Scripts in Focus
GUIDE TO SCRIPTWRITING COURSES
Scriptwriting Pathways
Foundation
If you’re not sure what kind of script to write...
If you know what kind of script to write...
Somewhat related...
If you want a rather short course...
Screenwriting Intensive
TV Writing Intensive
Playwriting Intensive
Web Series
Documentary Films
Stand-Up Comedy Writing Intensive
Songwriting Intensive
Or...
Next Steps
After completing a Level I ten-week course...
After completing TV Writing II Pilot…
Also Helpful
These essential courses are great for writers of any level.
Scripts in Focus is a 6-week class, which includes a mixture of lectures and exercises. It’s open to writers and (fans) of all levels. Farther down, you can view a syllabus for this course.
To excel at writing screenplays or TV scripts, you must write regularly and read scripts from a writer’s perspective. Painters typically learn their craft by studying the work of masters, and most accomplished scriptwriters do the same. Who better to show you the ropes of great screenwriting and TV writing than the best in the business?
Each week, students focus on an aspect of scriptwriting craft in relation to a specific movie or TV episode. Like works of fine art, these scripts are analyzed from various angles as their secrets are revealed. (The reading consists of a mixture of film and TV scripts, all of which are provided.)
If you seek to elevate your scriptwriting, let those who have been there show the way.
The best way to determine if your writing meets the expectations of the show biz world for each genre.
Pat Mikulec
screenwriter
Upcoming Classes
Check back soon, or put this course on your Wish List.
Syllabus
This course features the studying of film and TV scripts (with scripts supplied to the class).
Genres
Week1
Genres: Tour of genres. Importance of knowing your genre. Finding the singularity within your genre.
Script analyzed: a recent script that varies
Week 2
Comedy: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt pilot episode by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock
Week 3
Comedy/Drama: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Little Miss Sunshine by Michael Arndt
Week 4
Crime/Drama: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Breaking Bad pilot episode by Vince Gilligan
Week 5
Thriller: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Michael Clayton by Tony Gilroy
Week 6
Science Fiction/Horror/Action-Adventure: The genre defined. The singularity of this script. The genre in action.
Script analyzed: Aliens by James Cameron
Note: Content may vary among individual classes.
