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Screenwriters breathe life into the movies, shows, and dramas we love. Their artistry shapes characters and worlds, making them integral to the entertainment industry. If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting your own scripts, you’re in luck! With the rise of online learning, anyone can become a screenwriter by taking courses that fit their schedule and skill level.
In this article, we’ll explore the 15 Best Online Screenwriting Classes for Beginners and Experts. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, these courses provide valuable insights from industry professionals.
Why Choose Online Screenwriting Classes?
Flexibility and Convenience
Online screenwriting classes allow you to learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments. Unlike traditional classrooms, you can progress through the material as quickly or slowly as you like.
Engaging Learning Experience
Many online courses feature interactive elements, community forums, and peer feedback, creating a supportive learning environment. You’ll not only gain knowledge but also connect with fellow aspiring writers.
How Much Do Screenwriters Make?
Most professional screenwriters are part of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which sets minimum pay rates. While non-union writers can earn substantial sums, established screenwriters can make:
- Low-budget films: Approximately $60,000
- High-budget films: Often over $100,000
- Comic book scripts: $100-$300 per page
- Video game scripts: Around $20,000
Essential Screenwriting Software
To create polished scripts that meet industry standards, screenwriters use specialized software. Here are some popular options:
- Final Draft
- Celtx
- WriterDuet
- Trelby
- Scrivener
- Fade In
- KIT Scenarist
Top 15 Online Screenwriting Classes
Here’s a curated list of the best online screenwriting courses available in 2024:
- Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television – Michigan State University
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 93 Hours
- Level: Beginner
- Learn to structure and finish a feature-length screenplay, enhancing your confidence and skills.
- Screenwriting Course – Alison
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 4-5 Hours
- Level: Beginner
- Covers story development, character creation, and script formatting.
- Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series – Michigan State University
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 22 Hours
- Level: Beginner
- Develop a complete pilot episode while mastering the scriptwriting process.
- Building Your Screenplay – University of Cambridge
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 8 Weeks
- Level: Intermediate
- Focus on creating impactful visual narratives and understanding screenplay structure.
- Business Success in the Screen Industries – University of Cambridge
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 4 Weeks
- Level: Intermediate
- Learn networking and pitching skills essential for a successful screenwriting career.
- Learn Screenwriting By Writing One Scene – Coursera
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 48 Minutes
- Level: All
- A focused approach to crafting a compelling scene and understanding screenplay basics.
- Micro-Budget Filmmaking: Screenwriting
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 38 Minutes
- Level: Beginner
- Tailor your writing for low-budget projects while developing strong characters.
- Learn To Write Movies: Screenwriting Step by Step
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 3h 58m
- Level: Beginner
- A comprehensive guide from concept to completed screenplay.
- Screenwriting: Writing the 10-Minute Short
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 1h 21m
- Level: Beginner
- Master the three-act structure while creating a concise short film script.
- Screenwriting Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Screenwriting
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 3h 34m
- Level: All
- A thorough breakdown of screenplay writing techniques and tools.
- Write Like Jurassic World – Udemy
- Cost: $60
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Level: Advanced
- Explore screenwriting techniques used in major films like Jurassic World.
- Beginning Screenwriting Made Easy – Udemy
- Cost: $95
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Level: All
- A beginner-friendly course covering the essentials of screenwriting.
- Film Screenwriting: Writing and Business of Screenwriting – Udemy
- Cost: $34.99
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Level: All
- Understand the industry while learning how to craft a compelling script.
- Screenwriting Masterclass: Crafting Complex Characters – Udemy
- Cost: $95
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Level: Advanced
- Focus on character development to enhance your storytelling.
- Screenwriting Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Screenwriting – Udemy
- Cost: $94.99
- Duration: 3h 36m
- Level: Beginners
- An in-depth course that provides tools to write a compelling screenplay.
FAQs
What are the top online screenwriting courses in 2024?
- Check out the list above for the best online screenwriting courses.
How much do screenwriters earn?
- Earnings vary widely based on the project, with low-budget films paying around $60,000 and high-budget projects significantly more.
What screenwriting software is available in 2024?
- Popular options include Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, and Scrivener.
With these courses at your fingertips, you’re one step closer to achieving your screenwriting dreams. Start your journey today!