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This course is open to beginners:
• Aspiring writers looking to refine their voice
• Anyone interested in creativity, storytelling, and self-expression
• ESOL learners with a reasonable level of English (Intermediate and above) who would like to put their new skills into practice in a unique way
• Lovers of film and TV who want to look under the hood and see how it works
Course Content:
Understand the key elements of screen story and how they differ from other forms of fiction
The basics of structure and story form
Create and develop compelling character
Write and analyse scenes, including the use of dialogue and action lines
Work in industry-standard screenplay format
Develop a sequence of scenes from first idea to written draft
Give and receive constructive feedback on work in progress
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Identify and utilize fundamental comedy writing techniques
• Create their own original comedy writing from a range of different source material
• Apply comedy techniques effectively in different writing formats
• Gain confidence in their comedic voice, creative expression, and writing overall
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Interactive writing exercises and timed prompts
Group discussion, scene analysis and peer feedback sessions
Close reading of professional screenplay extracts
Supportive, inclusive environment for the development of each student's own ideas and voice
Assessment of Progress:
Continuous feedback from the tutor and peers
Development of a portfolio of short scenes and written exercises
Optional sharing or reading aloud of work in progress
Materials Needed:
Notebook and pen, or laptop, for writing exercises
Access to professional screenplays (recommended but not required — a selection will be provided in class)
Additional Study/Practice:
Students are encouraged to write regularly outside of class
Online resources and further reading will be recommended throughout the course
Watching and analysing a range of films and television with attention to structure and scene-writing will reinforce learning
Optional homework assignments to develop work between sessions
What could it lead to?
Continue developing skills through further screenwriting or script development courses
Begin writing short films, television pilots or feature-length screenplays
Apply the techniques learned to other forms of dramatic writing, including theatre, audio drama and adaptation
Use an understanding of screen structure and storytelling in related fields such as fiction writing, pitching and development
Participants will leave with a portfolio of scenes and written exercises they can continue to develop and refine.
See how long it will take you to get to college. Please select the campus of the course you wish to study.