What is script writing?

Script writing is the act of writing a script or screenplay—the language and blueprint for film, television, show, video game, or any other audio-visual media. Screenplays can be fiction or nonfiction as well as original or based on a novel, play, or story. But unlike a novel, the script must enable the actors who read it to show the story to the audience rather than tell it. Most scripts do this through a mix of behavioral directions and dialogue.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in script writing?

If you enjoy telling stories, have a good imagination, and have always wanted to see your stories performed on TV or film, you're a good candidate for a career in script writing. However, if you'd like to make money at it, you'll need some patience, self-motivation, and perseverance. Selling scripts to producers and production companies is a competitive business. You'll typically work as a freelancer, and it could take years for you to find success. Other skills you'll need are creative writing, an understanding of filmmaking, and an understanding of the language of scripts.

How can taking online courses on Coursera help me learn script writing?

Taking online courses on Coursera can help you learn the basics of script writing or help you understand some of its elements. You can also take general creative writing courses. A course about writing a screenplay for film or television can help you learn how to write a feature-length script.

What are typical careers that use script writing?

If you study script writing, you more than likely want to become a script writer for a particular audio-visual medium, but there are other ways to use your skills and knowledge. You may go on to work in advertising, marketing, or copywriting. You can become a film or media critic. You can even dive further into the film industry by trying your hand at acting, talent management, or directing. You may also find that you simply like the act of writing so much that you want to become a novelist.

What are the benefits of taking an online Script Writing course?

Online Script Writing courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Script Writing skills. Choose from a wide range of Script Writing courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Script Writing courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Script Writing, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Script Writing Courses - Learn Script Writing Online

Explore the Script Writing Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer
Skills you'll gain: Istio, HTML and CSS, Node.JS, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Server Side, MongoDB, Application Deployment, CI/CD, Cloud-Native Computing, React Redux, NoSQL, Kubernetes, Restful API, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Cloud Applications, Containerization, Ajax, Interviewing Skills
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.4K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta Front-End Developer
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Responsive Web Design, Data Structures, Unix Commands, HTML and CSS, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), React.js, Mobile Development, Front-End Web Development, Algorithms, Javascript
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Word, Microsoft 365, Data Visualization, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Productivity Software, Collaborative Software, Data Import/Export, Microsoft Windows, Proofreading, Editing, Document Management, Technical Documentation, Writing, Data Entry, Data Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
English for Career Development
Skills you'll gain: English Language, Vocabulary, Business Writing, Interviewing Skills, Verbal Communication Skills, Language Learning, Professional Networking, Professional Development, Business Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta React Native
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Unix Commands, Restful API, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, SQL, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI), User Experience, Mobile Development, Design Research, React.js, Javascript
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Berklee
Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music
Skills you'll gain: File Management, Music Theory, Musical Composition, Music, Peer Review, Instrumental Music, Storytelling, Music Performance, Creativity, Performing Arts, Automation, Writing, Editing, Software Installation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Starweaver
Business Writing & Technical Writing Immersion
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Concision, Writing, Persuasive Communication, Technical Writing, Business Communication, Grammar, Target Audience, Writing and Editing, Report Writing, Editing, Technical Communication, Proofreading, Communication, Proposal Writing, Generative AI Agents
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Crash Course on Python
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Problem Management, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
39K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Board Infinity
Introduction to Technical Writing
Skills you'll gain: Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Technical Communication, Software Documentation, Graphic and Visual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Typography, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Collaborative Software, Proofreading, Peer Review, Multimedia, Version Control
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
319 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Academic English: Writing
Skills you'll gain: Grammar, Peer Review, Writing, Research, Proofreading, Editing, Writing and Editing, English Language, Vocabulary, Style Guides
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
23K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Board Infinity
Writing Effective Technical Documentation
Skills you'll gain: Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Technical Communication, Software Documentation, Software Design Documents, Collaborative Software, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Typography, Multimedia, Proofreading, Design Elements And Principles, GitHub, Application Programming Interface (API), Version Control
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order
Skills you'll gain: Writing, Storytelling, Editing, Detail Oriented, Communication, Resourcefulness, Decision Making, Creativity, Professionalism
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks