Online Class: Screenwriting 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
17Lessons
-
31Exams &
Assignments -
1,840Students
have taken this course -
12Hours
average time -
1.2CEUs
Course Description
This is a basic, nuts-and-bolts course, for people who wish to write screenplays, but don't know much about it. Because screenwriting is demanding both technically and in the market for jobs and sales, 'Getting Into The Screenwriting Game to Win' attempts to go through each essential aspect needed for a beginner to get started, stick with it, and yes, make a sale or get a job.
In this course you will learn basic rules and skills. There's no excuse for a poorly formatted script, you're really only wasting your time. Traditional three-act structure for film-stores can be debated endlessly, but it works, it's very functional, it's fairly easy to understand, and you can't neglect at least a passing familiarity with this mode of expression for your stories. Get in touch with the industry, the markets, what's selling, where to find opportunities, how to deal with people. Approach your work standards and work environment seriously, because you'll be spending a lot of time there. If you get a deal, don't get screwed for careless anticipation of the money involved, and if you get screwed, don't be surprised. And remember that if you can't make it to the top and win an Oscar for some super-big film you wrote, it's still a wonderful way to make a buck at your computer doing smaller gigs and 'for-hire' work.
Screenwriting is also therapy. It's good for you, and your imagination and thoughts will develop wonderfully as you work through each visualization---but be sensitive to the audience, don't exploit our world with endless images of violence and gore (at least not without a reason), and don't hop in bed with unethical projects or money-sources just because you can. It's a wild world for films and film-makers---stay on the bright side and keep it safe and legal.
The hope is that for the beginner, this course presents a working knowledge of what is needed to get started writing screenplays in a realistic and informed way. Beyond this, you're now free to roam where no screenwriter has gone before---and what a wonder it is to wonder.
Course Motivation
Let's define our terms: a screenwriter composes scripts that are produced as material for some kind of motion picture. Yet, some people might be satisfied with writing one short film, maybe 20 minutes long, and seeing it produced. They might even do this for free, for the simple joy of it, and never write another screen story. Another person might obsessively pursue only a full-time, life-long career as a top flight screenwriter with high pay and many big budget film credits. Or you may wish to write for TV, documentaries, corporate videos, and commercial spots. Believe it or not, you might want to write a screenplay or two just for yourself.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself, before deciding that you want to be a screenwriter:
- What is the real reason that I feel working as a screenwriter is something I want to spend time on?
- In my own view of things, what do I feel a screenwriter really does and what does the working life of a screenwriter actually involve?
- If I have the success I want as a screenwriter, what will I be doing, what rewards do I expect, and how does that success seem like it will take shape for me personally?
- If I fail as a screenwriter, will my life be destroyed and will I end up living in the gutter, homeless, or bankrupt?
- Am I really the type of person who would endure long hours at a computer keyboard alone with myself?
- Do words, thoughts, ideas, and concepts come easily for me?
- Am I fearful of a blank page or do I enjoy jumping into the abyss of the uncreated?
- Do I often finish long or demanding projects that I start?
- Do I work well with other creative people who may or may not fully appreciate my artistic efforts?
If those answers are yes, then congratulations----you really do want to be a screenwriter. You may even comprehend what you're getting into. Like any other business, your chances of success depend on a myriad of factors. Some of these you control; some you don't. It also depends on what you mean by success---or what success means to you.
No, it really doesn't, if only for the sake of the writers who won't make the cut. But remember, you can always grab a $300 mini-DV camera, some light stands, and some unemployed actors and film your own script. The cost today is lower than ever and yours may be the eye, the hand, and the mind that enlightens others.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Why Get into Screenwriting and What are My Chances of Success?
Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Screenwriting; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Introduction
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 1 Review
Lesson 2: A Brief History of the Screenplay
Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review
Lesson 3: Markets, Current Trends, and Where Beginners Fit In
Lesson 3 Video
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review
Lesson 4: Getting Started: Mastering Screenplay Format
Lesson 4 Video
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 4 Review
Lesson 5: Story Types, Genre, and Targeting Your Script to Sell
Lesson 5 Video
Lesson discussions: Genre
Assessment: Lesson 5 Review
Lesson 6: Mastering Plot, Story, and Basic Three Act Structure
Lesson 6 Video
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review
Lesson 7: Mastering Characters and Character Development
Lesson 7 Video
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 7 Review
Lesson 8: Writing Comedy
Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 Review
Lesson 9: How High is High Concept?
Lesson 9 Video
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 9 Review
Lesson 10: Writing Action Stories
Lesson 10 Video
Assessment: Lesson 10 Review
Lesson 11: Writing Dialogue
Lesson 11 Video
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 11 Review
Lesson 12: Breaking Down the Barriers
Lesson 12 Video
Lesson discussions: Credits
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 12 Review
Lesson 13: Work Environment and Professional Standards
Lesson 13 Video
Lesson discussions: Work Space
Assessment: Lesson 13 Review
Lesson 14: Submissions, Queries, and Loglines.
Lesson 14 Video
Lesson discussions: Queries
Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 14 Review
Lesson 15: Getting Representation
Lesson 15 Video
Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 15 Review
Lesson 16: Welcome to Hollywood
Lesson 16 Video
Assessment: Lesson 16 Review
Lesson 17: Documentaries, Video Scripts and Other Types
Lesson 17 Video
Lesson discussions: Let us know what you think of this course; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 17 Review
Learning Outcomes
- Identify why choose screenwriting as a career and estimate the chances of success.
- Describe the history and evolution of the screenplay.
- Describe markets, current trends, and where beginners fit in.
- Summarize mastering screenplay format.
- Describe story types, genre, and targeting your script to sell.
- Describe mastering plot, story, and basic three act structure.
- Describe mastering characters and character development.
- Describe writing comedy.
- Describe writing action stories.
- Describe writing dialogue.
- Define work environment and professional standards.
- Summarize getting representation.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Choose Your Subscription Plan
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Includes CEUs | X |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "This course was fantastic, I'm looking to convert some books and short stories I have written into screenplays. This has been incredibly informative." -- Paul H.
- "This course was indeed helpful, and I had fun doing it. Near as I can tell, Screenwriting 101 doesn't need anything at all included - it's a fantastic experience as is." -- Berenger D.
- "Great course!" -- Latina F.
- "I loved this course. it was highly informative." -- Keith J.
- "This course was extremely helpful." -- Malinda M.
- "Great, thank you, I'm so glad I took this course." -- Jacinta L.
- "I loved the course and the instructor." -- Lanna L.
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