Intro to Screenwriting With Nick
I'm a screenwriter and ghostwriter eager to help other writers share the stories they want to tell with a mix of practical advice, lessons, pattern recognition, and more. Regardless of the genre and experience, a storyteller can flourish.
What's included
8 pre-recorded lessons
average 28 mins per video8 weeks
of teacher support3 hrs 47 mins
total video learning hours1 year access
to the contentAssignments
4+ hours per week. 1-2 per weekAssessment
Loglines, treatments, and screenplay pages can be submitted during the course.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
During this self-guided course, you will develop skills in the art and craft of writing a script. Attention will be paid to the areas of story structure, character development, compelling dialogue, and clear action-- among other nuances. Emphasis will also be placed on helping each student develop their own unique voice as a screenwriter while understanding industry expectations. Your work will be read and critiqued. You're dependent on your own participation. Students are not required to use screenwriting software for this class; it will simply make it easier for them to format their scripts. Screenplays can always be written and formatted in any free text editor. No purchases are required, though some of the best resources have paid-features. Course completion: 1 short film script (3-6 pages), properly formatted 1 feature film outline 1 feature film logline
Learning Goals
Screenplay terminology and featuresStory structures
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
STORY INTRODUCTION
The Shape of Stories
Plot Structure example
Concept Examples
Sketch Comedy Examples
4 Things Every Scene Needs 25 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
SCREENPLAY SPECIFICS
Formatting (slug lines, transitions, descriptions, dialogue)
Character First strategy
Plot First strategy
Hero vs Villain: Who changed?
Imagination Exercise: How to get from LA to Vegas?
Writing prompts to break Writers Block 29 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
CONFLICT
How do we know what a character wants?
Dialogue’s emotional intent and subtext
Types of Irony (Dramatic, Situational, Verbal)
Setting and How it Adds Conflict 21 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
CHARACTER
Combining ideas; make scenes do more than one thing
Write what you know or have; be an expert
What is "Likability"?
Personalities
Flaws
Arcs
Central Relationships 37 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I will stay away from obviously adult (R-rated) movie examples, though some clips and scripts may have PG or PG-13 language. I will not use anything with violence or sex.
Supply List
Students are not required to use screenwriting software for this class; it will simply make it easier for them to format their scripts. Screenplays can always be written and formatted in any free text editor. No purchases are required.
Language of Instruction
English
Joined July, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
I previously taught English and Writing at the 11th and 12th grade level, as part of the Teach for America program.
I have a Masters in Education from UNLV.
I taught Composition 101 at UCLA.
I have a Masters in Fine Arts (screenwriting concentration) from UCLA.
I taught Screenwriting at the CAPSA summer program, through CalArts.
I volunteered with Young Storytellers, helping 5th graders write plays.
I'm a professional ghostwriter and script doctor, specializing in screenwriting.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$25
weekly or $200 for all content8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 13-18
