Michigan State University
Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television
Michigan State University

Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

71,227 already enrolled

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

David Wheeler

Instructor: David Wheeler

4.6

(201 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

93 hours to complete
3 weeks at 31 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • You will learn how to write and complete a full-length, feature film screenplay. You will have a finished script in hand at the end of the course.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

1 quiz

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 20 modules in this course

In Week One you will create a concept for your feature film, write up a pitch document, post that document, review the pitch documents of five of your peers and revise your concept with the feedback you get from your peers

What's included

1 video1 peer review1 discussion prompt

In Week Two you will create a Logline and a Dramatic Question for your feature film, post those documents, review the Logline and DramaticQuestion pitches of five of your peers and revise your work with the feedback you get from your peers

What's included

2 videos2 peer reviews1 discussion prompt

In Week Three you will create detailed descriptions of the main characters in your screenplay, post your character profiles, review the character profiles of five of your peers and revise your work with the feedback you get from your peers

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Four you will learn about the Three Act Structure for your feature film, you will write an outline for Act One and an outline for the First Ten Pages of your script, review the outlines of five of your peers and revise your work with the feedback you get from your peers

What's included

3 videos2 peer reviews

In Week Five, you will learn about the unique formatting in screenplay writing and you will learn to use screenplay software. You will become familiar with the software and practice with it, getting ready to begin your screenplay next week.

What's included

2 videos1 reading

Week Six represents the actual beginning of your screenplay. You've created your idea, your logline, the dramatic question, your character profiles. You've outlined Act One and written your outline for your first ten pages. Now you're ready to transform that outline into script form. In this week you will complete the first ten pages of your unique screenplay.

What's included

2 videos1 peer review

In Week Seven, you will write an outline for the middle section of Act One. After posting your outline and giving feedback to five of your peers, you will then write pages 11 to 20, post that piece of your screenplay and give feedback to your peers' work.

What's included

2 videos2 peer reviews

In Week Eight, you will write pages 21-30 which will close out Act One of your screen play. You will post your work and review the work of five of your peers.

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Nine, you have the week off from writing. This week, you will get together with a few friends and read Act One of your screenplay, focusing on the dialogue.

What's included

1 video1 reading

In Week Ten, you will write part one of Act Two (pages 31-40)

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Eleven, you will write pages 41-50 of your screenplay

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Twelve you will write pages 51-60 and will pass the halfway point of your screenplay.

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Thirteen you will write pages 61-70, pushing your screenplay towards the end of Act Two.

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Fourteen, you will finish up Act Two, writing pages 71-80

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Fifteen, you have the week off from writing. Instead, you will get together with a few friends and read Acts One and Two of your screenplay, focusing on the dialogue.

What's included

1 video1 reading

In Week Sixteen, you will begin the final act of your screenplay.

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Seventeen, you will write pages 91-100, completing the middle section of Act Three

What's included

1 video1 peer review

In Week Eighteen, you will write pages 100-110, finishing the final Act of your screenplay.

What's included

1 video1 peer review

What's included

1 video1 reading

In Week Twenty, you will post your completed, polished script and review the finished work of three of your peers. Then you will write a cold open for your screenplay and a synopsis to submit to agents and producers.

What's included

3 videos1 quiz1 peer review

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.7 (76 ratings)
David Wheeler
Michigan State University
8 Courses398,584 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 201

4.6

201 reviews

  • 5 stars

    76.11%

  • 4 stars

    13.93%

  • 3 stars

    2.98%

  • 2 stars

    2.98%

  • 1 star

    3.98%

CH
5

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2020

RU
5

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2020

JD
5

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2023

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions