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Screenwriting with Virginia Bailey

Course Description

This course, "Introduction to Screenwriting," is designed for aspiring screenwriters who wish to explore the foundational elements of crafting compelling screenplays. Participants will engage with key concepts such as story structure, character development, dialogue writing, and genre conventions. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on writing exercises, students will learn to develop their unique voice and style while understanding the mechanics of screenplay formatting.

The course will also include analysis of successful screenplays and films, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical writing tasks. By the end of the course, students will have gained the skills necessary to continue their journey in screenwriting, contributing to the Harper College Screenwriting Badge program.

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.

You will learn how to write a script using industry-standard best practices and receive feedback from your instructor and peers.

Introduction to Screenwriting is the first course in the Screenwriting Badge Program


 

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
 

Applies Towards the Following Digital Badges

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Section Title
Introduction to Screenwriting
Type
Online: Self Paced
Dates
May 19, 2025 to Aug 08, 2025
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 July 11, 2025; you must finish by August 8.
The instructor has created videos for the students to access and will provide more details about when these videos will become available. 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 a published author of children's audiobooks, hardcover, softcover, and eBooks. She also teaches Screenwriting II, Advanced Screenwriting Workshop, Pre- and Post-Production for Film, Television & Internet, and Writing Children's Books.

Section Title
Introduction to Screenwriting
Type
Online: Self Paced
Dates
Aug 18, 2025 to Oct 10, 2025
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 September 19, 2025; you must finish by October 10.

The instructor has created videos for the student to access at any time of the day or night for the entire month of June and July. 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 a published author of children's audiobooks, hardcover, softcover, and eBooks. She also teaches Screenwriting II, Advanced Screenwriting Workshop, Pre- and Post-Production for Film, Television & Internet, and Writing Children's Books.

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