Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television from Coursera

Write a Full Length Feature Film Script

In this course, you will write a complete, feature-length screenplay for film or television, be it a serious drama or romantic comedy or anything in between. You’ll learn to break down the creative process into components, and you’ll discover a structured process that allows you to produce a polished and pitch-ready script by the end of the course. Completing this project will increase your confidence in your ideas and abilities, and you’ll feel prepared to pitch your first script and get started on your next. This is a course designed to tap into your creativity and is based in "Active Learning". Most of the actual learning takes place within your own activities - that is, writing! You will learn by doing.

Here is a link to a TRAILER for the course. To view the trailer, please copy and paste the link into your browser.

https://vimeo.com/382067900/b78b800dc0

Learner review: "Love the approach Professor Wheeler takes towards this course. It's to the point, easy to follow, and very informative! Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in taking a Screenplay Writing course!

The course curriculum is simple: We will adopt a professional writers room process in which you’ll write, post your work for peer review, share feedback with your peers and revise your work with the feedback you receive from your peers. That's how we do it in the real world. You will feel as if you were in a professional writers room yet no prior experience as a writer is required. I'm a proponent of Experiential Learning (Active Learning). My lectures are short (sometimes just two minutes long) and to the point, designed in a step-by-step process essential to your success as a script writer. I will guide you but I won’t "show" you how to write. I firmly believe that the only way to become a writer is to write, write, write.

Learner Review: "I would like to thank this course instructor. It's an amazing course"

What you’ll need to get started: As mentioned above, no prior script writing experience is required. To begin with, any basic word processor will do. During week two, you can choose to download some free scriptwriting software such as Celtx or Trelby or you may choose to purchase Final Draft, the industry standard, or you can continue to use your word processor and do your own script formatting.

Learner Review: "Now I am a writer!"

If you have any concerns regarding the protection of your original work, Coursera's privacy policy protects the learner's IP and you are indeed the sole owners of your work.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week One - Creating The Idea

In Week One you will create a concept for your feature film, write up a pitch document, post that document, review the pitch documents of five of your peers and revise your concept with the feedback you get from your peers

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches learners all the components of a screenplay based on industry practice

Strong emphasis on peer review, which is a standard practice in screenwriting

Allows learners to learn how to use screenwriting software

Emphasizes writing based on structured processes

Instructor David Wheeler is experienced in the screenwriting industry

Develops learners' confidence in their writing abilities

Reviews summary

Structured screenwriting for film/tv

According to learners, this course offers a highly structured and practical approach to writing a feature-length screenplay. Students appreciate the step-by-step guidance provided throughout the extensive process, enabling them to complete a full draft by the end. The emphasis on learning by doing and the peer review system are frequently mentioned as central to the experience. While the instructor's lectures are seen as concise and helpful, the quality of the peer feedback can vary, sometimes requiring learners to seek additional input. Despite this, many find the course highly motivating and effective for achieving the goal of writing a complete script.

Core component, but quality varies.

"The peer review component is essential but the quality of feedback from others can be inconsistent."

"Learning to give and receive feedback from peers was valuable, although sometimes the reviews I got weren't very helpful."

"The peer review aspect is hit or miss; some reviews are insightful, others lack depth or understanding."

"Relies heavily on peer feedback, which is realistic, but means your learning depends on the quality of your peers."

Accessible even without prior experience.

"I had no prior screenwriting experience, and this course guided me through the entire process."

"Perfect for beginners who want to understand the structure and discipline required."

"No prior experience needed, the course starts from the basics and builds up."

"Accessible for anyone new to screenwriting, providing a solid foundation."

Instructor provides focused, brief guidance.

"The instructor's lectures are short, clear, and directly applicable to the weekly tasks."

"Professor Wheeler's videos are brief and to the point, focusing only on what's needed for the week's work."

"I appreciated the short lecture format. It kept me focused on the writing itself."

"Lectures are brief but provide just enough information to get you started on the writing tasks."

Emphasis on practical writing activity.

"This course forces you to write, which is the only way to learn screenwriting."

"It's an 'active learning' course – you learn by actually doing the writing every week."

"The focus is heavily on the practical writing assignments, less theory and more application."

"If you're ready to put in the writing hours, this course is perfect. It's all about doing."

Helps students finish a full script.

"Before this course, I never finished a script. Now I have a complete draft!"

"The biggest win is that I actually finished a feature-length script, which was my goal."

"This course delivers on its promise: I wrote a full screenplay. It feels amazing to have completed it."

"It pushes you to write consistently and finish the entire draft within the timeline."

The course provides a clear, week-by-week plan.

"The step by step method is very clear and easy to follow. Writing a complete screenplay seemed insurmountable before."

"I loved the weekly approach, breaking down the daunting task of writing a script into manageable chunks."

"This course provided a clear roadmap from idea to completed draft. I knew exactly what I needed to do each week."

"The course structure is excellent, guiding you through each stage of the screenplay writing process systematically."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television with these activities:

Review basic screenplay formatting

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Ensure your screenplay adheres to industry standards for formatting and presentation.

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Review the formatting guidelines for screenplays, including font, margins, and indentation.
Use screenwriting software to familiarize yourself with industry-standard tools.

Read 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel' by Jessica Brody

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Gain insights and practical advice on crafting engaging and marketable stories.

View Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Apply the principles to your own screenplay, experimenting with different approaches.
Share your insights and discuss the book's ideas with peers or mentors.

Story outline

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Develop a comprehensive outline of your screenplay's plot, structure, and key events.

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Write a logline and dramatic question to encapsulate the essence of your story.
Create an outline for each act, including major plot points and character arcs.
Map out the narrative structure, including the beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Identify and develop the main themes, conflicts, and subplots that will drive the story.

Five other activities

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Character development drills

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Practice the art of creating in-depth and compelling characters through a series of exercises.

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Write detailed backstories and biographies for your main characters.
Craft unique character profiles exploring motivations, goals, and flaws.
Develop dynamic relationships between characters and explore their interactions.

Peer feedback sessions

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Share your screenplay with peers and receive constructive feedback to enhance your writing.

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Organize regular feedback sessions with other students in the course.
Present your work and actively listen to feedback provided by your peers.
Incorporate constructive criticism into subsequent drafts of your screenplay.

Attend a screenwriting workshop

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Engage with experienced screenwriters and gain valuable feedback on your work.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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Research and identify reputable screenwriting workshops that align with your goals.
Apply for and participate in a workshop, actively engaging with the instructors and fellow participants.
Seek feedback on your screenplay and incorporate constructive criticism into your revisions.

Complete a screenplay synopsis and treatment

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Create a concise and effective summary of your screenplay to attract interest and secure funding.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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Write a compelling synopsis that captures the essence of your story in a few paragraphs.
Craft a detailed treatment that expands on the synopsis, providing a scene-by-scene breakdown and character descriptions.

Mentor aspiring screenwriters

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Deepen your understanding of screenwriting principles by sharing your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Screenwriting

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Identify opportunities to mentor aspiring screenwriters, such as through online forums or local writing groups.
Provide guidance on writing techniques, story structure, and screenplay formatting.
Offer constructive feedback on mentees' screenplays, helping them improve their writing skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Screenwriter

A Screenwriter is responsible for writing the screenplay for a film or television show. The screenplay outlines the story, characters, and dialogue for the production. This course can help you develop the skills needed to write a compelling and marketable screenplay. You will learn how to create a concept, develop characters, and structure a story. You will also learn about the unique formatting and software used in screenwriting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Television Writer

A Television Writer is responsible for writing the scripts for television shows. This can include writing for dramas, comedies, and reality shows. This course can help you develop the skills needed to write a successful television script. You will learn how to create characters, develop storylines, and write dialogue that will engage viewers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Television Writer

Film Director

A Film Director is responsible for overseeing the production of a film. This includes working with the screenwriter, cast, and crew to bring the film to life. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a successful film director. You will learn about the different aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, and editing. You will also learn how to work with actors and crew to create a cohesive and engaging film.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Director

Producer

A Producer is responsible for overseeing the production of a film or television show. This includes raising financing, hiring the crew, and managing the budget. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a successful producer. You will learn about the different aspects of producing, including development, financing, and marketing. You will also learn how to work with writers, directors, and actors to create a successful film or television show.

See salaries and explore the career path for Producer

Development Executive

A Development Executive is responsible for finding and developing new film and television projects. This includes reading scripts, meeting with writers, and pitching projects to studios and networks. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a successful development executive. You will learn how to read scripts, identify promising projects, and develop them into marketable properties.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Executive

Screenwriting Teacher

A Screenwriting Teacher is responsible for teaching students how to write screenplays. This can include teaching at a university, film school, or online. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a successful screenwriting teacher. You will learn about the different aspects of screenwriting, including story structure, character development, and dialogue writing. You will also learn how to teach these concepts to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriting Teacher

Film Critic

A Film Critic is responsible for writing and publishing reviews of films. This can include writing for newspapers, magazines, websites, or blogs. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a successful film critic. You will learn how to analyze films, write clear and concise reviews, and share your opinions with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Critic

Entertainment Lawyer

An Entertainment Lawyer is responsible for providing legal advice to clients in the entertainment industry. This can include representing actors, directors, producers, and writers. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a successful entertainment lawyer. You will learn about the different aspects of entertainment law, including contracts, copyright, and intellectual property.

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Talent Agent

A Talent Agent is responsible for representing actors and other performers. This includes negotiating contracts, finding work, and managing their careers. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a successful talent agent. You will learn about the different aspects of the entertainment industry, including contracts, negotiation, and marketing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Agent

Screenplay Consultant

A Screenplay Consultant is responsible for providing feedback and guidance to screenwriters. This can include helping writers develop their stories, characters, and dialogue. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a successful screenplay consultant. You will learn about the different aspects of screenwriting, including story structure, character development, and dialogue writing. You will also learn how to provide feedback to writers in a constructive and helpful way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenplay Consultant

Script Reader

A Script Reader is responsible for reading scripts and providing feedback to producers and development executives. This can include writing coverage, which is a brief summary of the script, and providing notes on the script's strengths and weaknesses. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a successful script reader. You will learn how to read scripts, identify promising projects, and write clear and concise feedback.

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Writer

A Writer is responsible for creating written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a successful writer. You will learn about the different aspects of writing, including story structure, character development, and dialogue writing. You will also learn how to write in a clear and concise style.

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Film Programmer

A Film Programmer is responsible for selecting and programming films for a film festival, theater, or other venue. This can include researching films, negotiating contracts, and marketing the films to audiences. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a successful film programmer. You will learn about the different aspects of film programming, including film selection, marketing, and audience development.

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Journalist

A Journalist is responsible for gathering, writing, and reporting news and current events. This can include working for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television news programs. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a successful journalist. You will learn how to research and write news stories, interview sources, and report on events in a clear and concise style.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns for products and services. This can include working for businesses of all sizes, from small start-ups to large corporations. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a successful marketing manager. You will learn about the different aspects of marketing, including market research, advertising, and public relations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager