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Screenwriting with Virginia Bailey

Course Description

Introduction to Screenwriting provides aspiring writers with essential skills in screenplay structure, character development, dialogue, and genre, all geared toward producing a first draft and launching a screenwriting career. The course emphasizes analysis of acclaimed screenplays and films, allowing students to immediately connect theory with practice. By the end of the course, students will possess the skills and confidence to create compelling first drafts that will advance them to the next level as screenwriters.

 

This class is offered as a self-paced, online, live, or in-person course. Check the individual sections for details. 

If you have an idea for a movie and want to learn how to write a screenplay, this course is perfect for you. In this course, you will learn the basics of screenwriting, including rules of storytelling, story structure, character development, subplots, twists, research skills, and more.

 

Course Outline

The course will be divided into weekly modules, each focusing on different aspects of screenwriting:

- Introduction to Screenwriting: Overview of the industry and the role of a screenwriter.

- Story Structure: Understanding the three-act structure, plot points, and pacing.

- Character Development: Creating memorable characters with depth and motivation.

- Dialogue: Crafting authentic and engaging dialogue that drives the story.

- Genre Exploration: Examining various genres and their conventions.

- The Writing Process: Techniques for brainstorming, outlining, and drafting.

- Feedback and Revision: Strategies for giving and receiving constructive feedback.

- Pitching Your Screenplay: Preparing and presenting your screenplay ideas.
 

Learner Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

- Understand the Fundamentals: Gain a solid grasp of the core principles of screenwriting, including structure, character development, dialogue, and theme.

- Analyze Screenplays: Learn to read and analyze existing screenplays to identify successful techniques and storytelling methods used by established writers.

- Develop Original Ideas: Cultivate your unique voice and develop original concepts for screenplays, focusing on compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

- Write and Revise: Engage in the writing process through drafting, receiving feedback, and revising your work, emphasizing the importance of rewriting in the screenwriting journey.

- Pitch Your Work: Learn how to effectively pitch your screenplay ideas, preparing you for real-world scenarios in the film and television industry.

Notes

Ages 16+

Students should have basic computer skills

If you would like to explore one-on-one with one of our writing instructors, click here, Add to Cart, and fill out the short application.  

 

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Section Title
Introduction to Screenwriting
Type
Online: Self Paced
Dates
Oct 21, 2026 to Dec 11, 2026
Contact Hours
3.0
Course Fee(s)
Tuition and Fees non-credit $299.00 Click here to get more information
CEUs
0.3 CEUs
Instructors

Section Notes

You may register for this Online Self-Paced course until October 30, 2026; you must finish by December 11.

The instructor has created videos for the student to access at any time of the day or night. Students may replay videos as often as they like. Additionally, instructor support will be available through email and up to one hour per student via individual Webex sessions.

The instructor, Virginia Bailey, is an independent film/video writer, producer, director, and published author of children's audiobooks, hardcover, softcover, and eBooks. She also teaches Screenwriting II, Advanced Screenwriting Workshop, and Writing Children's Books.

Thank you for your interest.