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
California Institute of the Arts
Story and Narrative Development for Video Games
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Storytelling, Software Design Documents, Ideation, Storyboarding, Writing, Creativity
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Java Programming: Principles of Software Design
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Software Engineering, Computer Programming, Software Design, Predictive Modeling, Algorithms, Data Structures, Performance Testing, Debugging, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Lund University
European Business Law: Understanding the Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Legal Research, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, International Relations, European History, Regulatory Compliance, Business Economics, Compliance Management, Environmental Laws, E-Commerce, Public Policies, Case Law, Labor Law, Commercial Laws, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Python Programming Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Python Programming, Development Environment, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Nanjing University
Translation in Practice
Skills you'll gain: Language Interpretation, Translation, and Studies, Language Competency, Vocabulary, English Language, Writing and Editing, Grammar, Cultural Sensitivity
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
245 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Adjectives and Adjective Clauses
Skills you'll gain: Grammar, Vocabulary, English Language, Oral Comprehension
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Advanced Embedded Linux Development
Skills you'll gain: Agile Methodology, Scrum (Software Development), System Programming, Software Testing, Embedded Systems, Linux, Software Development Methodologies, Docker (Software), Git (Version Control System), Containerization, Linux Commands, Unix, Operating Systems, Shell Script, C++ (Programming Language), Debugging, File Systems, Internet Of Things, IBM WebSphere MQ, Peripheral Devices
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
143 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Gemini for Google Workspace
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Video Production, Workflow Management, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Prompt Engineering, Video Editing, Google Workspace, Generative AI, Productivity Software, Google Sheets, Gmail, Project Planning, Multimedia, Media Production, Spreadsheet Software, Operational Efficiency, Process Improvement, AI Personalization, Google Docs, Collaborative Software
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
143 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI for Leaders
Skills you'll gain: Succession Planning, Business Writing, Generative AI, Leadership, Meeting Facilitation, Organizational Leadership, Business Leadership, Proposal Writing, Communication, Human Resource Strategy, Business Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, Internal Communications, Strategic Thinking, Decision Making
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
461 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
The Art of Visual Storytelling
Skills you'll gain: Adobe Premiere, Video Production, Videography, Post-Production, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Video Editing, Storyboarding, Storytelling, Photography, Adobe Creative Cloud, Media Production, Editing, Proposal Development, Writing, Graphic and Visual Design, Multimedia, Creativity, Timelines, File Management, Quality Assurance
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
106 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Houston
Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Storytelling, Content Creation, Digital Design, Video Editing, Writing, Multimedia, Photo Editing, Scripting, Peer Review, Oral Expression, Editing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
240 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University at Buffalo
Computer Vision Basics
Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Data Processing, Digital Design, Artificial Intelligence, Matlab, Linear Algebra, Algorithms, Calculus, Probability & Statistics
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks