Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay

You’ve got a great idea for a movie and fleshed out an outline for your screenplay. Now, it’s time to start writing that script that gets past gatekeepers and grabs your reader’s attention — whether it’s an assistant, an agent, an executive, a financier, or the talent you want on screen.

In this course you will move from outline to completing a first draft of your screenplay (90-120 pages).

What you bring to the course:

• an outline or treatment for the feature-length screenplay you plan to work on in this course OR a completed first draft of your feature-length screenplay.

We recommend that you complete Sundance Collab’s Screenwriting: Core Elements prior to taking this course.

What you will get from the course:

• developed characters, their dramatic conflicts and emotional needs, and worthy antagonists.
• a sharpened understanding of screenplay structure, worldbuilding, theme, tone, conflict and dialogue.
• the key dramatic question in your script.
• established rules of your fictional world.
• ways to build and sustain tension in your screenplay.
• how to process notes from your advisor.

This course will:

• highlight successful screenplays in a variety of genres, illustrating how they move from script to screen
• use short video lectures and assignments will guide you as you transform your outline into a fleshed-out screenplay.
• connect you with other writers via discussion board where you may discuss core concepts and share your writing as you work to complete your first draft.
• provide written feedback from a Sundance Advisor at three points during the course.

You will submit your work to a Sundance Advisor for written feedback at three points throughout the 15-week course. For an additional fee, you may elect to meet once with your advisor for a 60-minute 1-1 session during the course term.

This is a self-paced course. Self-paced courses allow you to watch pre-recorded lectures at your own pace, while working on deadlines to get individualized feedback on your work.

Space is limited. Applications for this course are considered as they are received and applicants are accepted on a rolling basis until the course is full or the deadline has passed, whichever comes first.

Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.

Sundance Collab offers a robust collection of online courses in the Sundance spirit of amplifying your independent voice as a storyteller. Join our global community to hone your craft, network with other creators, and develop career strategies to help you navigate the film and television industry.