Screenwriting is the act of writing a screenplay, which is otherwise known as a script. These are generally made for film, television, video games, or other similar forms of entertainment. Learning how to write a screenplay is a beneficial, productive, and creative skill that can help you break into the entertainment industry, but it also serves as a creative way to express yourself and meet other aspiring writers, actors, and artists. Here, you’ll learn more about the ways that you can benefit from screenwriting and how it can enhance your life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning to screenwrite can be a valuable and impressive skill to learn.
What is Screenwriting?
Screenwriting is the art of writing scripts for movies, television shows, and even video games. There is an extensive screenwriting history that technically goes as far back as Shakespeare’s plays but has been adapted over the decades. Specifically, in modern times, screenplays are typically written for mass-produced media entertainment and therefore have a different format, style, and technical approach than screenplays of the past. Many aspiring screenwriters all across the country work in a variety of locations, genres, and industries. Overall, screenwriting is a skill that is not only practical but artistically fulfilling.
Screenwriting is a unique hobby or career path for a number of reasons. First, it is a very broad skill since there are so many types of screenplays you can write. For example, you may find yourself writing a feature-length film script or crafting dialogue between two characters in a video game series. With that, writing a screenplay also gives you a chance to explore several genres such as comedy, horror, documentary, or action. If you enjoy exploring various genres and styles, screenwriting is a great way to do that. You may even find your niche with one particular genre and continue honing your skills enough to achieve silver-screen stardom.
Benefits of Learning Screenwriting?
By learning how to write a screenplay, you can break into the entertainment industry and find a career as a screenwriter. There are so many advantageous reasons to work as a screenwriter. For example, it can be a lucrative career choice that may result in a consistent, fulfilling career as a lead writer or permanent fixture on a show. Plus, there are so many different types of shows, films, games, and genres to work with as a screenwriter, so you will never feel bored or like you aren’t enjoying your job. Every new screenplay is an opportunity to tell a compelling, invigorating storyline and to create complex characters, so you will always have opportunities to explore your creativity and use your imagination.
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Because screenwriting is a unique skill that requires a bit of imagination and creativity, it is also a good way to express yourself and process emotions through storytelling. You may have a crazy, scary, poignant, or heartfelt story that you believe is worth sharing, and there is no better way to share it than through a screenplay. Others may even resonate with your story, which can help boost your confidence and validate your thoughts on the screenplay. You may even find it therapeutic or cathartic to write your screenplay, which can help you feel better and perhaps write better as well. Whether you plan to write screenplays for profit or fun, writing is an activity that can provide personal benefits in a myriad of ways.
Despite what some may think, screenwriting is a skill that requires more than just sitting down by yourself at a desk while writing silently. In fact, screenwriting can be an incredibly interactive and social activity. Plus, it is always beneficial to have your work reviewed by a trusted peer, instructor, or friend. For example, it is common to see screenwriters bouncing ideas off of other writers, getting feedback from colleagues, and having editors read over written work, so there is ample interaction and communication. As a result, screenwriting allows you to feel more confident sharing your thoughts and feedback with others. By learning how to write a screenplay, you could wind up joining a creative writing club or signing up for a screenplay workshop. This could easily lead to you making a few new friends who would help you along your screenwriting learning journey.
New Career Path
Learning how to craft a coherent and exciting screenplay can land you a permanent position as a writer in the entertainment industry. With the right training, it may be easier to enter into this lucrative career path. The New York International Screenplay Awards, located in the Upper West Side in Manhattan, offers courses designed to help you achieve your screenwriting goals. The course, titled How to Write an Award-Winning Screenplay, is led by a professional, well-accredited screenwriter with insight into the industry. This course blends the technical aspects of writing a screenplay with the creative aspects, as well as how to follow criteria that are commonly used in film festivals. Your instructor will guide you through the writing process, provide feedback, and answer any questions you may have about screenwriting. Not only will you learn how to write a screenplay, but you will also receive a certificate upon completion of the course. This is a step in the right direction if you plan to make screenwriting a career choice.
Creative Outlet
Aside from being a profitable, unique, and exciting career choice, screenwriting can also serve as a creative outlet for personal growth and achievement. In the 4-week Solo Show 1: Writing course, you will create your very own solo show. This course begins with a general introduction to this writing style, where you will analyze scripts and learn how to build a strong, interesting story. Then, your instructor will guide you through the writing process and provide feedback on your work as you complete a series of drafts. By the end of this course, you will feel more willing to let your creativity shine and perhaps use writing as a cathartic way to express yourself. Consider signing up for the Solo Show 2: Performance course once you have completed the writing course to see how to put your solo show on the stage to challenge your creativity even further. In this course, you will see your story come to life and be proud that you were part of every step of the process.
Join New Communities
In addition, screenwriting can be a way to meet others who share your passion for storytelling and writing. When you enroll in writing workshops such as the Creative Writing Workshop – All Genre offered online by the Los Angeles Writers Group, you get a hands-on and interactive experience. You will learn alongside other like-minded individuals who will provide feedback on your writing to ensure you produce your best work. In this course, you will be able to bounce around ideas with classmates, practice with writing exercises, explore new genres of writing, and, ultimately, find your passion for writing again. This is a great way to join a new community.
Turn Your Dreams into a Reality
Last but certainly not least, screenwriting is beneficial because it allows you to make your fantasy a reality. Whether you are drawing from personal experience or using your imagination to build a wild and inspiring story, screenwriting gives you a chance to write your story and, eventually, see it in real life as well. The writer is in control of how the story progresses, so the possibilities are endless as long as you put your imagination and creativity into writing it. You may even be called back to the set to help with the screenplay, although screenwriters typically work off-set. Once your screenplay has turned into a feature film, television pilot episode, or video game plot, you will be able to see your ideas, characters, and dreams turn into a reality.
How to Start Learning Screenwriting
There are many ways to learn screenwriting, but the traditional method of learning is considered the most effective. In-person and online courses taught by an experienced instructor guarantee you will learn quickly and with ease. There are classes offered on CourseHorse from all across the country that are widely accessible and provide an interactive learning experience. A knowledgeable screenwriting teacher will help you through your writing process to ensure you produce your best-written work. In-person classes often provide course materials, so all you need to come prepared with is your creativity and willingness to write. Plus, you will meet others in your class that share an affinity for screenwriting, so there is an opportunity to meet new friends, make industry connections, and share ideas.
For example, if you have an idea for a screenplay but aren’t sure where to begin, consider the Write a Feature Screenplay in 5 Weeks offered at Los Angeles City College in East Hollywood. This course helps you with the fundamentals of your screenplay such as story structure and how to write with your style in mind. Similarly, the Character Creation course offered by the New York International Screenplay Awards teaches you to develop characters who add dimension to the plot and help move the storyline along. This class, located in the Upper West Side in Manhattan, focuses on the main principles of characterization. You will learn how to write characters who engage with the plot, connect with audience members, and have engaging dialogue. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a certificate on top of the feedback received in the workshop.
Sometimes, in-person classes aren’t available in your area or with your current schedule. Online classes fill this gap and allow you to learn your new skill with ease. If this applies to you, consider online courses such as the Screenwriting I: Introduction class provided by The Barrow Group Acting School. This course is perfect for beginners or those with very little experience. Perhaps you have an idea for a story but aren’t sure how to develop the story. Through weekly writing, reading, and viewing assignments, you will soon learn how to craft a well-written and interesting screenplay. You will improve your screenplay structure and character interaction throughout, as well as make revisions based on instructor feedback. The course ends with a final project consisting of a 10 to 20-page screenplay that you can call your own.
Key Takeaways
The main takeaway from screenwriting is that it is a worthwhile and fascinating skill to study and learn. There are ample benefits to screenwriting, both personal and professional, that you, too, can benefit from.
- Screenwriting is the act of writing a screenplay for a film, television show, or video game. There are many genres and styles that screenwriters work with, so it is an entertaining and versatile career choice.
- There are many reasons to learn screenwriting. It can provide professional or personal growth. You may feel catharsis or relief after writing out your story, or you may feel as though you’ve expanded your creativity through screenwriting.
- Screenwriting could turn into a fulfilling and profitable career choice, but it can also be a healthy creative outlet for you to explore. It is also possible to involve yourself in new communities that are also interested in screenwriting, creative writing, and the entertainment industry. Above all, it provides you with the opportunity to write your thoughts and ideas down, turn them into a story, and then see them play out before you.
- There are many ways to start learning screenwriting. There are many screenwriting texts both online and at your local library that can be used as supplemental resources. In addition, there are online tutorials that can help guide you. However, working without an instructor means you are on your own if you have questions or encounter any issues.
- 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.