The University of East Anglia is an internationally renowned university providing top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 15,000 students from over 100 countries around the globe. We are ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world and proudly placed in the Top 20 institutions in the UK (18th Times Good University Guide 2015-16). UEA is also one of the best universities for student experience, consistently in the Top 10 for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2015).

UEA is a brilliantly placed institution that encourages its students to discover new possibilities through world-leading teaching and research. Our students are intelligent, ambitious and curious with an overriding desire to make a positive impact on the world. We encourage our students to try out new ideas and learn by experience, rather than following a predetermined format.

Course: An Introduction to Screenwriting

This online course explores the key concepts and fundamental principles involved in the process of screenwriting.

Starts on 11 September 2017

Duration 2 weeks - 3 hours per week - FREE online course

Why join the course?

Screenplays form the starting point for most dramatic films, the essential work from which all other filmmaking flows. All of the tender romance, terrifying action and memorable lines begin at the screenwriter’s desk. This free online course will introduce you to the basic elements and key concepts behind a professional screenplay.

The University of East Anglia’s School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing have built this course with instructors and recent alumni from their famed course in Creative Writing.

Where could this course take me?

The course is a must for anyone new to script writing and for more experienced writers who wish to raise their script writing to a professional level. It will establish a common vocabulary for approaching the screenplay and form the basis for upcoming courses in dramatic adaptation, the crime screenplay, and other genres and skills.

What and how will I learn?

You’ll learn from a mixture of basic theory, script analysis, and practical exercises. We will explore key principles as they’re expressed in great films, then immediately apply these concepts. Videos, articles and discussion steps will offer you the opportunity to learn and engage with other learners on key concepts and ideas.

By the end of the course, you will understand the key concepts necessary to write an effective screenplay and be fluent in the language used to discuss the form.

What topics will you cover?

• Basic characteristics of screen story;
• Development of a basic storyline;
• Story structures including The Three Act Structure and alternate story structures;
• Characters and developing character outlines;
• The construction of scenes including the role of dialogue and character voice;
• The workflow for writing a first draft of feature film screenplay;
• The process for screenplay formatting;
• Writing – and finishing – a first draft.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

• Explore key issues in the practice of creating screenplays;
• Explain the basic principles of the screenwriting process;
• Identify the essentials of the screenplay format;
• Discuss the construction of a professional script;
• Design a story 'pitch'.

Who is the course for?

There are no formal requirements for this course, just an interest in screenwriting.

Please go to the course link for further detailed information and enrollment:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/screenwriting?lr=56