Ways into screenwriting: getting started

About this course

This introductory course examines how film and television scripts are developed, including genre conventions, idea generation, pitches and loglines. Learners analyse screenplay extracts and film clips, then apply the ideas through writing exercises. Teaching combines tutor presentations, group discussion, script analysis and peer feedback on work in progress. The course also considers the characteristics of effective pitches and the main stages involved in taking a film or television script from an initial idea towards development.

What you'll learn

• Generate original ideas for film or television scripts
• Analyse extracts from screenplays and television scripts
• Identify the main stages of developing a film or television script
• Evaluate the features of an effective film or television pitch
• Write an original logline for a film script
• Give and respond to constructive feedback on work in progress

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginner screenwriters and uses interactive teaching, group discussion, writing exercises and peer feedback. Learners should expect to share ideas or work in progress and engage with other participants’ writing. The beginner label indicates an introductory level, without establishing a specific previous-experience requirement.

• Includes discussion and analysis in a group setting
• Involves sharing work in progress for peer feedback
• Learners may need to flag sensitive material in writing they plan to share

Before you go

• Learners are encouraged to tell the tutor and classmates in advance if shared writing contains potentially sensitive material.