An Introduction to Screenwriting (FutureLearn)

Screenplays are at the core of dramatic films, and all of the tender romance and terrifying action begins at the screenwriter’s desk.
Instructors from the University of East Anglia’s well renowned department of creative writing have built this course for both new scriptwriters and more experienced writers wanting to improve their scriptwriting skills.

The cinematic story and Three Act Structure
Learn about the cinematic story and form of a screenplay as you read a number of professional scripts. You’ll discover how to develop a basic storyline and create a five-finger pitch.
We’ll discuss story structures such as the Three Act Structure, where we divide the narrative into three sections. You’ll learn from a mixture of basic theory, script analysis and practical exercises.

Creating a character for your screenplay
Listen to a panel of experts give their thoughts on character creation and try an exercise to help you develop character outlines. You’ll learn how to write powerful dialogue, create a voice for your character and construct scenes to tell your story.
At the end of the course, you’ll think about workflow for writing your first draft of a feature film and discover screenplay formatting.

Syllabus

Week 1: Cinematic story, form and structure
Week 2: Character, writing the scene and first draft

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'