learn how to create a narrative arc and structure a plot

Review of the Course:

The course introduces aspiring screenwriters to the art of writing full scripts. You will learn about tips for manipulating feelings, desires, and experiences. The course will help you examine the choices to make a compelling story.

Here is an outline of the course:

1. Plotting a Course
2. The Power of Structure
3. A Scene in Motion
4. Cut it Out

In the course modules, you will learn how to write a sequence of events and develop your storytelling skills. The course explains Freytag’s pyramid for writing stories. You will learn about how to structure the literature and create engaging conversations.

The course will teach you how to move the plot forward and grow your characters. At the end of the course, you will learn how to create a compelling story for your novel, film, or TV show.

Pros of the Course:

• Short and fictional story writing skills
• Create a narrative arc
• Earn a sharable certificate at the end
• Flexible deadline
• Hands-on learning projects

Cons of the Course:

• Course content is too short

Verdict: The Coursera course offered by Wesleyan University has received generally positive reviews. Students enjoy the course content that helps them create full-length scripts. The course content teaches students how to create scenes and develop characters. Most have praised the clear direct explanations from the instructor with practice examples.

Price:

• $49 per month
• Trial: Yes | 7-days

Website: The Craft of Plot by Wesleyan University (Coursera)

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#8) Write a Feature Length Screenplay for Film or Television by Michigan State University (Coursera)

Best for learning how to write a feature-length script for TV or Film

David Wheeler is a famous cinematographer and screenwriter. He is well known for his video game content. In 1995, he directed his first video game titled The 11^th Hour.

He also served as the content and creative director for Vivendi/Universal and Electronic Arts. He has also established media companies including Terra Nova Productions and Here and Now Transmedia.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn about the basics of writing screenplays
• Get feedback from the instructor regarding your work
• Develop and self-explore writing styles
• Gain industry knowledge in professional screenwriting

Review of the Course:

The Coursera course on How to Write a Feature Length Screenplay for Film or Television is a Michigan State University course written by David Wheeler. In this course, you will learn how to write a full-length script for a film or TV show. The course teaches you the creative process involved in writing a show.

You will learn how to write polished and pitch-ready scripts at the end of the course. This course will help you generate ideas for plays.

The structure of the course includes the following:

1. Week One: Creating The Idea
2. Week Two: Logline and Dramatic Question
3. Week Three: Create your character profile(s)
4. Week Four: The Three-Act Story Arc

The course walks you through the steps involved in writing a script for a TV or film. You will learn about creating the concept and writing a pitch document.

Additionally, you will learn how to create a dramatic question and logline for the feature film, post documents, and review the pitches of your peers. The instructor will give you detailed feedback on the submitted work at the end of the coursework.

Pros of the Course:

• Get a certificate that is shareable on LinkedIn
• Peer review scripts
• Obtain detailed feedback from the instructor
• Provides techniques and approaches to writing a screenplay

Cons of the Course:

• The instructor does not provide detailed insights into screenwriting

Verdict: The Coursera course generally has favorable reviews for its unique course content. Students praised the course instructor’s feedback regarding their feature-length screenplay script. Most also like the requirement of peer review as it helps them receive constructive feedback from critics.

But some also disliked the fact that the instructor does not give much time to explain the details of the screenplay format which creates difficulty for beginners.

Price:

• Free script writing courses for beginners but without feedback or a certificate at the end of the course
• Standard: $79
• Trial: No

Website: Television by Michigan State University (Coursera)

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#9) Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series by Michigan State University (Coursera)

Best for learning to write a pilot episode for a web series or TV show.

David Wheeler is an acclaimed scriptwriter. He is part of the creative research facility at the Hub for Innovation. He serves as the director of Media Sandbox for Michigan State University. He is a graduate of the London Film School in the UK. He has worked as a cinematographer, writer, and director in films, TV, and broadcast journalism.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Learn how to write a pilot episode for a TV or web series
• Get feedback from an experienced screenwriter
• Peer review scripts for other students
• Get a certificate after completion of the course

Review of the Course:

Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series is a project-focused screenwriting course. The course tells you how to write a complete episode of a TV or website program. You will learn how to write scripts for any genre including comedy, drama, and more. The course contains 21 videos that take about 21 hours to complete.

There are a total of five modules as follows:

1. Develop your TV series concept
2. Write Act One of your pilot episodes
3. Write Act Two
4. Act Three
5. Polish your script, create a Cold Open, and finish the Season One Bible

In the course, you will learn to create a script for the pilot episode. You will learn to develop your own original story for the episode. Students must get their scripts peer reviewed and revise the scripts based on the feedback.

The instructor walks the students through each step of writing a screenplay. Students submit their final project and receive a detailed review from the instructor.

Pros of the Course:

• Get detailed feedback from the instructor
• The course is well structured
• Detailed learning of concepts
• Look at different scripts and compare them
• Students rate each other’s work for greater exposure

Cons of the Course:

• The actual course content is short
• No free online screenwriting course with a certificate

Verdict:

Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series by Michigan State University has received hundreds of positive reviews. Most reviewers praise the course for its depth and quality of feedback. The instructor allows students to rate each other’s work which exposes them to different styles and approaches to copywriting.

Price:

• $49
• Trial: No | Free content available but without feedback or certificate option

Website: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series by Michigan State University

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#10) Learning Screenwriting by Roger S.H. Schulman (LinkedIn)

Best for beginners who want to learn the art of storytelling and screenwriting.

About the Instructor:

Roger H. Schulman is an Oscar nominee and BAFTA winner who has worked on various plays for over 30 years.

He co-wrote the animated film Shrek for which he received the British Academy Award and was nominated for the Oscar Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. He has also worked on Steven Spielberg’s animated film Balto and Disney’s Mulan II and Jungle Book 2.

Who is this course best for?

You can benefit from this course if you are/wish to:

• Want to learn beginner screenwriting skills
• Learn about storytelling
• Get inspiration and ideas for stories
• Find out about the key elements of screenwriting

Review of the Course:

Learning Screenwriting is a LinkedIn course by Roger S.H. Schulman. The course provides an introduction to the art of screenwriting. You will learn about various skills related to screenwriting. The course is in the form of six chapters with 16 videos.

Here is the outline of the course content:

1. Introduction
   1. Welcome to screenwriting
   2. Chapter Quiz
2. Ideate
   1. What makes a good story?
   2. Harness the power of the brainstorm
   3. Make your audience care
   4. Chapter Quiz
3. Characterize
   1. Bring your story to life
   2. Create compelling characters
   3. Chapter Quiz
4. Plot
   1. Story beats: Time to pile it on
   2. Writing the beat sheet
   3. Chapter Quiz
5. Structure
   1. Scenes: The movies within your movie
   2. Writing the outline
   3. Chapter Quiz
6. Draft
   1. Sequences: Your movie’s heartbeat
   2. Dialog: A beautiful nose
   3. Writing the screenplay
   4. Chapter Quiz
7. Sell
   1. Writing the treatment
   2. Delivering the pitch
   3. Next steps
   4. Chapter Quiz

The course walks you through the steps involved in screenwriting. You will also learn about the key elements of good story writing. The course will teach you how to make your story appealing with compelling characters, lively dialogues, and muscular story beats.

After completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. You can showcase the certificate on your LinkedIn profile. The certificate can also be printed and shared with others.

Pros of the Course:

• Obtain a Certificate of Completion that gets added to your LinkedIn profile
• Lifetime access to the course
• Learn while on the go using a mobile app as well as offline access
• 16 videos on learning screenwriting
• Future updates to the courses will be rolled out without any additional costs

Cons of the Course:

• The course content only gives basic screenwriting tips

Verdict: By is a great course for beginners who want to learn the art of scriptwriting. The course contains supplemental materials including transcripts, quizzes, exercise files, and more. Most reviewers praised the course for its practical and straightforward approach to screenwriting.

The course was also praised for clarity in delivering solutions to subjective issues related to scriptwriting.

Price:

• $29.99
• Trial: Yes | 30-day money-back guarantee

Website: Learning Screenwriting by Roger S.H. Schulman

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Conclusion

Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting is one of the best Screenwriting Courses if you want to learn the art of scriptwriting for movies and films. If you want to develop your drama writing skills, you should consider taking the MasterClass course by David Mamet.

James Patterson’s MasterClass course is recommended for developing skills as a novelist. If you want to develop professional creative scriptwriting skills, you should consider Udemy Screenwriting Masterclass by Phill and Brian.

Research Process:

• Time Taken to Research this Article on Screenwriting Courses: 28 hours
• Total Screenwriting Courses Researched: 35
• Total Screenwriting Courses Shortlisted: 10