Scriptwriting for Beginners

Plays, movies, and television shows have one thing in common: they start on the page. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, or if you simply want to improve your skills as a writer, this course is a great opportunity for you to learn the basics of scriptwriting and narrative drama.

Throughout the course, you will discover the essential components of storytelling and the techniques that professional writers use to craft engaging and meaningful scripts that resonate with audiences. You will learn how to structure your story to create a well-paced and compelling plot, how to develop memorable characters that audiences can relate to, and how to use dialogue and action to deliver information effectively. 

You’ll experiment with every major scripted genre, from film to podcast, learning what makes each format unique, and mastering structural lessons that apply to all of them. By the end of the course, you’ll have a complete short script, and a plan to make it a fully realized production!

What you will learn:

✔ Experiment with every major scripted genre, from plays to film and podcasts 
✔ Identify what works well on different screens 
✔ Utilize scriptwriting software and correct script formatting for stage and screen 
✔ Create practical yet deeply personal ideas for short scripts              
✔ Track audience expectations               
✔ Undertake rewrites to tighten your script ideas               
✔ Write a complete short script in the genre of your choice with a plan for production           

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What you need to participate:

• Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
• Word processing program, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word, that can create PDF files

How the course works:

Interlochen Online courses are designed to be inspiring and flexible with weekly learning units that combine video segments and guided instruction that you can complete on your own schedule during the week. You will interact regularly with your teacher and peers inside the learning environment. 

You can also participate in an optional weekly hour-long video class meeting, where you can learn from the teacher and interact with your classmates in real-time. At the beginning of the course, you will complete a survey indicating your preferred times for the class meeting. The teacher will make every best effort to identify a meeting time that works for everyone. The teacher will also post recordings of the meetings and you can view them when it is convenient. 

The goal is that you walk away not only with practical skills and friendships but that you are inspired and motivated to pursue your art and realize your potential.