Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/write-a-feature-length-screenplay-for-film-or-television
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your story on the big screen or streaming on your favorite platform? For many aspiring writers, the path from a fleeting idea to a polished screenplay can seem daunting, if not impossible. That’s where Coursera’s ‘Write a Feature Length Screenplay for Film or Television’ course comes in, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
This comprehensive course, designed to take you from concept to a completed, pitch-ready script, is structured in a way that breaks down the seemingly monumental task into manageable, week-by-week steps. I recently completed this course, and the transformation in my own writing process and confidence has been remarkable.
The syllabus is meticulously crafted. It begins with the foundational elements: creating a compelling idea and honing it into a concise pitch document (Week One). This is immediately followed by developing a sharp logline and a clear dramatic question (Week Two), crucial tools for any screenwriter. The course then delves into character development, pushing you to create detailed profiles that breathe life into your story (Week Three).
What truly sets this course apart is its emphasis on structure. Week Four introduces the universally acclaimed Three-Act Story Arc, providing a roadmap for your narrative. You’re not just taught theory; you’re guided through outlining Act One and the critical first ten pages, with invaluable peer feedback built into the process. This peer review system is a recurring theme throughout the course, offering diverse perspectives and constructive criticism that sharpens your work.
The practical aspects are not neglected. Week Five covers essential screenplay formatting and introduces you to industry-standard software, preparing you for the actual writing process. Then, the real magic begins. Weeks Six through Eight are dedicated to writing the first thirty pages, meticulously building Act One. The mid-course table read of Act One (Week Nine) is a brilliant inclusion, allowing you to hear your dialogue aloud and identify areas for improvement.
The journey continues through the challenging middle section of your screenplay with detailed guidance for Act Two (Weeks Ten to Fourteen), culminating in another vital table read (Week Fifteen). Finally, the course propels you through the climactic Act Three (Weeks Sixteen to Eighteen), ensuring you have a complete narrative arc. The final weeks are dedicated to polishing your script, performing a full table read (Week Nineteen), and preparing for the professional world with a cold open and synopsis (Week Twenty).
This course isn’t just about writing a screenplay; it’s about developing a disciplined and confident approach to storytelling. The structured progression, coupled with consistent peer feedback, ensures that by the end of the twenty weeks, you don’t just have a script – you have a polished, professional product that you can be proud of. If you’re serious about screenwriting, this Coursera course is an investment you won’t regret.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/write-a-feature-length-screenplay-for-film-or-television