Writing for the Screen: An Exercise-Based Approach

This intensive, in-person course is designed for New York area writers at all levels, from beginning to advanced. It teaches you the tools of the trade while getting you writing from day one. Each week focuses on a different aspect of screenwriting craft: developing a compelling premise, writing scenes with meaningful conflict, using subtext to enrich dialogue, creating fascinating characters, structuring stories for maximum impact, and more.
You’ll work on fun, carefully designed exercises—individual free-writes and collaborative work—both in class and at home. The instructor reads every exercise and provides written feedback. And because we’re meeting in person, you’ll connect with fellow writers and be able to ask questions and discuss craft without fumbling for the unmute button.
Students already working on a screenplay can tailor the exercises to their script in progress, while others can use them to generate new story ideas.
This course may be used to fulfill the requirements of the Certificate in Writing and Producing for Film and Television. It may be taken to pursue the certificate, or as a standalone course. Certificate students may take this course as a substitution for Beginning Screenwriting , or take it as an elective before, during, or after that course.
You might also consider taking TV and Film Producing, a single course that fulfills the requirements for the Certificate in TV and Film Producing (Accelerated).
Questions? Contact us at The Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media: Email sps.pwm.ce@nyu.edu or call 212-998-7289.
Continuing Education Units (CEU) : 3

You'll walk away with

• A good understanding of screenwriting craft
• A collection of scenes for your current script, or the start of a new one
• Techniques and habits to motivate your writing and free up your creativity

Ideal for

• Students at all levels, beginning to advanced
• Students interested in starting or improving a feature, pilot, short film or web series