What Do You Need to Learn Screenwriting?

Screenwriting is the act of writing a screenplay, otherwise known as a script, intended for film, television, or video gameplay. Screenwriters are responsible for all the amazing lines, funny moments, and memorable scenes you enjoy. You might worry that screenwriting will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning screenwriting and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

What is Screenwriting?

Screenwriting is the practice of creating screenplays made for entertainment purposes such as television shows, films, and video games. Screenwriters are integral in the entertainment industry because they create worlds and characters that people from all across the country grow to love.

While screenwriting is a professional skill, it is also a unique and creative activity that anyone can enjoy. This is considered an incredibly creative career path. As long as you use your imagination and dedicate your time to this passion, the possibilities may be virtually endless. Plus, there are various screenwriting styles to consider too, so exploring these can help you adapt your own style and find your distinct voice within your writing.

Benefits of Learning Screenwriting?

Screenwriting is a great skill to learn because it helps you tell stories, share your emotions, and connect with others in your community. This skill allows you to be more vulnerable, open, and receptive to others, so joining new communities is entirely possible once you start learning how to write screenplays. For example, you could begin writing or acting at a local theater or media production company as a result of your screenwriting studies. While screenwriting may seem like an individual skill to have, it is a rather social skill that opens new doors for interactions, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and friendships.

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In addition, screenwriting is a creative outlet that helps you process emotions, past experiences, and future desires. Perhaps you have a story that is close to your heart, and you want to share this experience with the world. In this case, writing may not only be an outlet for you, but it may be cathartic. Writing is often considered a very therapeutic activity, so you may end up feeling refreshed and relieved after writing your screenplay.

Of course, becoming a screenwriter is entirely possible with a little training. You can explore this interesting career path once you have learned how to write, edit, and finalize an exhilarating, thoughtful, and coherent screenplay. Plus, there are many screenwriting resources available to you from accredited organizations and companies that can aid you in your screenwriting learning journey and eventually help you land a job as a permanent fixture in the entertainment industry. 

Is Screenwriting Easy to Learn?

Just like any skill, screenwriting is a skill that takes time, patients, and dedication but is entirely possible to learn. There are challenges unique to screenwriting that may not apply to other career paths, but the more time you dedicate to your screenplay, the more likely you will learn how to evolve as a screenwriter. Now and then, you may encounter the dreaded writer's block, but there are many techniques and tools to avoid letting it get the best of you. With an experienced instructor, you will leave the class feeling better equipped to handle any issues or roadblocks you may encounter.

For example, the Efficient Moving Dialogue Writing course provided by The New York International Screenplay Awards in the Upper West Side in Manhattan is a compact workshop designed to help you create dynamic and moving dialogue between your characters. You will start by learning the fundamentals of integrating dialogue as well as how to enhance characterization, maintain consistency, include subtext, and more. By the end of the class, you will receive ample feedback on your screenplay as well as a certificate to prove you have completed the course. 

Alternatively, you may have a child that has shown interest in screenwriting and other forms of entertainment. In that case, the Script School in Toluca Lake, California, offers an all-encompassing camp that teaches your child everything about film production. This Summer Camp: Make a Movie in a Week course includes screenwriting, acting techniques, writing within various genres, proper use of film equipment, film editing, and more. By the end of the camp, your child will have an entire movie project created by and starring the students themselves that you can take home and enjoy for years to come. This could be your child's first screenplay of many.

Perhaps in-person classes aren’t easily accessible in your area. If that is the case, you can explore online courses that are offered all around the country such as the TV and Screenwriting Alchemy course. This workshop helps you turn your story into a powerful screenplay by teaching you new and useful techniques for creating an organized sequence of events, relatable, engaging characters, and compelling storytelling. This is a small course, so you can expect an intimate and interactive workshop where you will provide others with feedback as well as receive feedback on your writing. This course is open to any genre of screenplay, and the screenplay can be at any level of completion, but you can expect your writing to improve week by week.

What You Need to Know Before Learning Screenwriting

There are a few things to consider before you start learning screenwriting. Figuring out your preferred method of writing is a good place to start. Writing is a process, so it is important to consider things like physical space, noise level, organizational techniques, and other related factors. It is also beneficial if you have prior experience with creative writing or storytelling, but it is not necessarily required to create a stellar screenplay. Everyone writes differently, so figuring out your unique style can certainly help.

Some people find writing to be a challenge. Maybe you have trouble staying organized and consistent. Perhaps you often encounter writer's block and feel like you have nothing else to say. These issues are common and expected but manageable. Whenever you feel like you have hit a wall while writing, it is best to take a break to gather your thoughts. Maybe people use outlines or other prewriting techniques to gain more clarity in their writing. You could also ask to bounce ideas off a friend or a fellow screenwriting classmate to see if they could offer a different perspective. In essence, there are some mental challenges associated with writing, but they can usually be mitigated when you take a step back and reexamine them.

What You Need to Learn Screenwriting

There are a number of tools, supplies, and attitudes you should have before you begin learning screenwriting. These can vary from class to class but are often items that you may already have around your house. Some online courses require that you provide your own materials, but many in-person classes will provide supplies for students.

Class Materials

Some course materials may differ, but generally speaking, you will need materials to take notes such as notebook paper, pens, or a laptop. You may need a binder or folder that can hold all of your drafts and other materials as well. Some courses may require you to use a specific screenwriting software or read a specific textbook as well. You are often required to provide your own materials in an online class, but many in-person classes will have class materials provided for you by the instructor.

Knowledge of Industry Standards

There are certain criteria, formats, and standards that screenwriters generally follow. Just like any text, screenplays have a specific structure that they need to follow. For example, you write dialogue a certain way and stage directions in another way. It is important to follow these standards as it allows the actors to know what to say, when to say it, and what to do while they are saying it. Making sure you are writing clearly and concisely is important as well. It is also important to know when to add context and subtext to your screenplay so that the actors can gain more insight into the specific scene.

A Second Opinion

It is always in your best interest to get a second opinion on your written work. With in-person or online courses, you have access to a professional instructor and fellow classmates who will provide feedback and constructive criticism on your screenplay. Having a second opinion on your written work helps with technical errors such as screenplay formatting and grammar, but also with the creative aspect. Others can share what they think the story needs or doesn’t need so you can reach your intended audience.

Time, Patience, and Dedication

When it comes to writing, it is always important to have time, patients, and dedication. Sometimes, life gets busy, and you may have no time to write your screenplay. If you set aside just 20 minutes a day to write, that is still progress. It is also important to know that this screenplay won’t be written in a day, so you need to have patience and trust yourself during the writing process. Not only that, but you must be dedicated to your screenplay and know that it will go through many transformations throughout the drafting process. There may be moments when you feel frustrated, but push through and dedicate yourself to getting your screenplay out there.

Key Takeaways

• Screenwriting is the act of writing scripts for television, film, and video games.
• It is a creative and lucrative career choice, a fun hobby, and a way to express yourself. If you have ever wanted to become a storyteller, writing a screenplay is a great way to do that.
• It is important to figure out your personal writing style before you dive into the writing process. Take time to learn what works and what doesn’t work for you, in addition to trying various techniques to mitigate writer's block.
• You may need basic items like notebooks, pens, and your laptop. Some courses may use screenwriting software or a specific textbook.
• Like any new skill, screenwriting has its challenging moments. However, it is entirely possible to learn screenwriting and do well at it. With time, patients, dedication, and an experienced instructor, you can learn to write an enthralling 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.