An Introduction to Scriptwriting
12-week online creative writing course begins Monday 19 September
This course is an all-encompassing introduction to scriptwriting and is designed for writers who are just starting to explore scripts. You will learn the mechanisms of working across a variety of script forms: TV, film, theatre and radio. You’ll discover ways to generate ideas and turn them into stories, how to write dialogue and how visual narrative storytelling works. The course will also provide insight into the script industries and how to pitch your projects.
This course will teach you how to
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- Work across various script forms
- Create a portfolio of ideas and exercises from which you can draw in the future
- Develop a pitch/story outline according to industry standards
- Gain a greater understanding of story structure and plot mechanisms
- Generate future ideas and develop them further
- Begin approaching agents and production companies
- Further develop your craft
What the course covers
- How to begin – learn how to generate and develop ideas.
- Writing for film – creating, pitching and developing feature screenplays.
- Writing for radio – the mechanics of radio drama and narrative podcasting, exploring sound and dialogue techniques.
- Writing for stage – creating compelling characters using contemporary dramaturgical styles.
- Writing for TV – learn how to create a TV series ‘bible’ and how to develop a concept into a full treatment
- Next stages – editing your own work, giving and receiving constructive criticism and approaching agents.
Designed by the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at University of East Anglia and the National Centre for Writing.
This course is intended for writers aged 18+. If you’re looking for courses suitable for younger writers, check out these online workshops!
About your tutor
Molly Naylor is a scriptwriter, poet, performer and graphic novelist. Her stage work includes LIGHTS! PLANETS! PEOPLE! (winner of the Norfolk Arts Award for Theatre), Whenever I Get Blown Up I Think Of You (adapted for BBC Radio 4) and My Robot Heart. Her new show Stop Trying to be Fantastic has been commissioned by Norwich Arts Centre and Inn Crowd and will tour as soon as that’s allowed. Screen work includes After Hours (Sky One) – available to stream on Now TV. She is currently working on her first feature film, I’ll See Myself Out (Jeva Films). Published works include Stop Trying to be Fantastic (Burning Eye Books, 2020) and Badminton (2016). Her graphic novel adaptation of LIGHTS! PLANETS! PEOPLE! will be published by Avery Hill in September 2021.
Molly has appeared on a range of radio shows including Four Thought, Midweek, Bespoken Word (BBC Radio 4) and the Wondermentalist cabaret (BBC Radio 3). She has performed at festivals and events all over the world, including Latitude Festival, Edinburgh Book Festival, the Brighton Fringe, Salisbury Festival, Palabra Y Musica and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Read: Five common scriptwriting mistakes (and how to fix them) by Molly Naylor →
How it works
All you need is a computer and an internet connection. You can find out more about the requirements here.
The course is divided into six modules, each of which introduces an aspect of the craft of scriptwriting. Your knowledge will be developed through writing exercises, the analysis of samples of writing and discussion with your tutor and fellow students.
The modules are posted fortnightly. Every two weeks you will submit an assignment to your tutor, who will then respond with constructive feedback and advice.
There are two live Zoom sessions during this course:
- Monday 19 September, 7-8pm BST
- Monday 21 November, 7-8pm BST
Module assignments are between 500 and 1,000 words. Your tutor will give you written feedback on every assignment you submit, but only the third and final assignments will be assessed for your Certificate of Completion.
Click here to find out more about how our courses work and whether they’re right for you!
Designed by the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at University of East Anglia and the National Centre for Writing.
12-week online creative writing course begins Monday 19 September This course is an all-encompassing introduction to scriptwriting and is designed for writers who are just starting to explore scripts. You will learn the mechanisms of working across a variety of script forms: TV, film, theatre and radio. You’ll discover ways to generate ideas and turn […]
Online Writers Centre Norwich