Person writing a screenplay on a laptop during an online screenwriting course

Screenwriting Course: Movie Scripts


Learn the craft of screenwriting and bring your movie ideas to life in this practical, hands-on course delivered online via Zoom. Whether you're new to scriptwriting or looking to refine your skills, this course will guide you through the essential techniques for writing compelling scenes, authentic dialogue and marketable movie scripts.

Discover how to structure a screenplay, develop memorable characters, build engaging plots and subplots, and craft dialogue that works visually on screen. Through guided exercises and expert feedback, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to develop and polish your own screenplay concept.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand screenplay structure, genres and effective plot development.
  • Create strong, visually compelling characters and engaging scenes.
  • Develop, edit and pitch a polished script concept for film or digital media.

Course Outline (8 Weeks)

  • Week 1: Script structure – conflict, timing, development and plotting.
  • Week 2: Creating characters actors want to play.
  • Week 3: Scene breakdown and story structure.
  • Week 4: Subplots and additional storylines.
  • Week 5: Writing dialogue and visual description.
  • Week 6: Concept documents and pitching ideas.
  • Week 7: Editing and rewriting your script.
  • Week 8: Scriptwriter resource guide.

Additional Information

  • Course notes are provided by the tutor.
  • Recommended films include Pulp Fiction, Star Wars: A New Hope, Thelma and Louise, Citizen Kane and more.
  • Ideal for those interested in film, television and digital media production.

Details

You will learn

  • Master screenplay structure, genre and plot techniques
  • Write compelling scenes and authentic dialogue
  • Develop and pitch a polished movie script concept

You will get

  • Expert guidance from an experienced tutor
  • Comprehensive course notes
  • Practical writing exercises and feedback

Appropriate for

Aspiring screenwriters, media industry hopefuls, and writers of all levels wanting to develop scriptwriting skills.


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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