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Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television

Approx. 93 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn how to write a feature-length screenplay for film or television with this comprehensive course. Gain insights into character development, plot structure, and dialogue writing from experienced instructors.

Key Learning Points

Understand the key elements of a successful screenplay
Develop compelling characters and plotlines
Learn how to write engaging dialogue
Master the art of pitching your screenplay to producers

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

Screenwriter
- USA: $60,000 - $100,000
- India: ₹5,00,000 - ₹8,50,000
- Spain: €30,000 - €50,000
Script Consultant
- USA: $50,000 - $80,000
- India: ₹4,00,000 - ₹6,50,000
- Spain: €25,000 - €40,000
Creative Producer
- USA: $70,000 - $120,000
- India: ₹6,00,000 - ₹10,00,000
- Spain: €35,000 - €60,000

Learning Outcomes

Develop a feature-length screenplay for film or television
Understand the key elements of a successful screenplay
Learn how to pitch your screenplay to producers

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior screenwriting experience necessary
Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online and self-paced
Video lectures and assignments
Peer-reviewed projects

Similar Courses

Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course)
Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot
The Business of Film

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Aaron Sorkin
Shonda Rhimes
Quentin Tarantino

Related Books

Description

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.

Knowledge

You will learn how to write and complete a full-length, feature film screenplay. You will have a finished script in hand at the end of the course.

Outline

Week One - Creating The Idea
Creating The Idea For Your Feature Film

Week Two: Logline and Dramatic Question
Create a Logline
Create the Dramatic Question

Week Three Create your character profile(s)
Create your character profiles

Week Four: The Three Act Story Arc
The Three Act Story Arc of a Feature Length Screenplay
Outline Act One
Outline your First Ten Pages

Week Five: Screenplay Formatting and Software
Screenplay Format and Grammar
Becoming Familiar with the Software
Practice with your screenplay software of choice.

Week Six: Begin your screenplay
Action and Dialogue
Writing the First Ten Pages of your Screenplay

Week Seven: The middle section of Act One
Outline the middle section of Act One
Write pages 11-20

Week Eight: Write the final section of Act One
Write pages 21-30

Week Nine: Table read Act One
Table read Act One
Table read Act One

Week Ten: Begin Act Two
Act Two - Write pages 31-40

Week Eleven: Write pages 41-50
Write pages 41-50

Week Twelve: Write pages 51-60
Write pages 51-60

Week Thirteen: Write pages 61-70
Write pages 61-70

Week Fourteen: Write pages 71-80
Write pages 71-80

Week Fifteen: Table read Acts One and Two
Table Read Acts One and Two
Table Read Acts One and Two

Week Sixteen: Write pages 81-90
Act Three - Write pages 81-90

Week Seventeen: Write pages 91-100
Write page 90-100

Week Eighteen: Finish Act Three
Write Pages 100-110

Week Nineteen: Table read your entire script
Table Read Acts One, Two and Three
Table Read Acts One, Two and Three

Week Twenty: Finishing things up.
Write a Cold Open
Write a Synopsis
Thank You and Congratulations
Final course reflection

Summary of User Reviews

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides valuable insights into the screenwriting process and helps students develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging and well-structured course materials
Instructors provide personalized feedback and guidance
Flexible pacing allows students to work at their own pace
Great community support and networking opportunities

Cons from User Reviews

Some students found the workload to be too heavy or overwhelming
The course may not be suitable for absolute beginners
The focus is primarily on feature-length screenplays, which may not be relevant for all students
The price may be prohibitive for some learners
Some students found the peer review process to be inconsistent or unhelpful