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

Week Two: Logline and Dramatic Question

In Week Two you will create a Logline and a Dramatic Question for your feature film, post those documents, review the Logline and DramaticQuestion pitches of five of your peers and revise your work with the feedback you get from your peers

Week Three Create your character profile(s)

In Week Three you will create detailed descriptions of the main characters in your screenplay, post your character profiles, review the character profiles of five of your peers and revise your work with the feedback you get from your peers

Week Four: The Three Act Story Arc

In Week Four you will learn about the Three Act Structure for your feature film, you will write an outline for Act One and an outline for the First Ten Pages of your script, review the outlines of five of your peers and revise your work with the feedback you get from your peers

Week Five: Screenplay Formatting and Software

In Week Five, you will learn about the unique formatting in screenplay writing and you will learn to use screenplay software. You will become familiar with the software and practice with it, getting ready to begin your screenplay next week.

Week Six: Begin your screenplay

Week Six represents the actual beginning of your screenplay. You've created your idea, your logline, the dramatic question, your character profiles. You've outlined Act One and written your outline for your first ten pages. Now you're ready to transform that outline into script form. In this week you will complete the first ten pages of your unique screenplay.

Week Seven: The middle section of Act One

In Week Seven, you will write an outline for the middle section of Act One. After posting your outline and giving feedback to five of your peers, you will then write pages 11 to 20, post that piece of your screenplay and give feedback to your peers' work.

Week Eight: Write the final section of Act One

In Week Eight, you will write pages 21-30 which will close out Act One of your screen play. You will post your work and review the work of five of your peers.

Week Nine: Table read Act One

In Week Nine, you have the week off from writing. This week, you will get together with a few friends and read Act One of your screenplay, focusing on the dialogue.

Week Ten: Begin Act Two

In Week Ten, you will write part one of Act Two (pages 31-40)

Week Eleven: Write pages 41-50

In Week Eleven, you will write pages 41-50 of your screenplay

Week Twelve: Write pages 51-60

In Week Twelve you will write pages 51-60 and will pass the halfway point of your screenplay.

Week Thirteen: Write pages 61-70

In Week Thirteen you will write pages 61-70, pushing your screenplay towards the end of Act Two.

Week Fourteen: Write pages 71-80

In Week Fourteen, you will finish up Act Two, writing pages 71-80

Week Fifteen: Table read Acts One and Two

In Week Fifteen, you have the week off from writing. Instead, you will get together with a few friends and read Acts One and Two of your screenplay, focusing on the dialogue.

Week Sixteen: Write pages 81-90

In Week Sixteen, you will begin the final act of your screenplay.

Week Seventeen: Write pages 91-100

In Week Seventeen, you will write pages 91-100, completing the middle section of Act Three

Week Eighteen: Finish Act Three

In Week Eighteen, you will write pages 100-110, finishing the final Act of your screenplay.

Week Nineteen: Table read your entire script

Week Twenty: Finishing things up.

In Week Twenty, you will post your completed, polished script and review the finished work of three of your peers. Then you will write a cold open for your screenplay and a synopsis to submit to agents and producers.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

A comprehensive and well-structured screenplay writing course

Learners say this course provides students with a well-structured and comprehensive approach to writing a feature-length screenplay. Instructor David Wheeler's engaging and motivational lectures guide learners through the process of creating a screenplay from beginning to end. The course emphasizes regular writing, peer review, and feedback, helping learners improve their writing skills and receive constructive criticism. Overall, this course is highly recommended for aspiring screenwriters and those looking to enhance their writing abilities.

Instructor David Wheeler is engaging, knowledgeable, and motivational in his lectures.

"Mr. David Wheeler is simply excellent."

"His sessions are just a couple of minutes on average but that is all that is every needed for what he is trying to explain."

Course offers a clear structure with a focus on weekly writing and peer review to guide learners through the screenplay writing process.

"The process: Beginning, Middle and End to each Act helps create a storyline which confines to the length of a movie."

"Regularity was certainly useful in retaining the flow, although there were times when longer contemplations were required, e.g. in creating the plot."

Peer review is a valuable component of the course, providing feedback and helping learners improve their writing.

"Very helpful and the feed back from ones peers is fantastic."

"It's perfect, easy to understand and I learned a lot in the development of the script, simply complete, congratulations to all involved."

There have been some technical issues reported by learners, including difficulty submitting assignments and receiving feedback.

"It got me to write, so that's been great. But there have been three instances now of trying to upload submissions and being unable to because of technical issues on your end."

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entertainment Lawyer

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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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.

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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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