Student writing notes during an online screenwriting course for film and television

Creative Writing Course: Screenwriting


Discover the craft of screenwriting in this dynamic online course delivered live via Zoom in a small, interactive class group. Whether you're new to scriptwriting or looking to refine your storytelling skills, this course will guide you through the essential techniques for writing compelling movie and television scripts.

Learn how to create memorable scenes, develop strong character-driven and plot-driven stories, write authentic dialogue, and shape scripts that are ready for the marketplace. Through practical exercises and guided feedback, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to bring your ideas to life on screen.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand screenplay structure, genre, and effective plot development.
  • Create compelling characters and craft engaging visual scenes.
  • Develop, edit, and pitch polished script concepts to industry professionals.

Course Outline

  • Week 1: Script structure and the essentials of visual storytelling.
  • Week 2: Building engaging protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters.
  • Week 3: Breaking a story into structured scenes.
  • Week 4: Developing subplots and layered storylines.
  • Week 5: Writing effective dialogue and visual description.
  • Week 6: Creating concept documents and pitching ideas.
  • Week 7: Editing and rewriting your screenplay.
  • Week 8: Scriptwriting resources and next steps.

Additional Information

  • Course notes are provided by the tutor.
  • Recommended films include Pulp Fiction, Star Wars: A New Hope, Thelma and Louise, and more.
  • Ideal for those exploring pathways into film, television, and digital media industries.

Details

You will learn

  • Understand screenplay structure, genre, and plot development
  • Create strong characters and visually engaging scenes
  • Edit, refine, and pitch professional script concepts

You will get

  • Comprehensive course notes from an experienced tutor
  • Practical writing exercises with guided feedback
  • Recommended films and resources for further study

Appropriate for

Aspiring and emerging writers, as well as experienced writers looking to develop screenwriting skills for film, television, and digital media.


Preparation

What to bring

  • Notebook with removable pages
  • Pen or pencil

What to wear

Casual


Your Teacher

Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

38 reviews

Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors

The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.

We do this by:

  • Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
  • Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
  • Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
  • Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
  • Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.

Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.

Terms & Conditions

At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.  

At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.

That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably.  Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:

Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

 Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued.  If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.

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