Screenwriting is a style of writing that is useful for anyone who has a desire to work in various entertainment industries such as film, television, and video games. This skill requires you to write in an organized fashion, tell a compelling story, and maintain consistency, so the amount of time it takes to learn the skill can differ. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn screenwriting and some resources to help speed the process along.
What is Screenwriting?
Screenwriting is the act of composing screenplays, or scripts, for a film, television show, or video game. Screenwriters are tasked with creating complex characters, elaborate dialogue, vibrant scenes, and specific stage instructions. Screenwriters are essentially responsible for writing all the rules, directions, movements, and thoughts that the characters have. It is an interesting career choice as well as a creative outlet. If you enjoy writing, storytelling, and crafting new and exciting worlds, then screenwriting is a great hobby or career choice for you to pursue.
Over the decades, screenwriting has evolved from the basic script to more advanced and specific screenplays with certain formats, requirements, and details that are needed in order for the screenplay to be cohesive. Many screenwriters work in a variety of shows and films or write their own independent screenplays, so the job frequently provides new and interesting work. There are many added benefits to screenwriting as a hobby or career such as writing at your own pace, working during the hours that are best suited to your lifestyle, and using it as artistic expression.
Benefits of Learning Screenwriting?
Screenwriting can prove to be an incredible creative outlet or way to express your emotions. Many screenwriters draw from personal experience to bring life to the characters or drive the narrative forward. As a result, it can be very rewarding and provide an emotional release to write your screenplay. Alternatively, if your screenplay is set in a fantasyland, that allows you to use your creativity to diversify your characters, improve the storyline, and expand your make-believe world.
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Many may think that writers work alone, but that is not always the case. Many screenwriters and writers of other genres benefit from peer review and revision. Perhaps you choose to join a creative writing club or enroll in a screenwriter's workshop. Here, you can expect to meet other aspiring screenwriters who share your desire to create the most cohesive and well-received screenplay possible. Working alongside like-minded individuals ensures that you have someone to bounce ideas off of, but it also helps you make new friends that you may end up working with one day in the industry.
Screenwriters are needed in many different areas of the entertainment industry, from films to television shows to video games. This can prove to be a fulfilling and profitable career choice that gives you the freedom to choose your own hours, write in the way that you want, and, generally, work at your own pace. Plus, it is a unique career where you can experience new things every day. As a screenwriter, you get the chance to reach an audience through your words, help actors with their stage directions, and create a new world through your written work. You never know – your next screenplay could end up being a total success at film festivals, television show premieres, and game releases.
Average Time It Takes to Learn Screenwriting
The average time it takes to learn screenwriting can vary from person to person. Some choose the traditional path by enrolling in undergraduate school and majoring or minoring in a field of study such as English, creative writing, film, or a related topic. There is also the option to attend graduate school. This can be four to six years on average. Some choose to take individual courses that could last for a few weeks or a few months. Then again, some may choose to try writing with little to no experience. The average time it takes to write a screenplay can vary as well because it is all about the context of the screenplay itself. On average, it could take ten weeks to six months. However, writing a screenplay feels more natural with time and practice, so it could depend on that factor as well.
Other Factors
There are a number of factors to consider before you begin learning how to write a screenplay. It is important to know your strengths as well as your weaknesses. It is also important to understand your writing style or learning style as well.
Prior Experience with Related Topics
If you have prior experience with a related topic or in a related field, screenwriting may come more naturally than if you have not. For example, if you have an English degree, you may find screenwriting to be much easier than someone who has never taken an intensive writing class. Similarly, if you struggle with the technical aspects of writing such as structure, organization, grammar, and other aspects, you may encounter a few challenges. These challenges are easy to mitigate with the help of a professional instructor, practice through writing multiple drafts, and lots of time, practice, and dedication. Overall, you can still learn how to write a screenplay even if you have little to no experience, but your experience is something to consider.
Personal Learning Style
Similarly, your personal learning style is important as well. Some learn best through practice, workshops, and writing exercises, whereas others learn best from lectures and exams. While some people prefer to learn in larger group settings, others may prefer small, individualized settings. In order to learn as much as possible and write the best screenplay you can, it is vital to choose whichever style is best suited to your learning needs. With an expert screenwriting instructor, you will learn more, gain more feedback, and will have more insight into the entertainment industry.
Your Reason to Learn Screenwriting
You must ask yourself one important question before you start your learning journey. Why do you want to learn screenwriting? Maybe you have a story that you desperately want to share with the world in a lasting and meaningful way. Perhaps you are an adventurous and creative person who thrives in an entertaining position. Regardless of your reason, make sure you follow your dreams and never lose sight of your reason for wanting to achieve this goal. It is a necessary factor to consider because having confidence in your reason to write a screenplay can have an impact on your overall confidence as a writer.
Confidence, Creativity, and Consistency
You have to believe in yourself to believe in your screenplay. Confidence is necessary, as there may be others who don’t see eye to eye with your screenplay and may not enjoy it. It is imperative not to be discouraged and to have confidence in your screenwriting abilities. You should also foster a creative spirit by being open-minded, being receptive to constructive feedback, and thinking outside of the box. Lastly, consistency is key to learning any new skill. If you continually work on your screenplay, you will have a complete, coherent, and engaging screenplay in no time. Staying confident, creative, and consistent will ensure that you see your screenplay through until the end.Â
What to Know Before Learning Screenwriting
Like any skill, the level of difficulty depends on factors that are unique to your learning style. You may find writing difficult for technical reasons such as staying organized, maintaining structure, or using correct grammar. Others may have more difficulty with being creative and providing compelling dialogue. It is best to learn your strengths and figure out where you could improve. For example, if you have difficulty creating complex and relatable characters, you could enroll in a course that focuses on writing interesting characters into your screenplay.Â
There are no necessary prerequisites for becoming a screenwriter. Having a degree is advantageous, especially if you majored in a liberal arts study such as English, theater, or creative writing. Some employers may require their screenwriters to obtain a membership to the Writers Guild of America before accepting screenplays. It is also beneficial to analyze other screenplays, attend workshops and classes, and possess word processing skills. Some screenwriters use specific software, so having an understanding of that software is useful as well.
The cost of learning screenwriting depends on a number of factors. Traditional undergraduate and graduate schools are typically the most expensive option. However, many classes are offered online or in schools across the country that are less costly. Aside from the amount it may cost to learn to screenwrite, you could also consider what amount you would charge as a paid screenwriter, as screenwriters can often set their own rates.
Can I Learn Screenwriting for Free / on My Own?
There are ways to learn screenwriting for free or on your own. For example, there are online resources such as blogs, tutorials, and videos. Your local library could have self-help books or how-to books on screenwriting as well. While there are many free or low-cost ways to learn more about screenwriting, traditional methods are typically best for learning a new skill quickly and with ease. Plus, having an experienced screenwriting instructor helps with the learning process as well. They will be there to answer any questions you have, provide feedback on your writing, and can provide advice about the entertainment industry.
Key Takeaways
- Screenwriting is a highly creative and fulfilling career choice made by many in the entertainment industry. Screenwriters write screenplays, or scripts, for video games, films, and television shows. Screenwriting can also serve as a wonderful hobby that comes with many advantages.
- There are many benefits to learning screenwriting. It can be a lucrative career choice that will also serve as a creative outlet or a way to express your emotions. You can also meet new friends through writing clubs and workshops.
- The average time can vary depending on the level of education you plan to reach. Traditional methods can take four to six years, but other programs and methods can last a few months to a few short years.
- You need to consider what prerequisites are required or beneficial to learning screenwriting. It is also beneficial to identify where you are in your writing journey and what you need to improve upon before and while learning. Lastly, you will want to consider what it may cost to learn screenwriting and what options are best for you.
- There are free and low-cost resources available to help you learn screenwriting. These include websites, video tutorials, self-help books, and more. Overall, these are great resources to help you along your screenwriting journey, but without an experienced instructor or the help of peers, you may not have as easy of a time learning screenwriting and perfecting your screenplay.
- While there are many ways to learn about screenwriting, formal training is the best option such as an in-person or online class. If you prefer to learn on your own or with a specific group, there are also private lessons or classes available through CourseHorse. Contact CourseHorse to find options for online or in-person classes, including private group sessions.