Online Screenwriting Course
Online Screenwriting Course
Turn your cinematic ideas into professional, market-ready screenplays in just eight weeks. This immersive online screenwriting course is designed for adults 18 and older—whether you're a complete beginner with a spark of an idea or an aspiring writer ready to bring your stories to life on the page. With two live classes per week, you'll build real momentum while fitting the work around your schedule.
Over the 16 focused sessions, you'll master the essential craft of screenwriting through a step-by-step journey that mirrors how working professionals develop scripts. We'll begin with generating and refining powerful story concepts, crafting compelling loglines, and developing unforgettable characters with depth, arcs, and internal conflict. You'll learn classic three-act structure, key plot points, and how to build tension that keeps audiences hooked from page one to "Fade Out."
As the weeks progress, we'll dive into visual storytelling techniques, writing dynamic scenes, crafting authentic and subtext-rich dialogue, and creating worlds that feel alive on screen. Each class combines practical instruction, script analysis from acclaimed films and TV pilots, targeted writing exercises, and constructive peer and instructor feedback in a supportive online community.
By the end of the course, you'll have completed a polished outline and a substantial portion of your first draft (typically 30–60 pages, depending on your project—feature film or TV pilot). You'll also gain industry insights on formatting with industry-standard software, revising your work like a pro, and preparing a compelling pitch.
This isn't just theory—it's hands-on practice in a collaborative environment that simulates a real writers' room. You'll receive personalized guidance to overcome common obstacles like writer's block, weak middles, or flat characters, while building the discipline and confidence to finish what you start.
Whether your dream is writing the next indie hit, a streaming series, or a blockbuster, this course equips you with the tools, techniques, and feedback needed to take your storytelling to a professional level. No prior experience is required—just passion, commitment, and a willingness to write.
Join a community of like-minded storytellers and leave with a script you can be proud of—and ready to submit.
Duration: 8 weeks (2 classes per week) Format: Online (live sessions with recordings available) Level: Beginner to intermediate, adults 18+ Outcome: Completed outline + significant first-draft pages + lifelong screenwriting skills
Course Format & Logistics 8 weeks • 2 live online classes per week (16 sessions total) • 90 minutes per class via Zoom • All sessions recorded and available forever • Small-group feedback on writing submissions • Suggested weekly time commitment: 5–8 hours (class + writing).
Who It’s For Adults 18+ • Complete beginners welcome • No prior experience or expensive software required (free tools like Celtx or WriterDuet are fine) • Ideal for writers working on a feature film or TV pilot.
Key Learning Outcomes By Week 8 you will have: a polished logline, detailed character bible, professional beat sheet/outline, 30–60 pages of your first draft in industry format, revision strategies, and a ready-to-pitch summary.
Community & Support Private online community (Discord or course platform) for daily accountability, peer feedback, and ongoing support after the course ends.
Bonuses Included Lifetime access to recordings and materials • Downloadable script templates, worksheets, and checklists • Certificate of completion • Bonus pitching guide and example query letters.
Guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee: complete the assignments and you’ll see real progress or get a full refund.
Instructor Alan Manzo – a working screenwriter who created this course after helping dozens of students finish their first scripts.
What to Look Forward To in Each Class (Short, exciting previews you can list on your curriculum page)
Week 1: Spark Your Idea
Class 1 – Discover how to generate fresh, high-concept ideas that feel commercial and personal.
Class 2 – Turn raw ideas into focused premises you can’t wait to write.
Week 2: Craft Irresistible Loglines
Class 3 – Master the art of the logline so agents and producers want to read more.
Class 4 – Test and refine your logline with real feedback and industry examples.
Week 3: Build Unforgettable Characters
Class 5 – Create complex protagonists and supporting characters with clear wants and flaws.
Class 6 – Dive deep into character backstories that drive every decision on the page.
Week 4: Design Powerful Arcs
Class 7 – Map emotional character arcs that give your story heart and meaning.
Class 8 – Learn how internal change fuels external plot and keeps audiences hooked.
Week 5: World Building That Pops
Class 9 – Construct vivid, visual worlds that feel alive and cinematic.
Class 10 – Integrate setting and atmosphere so your story feels unique and immersive.
Week 6: From Ideas to Solid Outline
Class 11 – Turn your logline and characters into a professional beat sheet and outline.
Class 12 – Lock in three-act structure and key turning points that make your script unputdownable.
Week 7: Writing the First Draft
Class 13 – Start writing actual pages with momentum and scene-by-scene techniques.
Class 14 – Focus on getting your first draft down without self-editing—raw pages that move the story forward.
Week 8: Rewriting & Pitching
Class 15 – Understand the crucial difference between first draft and polished script; learn targeted rewriting tools to elevate every page.
Class 16 – Craft a compelling pitch, logline, and one-page synopsis ready for contests, managers, or producers.