Choosing the best script writing courses requires you to determine the medium for which you wish to write, to find an instructor who has success both as a script writer and as a writing instructor, and to select classes that are both affordable and convenient to attend. Script writing can be a challenge, so finding the right instructor may be the most important aspect of your search. You should also consider the course delivery method, as you may wish to be able to work with other students in order to receive quality feedback on your work.
People write scripts for a variety of mediums, including television, live theatre, and film. As you begin your search for script writing courses, consider which type of script writing you wish to learn. In most major cities, writing schools exist that offer courses in very specialized areas, including creative writing, screenplay writing, as well as writing scripts for other mediums. If you have never attempted scriptwriting before, you may wish to begin with a creative writing course. If you are wondering where to begin, you may wish to contact the school administration and ask for advice on which courses you should take.
There are several mediums available for taking scriptwriting courses, including formal classroom instruction, more informal workshops, as well as online classes. You should select the option that works best for you. If you are really concerned about learning the basics, you may wish to take a more formal course so as to improve your knowledge of the foundations of script writing. On the other hand, if you have already written some scripts and want to improve your technique, script writing courses that are taught in a workshop format may provide you with more creative material and ongoing feedback from numerous sources.
Online script writing courses can sometimes provide you with the best of both worlds, as you will typically put your work up on a web-based classroom that your fellow students can visit and critique at leisure. The other advantage is that you can attend courses at your convenience, so the course does not interfere with your other work or family responsibilities. The downside to online script writing courses is that you may not have the advantage of immediate feedback on your work and you may not be able to read your dialogue out loud with other students during the class.
When presented with course options, ask about the experience of the instructor. Ideally, the course instructor should have experience in script writing and should be able to point to some scripts that he or she has sold and that were actually produced as performances. If the instructor does not have a successful track record as a script writer, you may wish to look for other courses taught by other, more experienced instructors. There can be a huge advantage to working with an instructor who can also provide you with concrete information as to how to get your script read and hopefully sold to industry executives.
