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An Introduction to Screenwriting

This online course explores the key concepts and fundamental principles involved in the process of screenwriting.

273,765 enrolled on this course

Many film script books stacked an top of each other

An Introduction to Screenwriting

273,765 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Screenplays form the starting point for most dramatic films, the essential work from which all other filmmaking flows. All of the tender romance, terrifying action and memorable lines begin at the screenwriter’s desk. This free online course will introduce you to the basic elements and key concepts behind a professional screenplay.

The University of East Anglia’s School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing have built this course with instructors and recent alumni from their famed course in Creative Writing.

Where could this course take me?

The course is a must for anyone new to scriptwriting and for more experienced writers who wish to raise their scriptwriting to a professional level. It will establish a common vocabulary for approaching the screenplay and form the basis for upcoming courses in dramatic adaptation, the crime screenplay, and other genres and skills.

What and how will I learn?

You’ll learn from a mixture of basic theory, script analysis and practical exercises. We will explore key principles as they’re expressed in great films, then immediately apply these concepts. Videos, articles and discussion steps will offer you the opportunity to learn and engage with other learners on key concepts and ideas.

By the end of the course, you will understand the key concepts necessary to write an effective screenplay and be fluent in the language used to discuss the form.

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Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Cinematic story, form and structure

    • Film-making artefacts, camera, clapperboard, film reel, notepad and loud hailer with smartphone in centre

      Introducing the course

      Welcome! Prof Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland, welcomes you to the course.

    • Film cell with title Cinematic Story and Form

      Cinematic story and form

      Anyone who’s been to the pictures will have a perfectly good notion of how screen stories operate! However, it's useful for us, as screenwriters, to review some basic characteristics.

    • Two users at wooden table, one with laptop, tablet and smartphone, the other with typewriter, notebook and camera

      Story structure

      We will now consider the idea of "story structure". It refers to the process of constructing the screenplay's plot: the order and timing of the events that take place in the film.

    • Person with hands clasped over water

      Reflections

      We'd love to hear about your reactions to the first week of the course.

  • Week 2

    Character, writing the scene and first draft

    • Film cell showing a cinematic countdown number 2

      Introduction to Week 2

      Welcome back! It's Week 2, and we are going to consider character, scene, formatting and the sometimes elusive first draft.

    • Silhouette of a man wearing a hat

      Character

      How are cinematic characters constructed? We are creating roles to be performed, not finished characters. And can we find any broad themes that will help us in creating our own characters?

    • Film Noir style scene of man in leather jacket holding a mobile phone in front of a building

      Creating the scene

      We will explore scene construction, and continue thinking about character with a look at the role of dialogue and character voice.

    • Close up of a page from a script

      Writing your first draft

      We will look at a suggested workflow to get the first draft done and hear approaches and tips from our four educators.

    • Close up of a set of concrete steps leading upwards

      Next steps

      Your next steps will very much depend on where you are on your screenwriting journey. Review some of our suggestions for taking your learning further and decide some actions that work for you.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore key issues in the practice of creating screenplays
  • Explain the basic principles of the screenwriting process
  • Identify the essentials of the screenplay format
  • Discuss the construction of a professional script
  • Design a story 'pitch'

Who is the course for?

There are no formal requirements for this course, just an interest in screenwriting.

What do people say about this course?

"This was such an insightful course that taught me so much about something I have given a lot of thought about. I really appreciate the lengths you have all gone to teach us the most important things about being a script-writer. Thank you all so much."

"A clear, concise and beautifully structured course. The video content is informative and lively, and the screenwriters are refreshingly down to earth in the way they talk about their processes. I am going to write a beat sheet, plough through a first draft without spending hours polishing each scene and I'm going to use some of the resources the course suggests. Thanks very much."

Who will you learn with?

Michael  Lengsfield

Screenwriter Michael Lengsfield teaches scriptwriting at the University of East Anglia, where he specializes in the theory and practice of dramatic adaptation. @Film_Adaptation

Who developed the course?

UEA - University of East Anglia logo

UEA (University of East Anglia)

The University of East Anglia is an internationally renowned university providing top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 15,000 students from over 100 countries around the globe.

Endorsers and supporters

funded by

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 23 Feb 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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