Courses

Learn the core elements of writing a screenplay for a feature film, with an accomplished screenwriter as your guide. In this self-paced course, you will develop a new script idea into an outline that can be used to write your first draft.

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).

Short films are a great way to showcase your voice, talent, and storytelling skill. In this eight-week self-paced online course, you will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and develop your original story idea into a short screenplay with accomplished filmmakers as your guides. Designated homework assignments are reviewed by a Sundance Advisor and designed to move you closer to your completed short screenplay (5-15 pages).

Learn the core elements of writing a screenplay for a feature film, with an accomplished screenwriter as your guide. In this live, online course, you will develop a new script idea into an outline that can be used to write your first draft. The eight weeks will cover character development, theme, story arcs and visual storytelling. Sessions include presentation, discussion, and interactive exercises. The course concludes with a one-on-one mentoring session focused on your project.

Comedy is arguably an essential part of the human experience. Finding the funny in the mundane, the absurd, and even the most tragic keeps the world from falling into complete despair. Crafting the funny is an art form that few writers have successfully mastered. In this on-demand course, you will learn from accomplished writers about how to find your own comedic voice and will have the opportunity to engage in writing exercises. By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of what comedy is, what tools you have at your disposal, how to find the funny in your own work, and how to break into the comedy writing profession.

In a world where countless scripts compete for attention, developing your unique voice as a screenwriter has never been more vital. This course is designed to help you uncover and amplify what makes your storytelling captivating and distinct. You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best reflect who you are and shape ideas that highlight your individuality. Together, we’ll explore how to craft work that not only stands out but also forges meaningful connections with audiences on a deeper level.

You have an idea for a killer horror screenplay, but now you want an expert in the genre to help you get to the next level of writing. In this four-week online course, you will study the art of the thrill and how to develop memorable characters, build tension and make a horror story your own.

Every great film begins with a powerful idea and a unique voice - but writing a screenplay takes craft, clarity, and creativity. If you’ve ever wanted to tell your story in screenplay form, this beginner-friendly course is a great first step. Guided by an experienced screenwriter, you'll explore the essential elements through real-world examples from successful feature-length screenplays. Over four weeks, you'll learn how to shape your story, develop compelling characters, build a strong thematic core, and master the tools of the trade—from beat sheets and outlines to treatments and screenplay formatting. If you are new to screenwriting, this introductory course will provide you with the practical skills to get started on your feature film screenplay.

Ready to write a horror screenplay that gets under your audience's skin? Learn to craft truly terrifying and unforgettable horror stories in this comprehensive, self-paced course taught by celebrated horror screenwriter Owen Egerton. In this course, you'll go beyond cheap jump scares to discover the core principles of cinematic horror. Through bite-sized video lessons you can watch at your own pace, Owen will guide you through writing exercises that build your story from the ground up, helping you develop compelling characters, build suspense, and create scares that are both original and deeply unsettling.

The challenge of writing a feature-length screenplay isn’t starting - it’s choosing the right idea and then sustaining dramatic tension for two hours. The story demands a central dramatic problem powerful enough to drive the entire script, and finding the perfect conflict is often the hardest part of the journey. In this On Demand course, veteran screenwriter David Schwab provides the essential process for testing your ideas and building narratives that truly last.