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

The University of Tokyo

Let’s Read! Learning Japanese through Science & Technology-1

Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Vocabulary, Language Competency, Grammar, Literacy, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Language Learning, General Science and Research, Research, Science and Research, Predictive Modeling

Status: Free Trial

University of Maryland, College Park

Interview Research and Preparation

Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Oral Expression, Professional Development, Interviewing Skills, English Language, Verbal Communication Skills, Cognitive flexibility, Personal Attributes, Adaptability, Communication, Self-Awareness, Personal Development, Social Skills, Language Learning, Learning Strategies, Goal Setting, Planning, Cultural Diversity

Status: Free Trial

American Psychological Association

Better Writing

Skills you'll gain: Writing, Editing, Proofreading, Concision, Critical Thinking, Organizational Skills, Persistence, Self-Motivation, Brainstorming, Diversity Awareness, Creativity

Status: Free Trial

Microsoft

Foundations of Coding Full-Stack

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Copilot, Programming Principles, Full-Stack Web Development, GitHub, Version Control, Program Development, Debugging, Computational Thinking, Pseudocode, Git (Version Control System), Web Design and Development, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Web Development, C# (Programming Language), Data Structures, Back-End Web Development

Status: Free Trial

Duke University

Python and Pandas for Data Engineering

Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Version Control, Git (Version Control System), Data Manipulation, Development Environment, Data Structures, Python Programming, Data Analysis Software, NumPy, Integrated Development Environments, Virtual Environment

University of Colorado Boulder

Designing Effective Science Communication

Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Human Learning, Education Software and Technology, Technical Communication, Education and Training, Writing, Learning Theory, Community Outreach, Pedagogy, Research, Technical Writing, Scientific Methods, Media and Communications, Science and Research, Persuasive Communication, Interviewing Skills, Photography, Infographics, Storytelling, Psychology

Coursera Project Network

Create Your First Automation Script Using Selenium and Java

Skills you'll gain: Selenium (Software), Test Automation, Eclipse (Software), Software Testing, UI Components, Integrated Development Environments, Web Applications, Java Programming

Universidad de los Andes

Gabriel García Márquez entre el poder, la historia y el amor

Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Aesthetics, World History, Writing, Liberal Arts

Status: Free Trial

Macquarie University

Career planning: Your career, your life

Skills you'll gain: Adaptability, Business Writing, Professional Development, Communication, Proactivity, Personal Development, LinkedIn, Professional Networking, Planning, Lifelong Learning, Self-Awareness, Design Thinking, Branding, Interviewing Skills, Creative Thinking, Emotional Intelligence

Status: Free Trial

Rice University

An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 2)

Skills you'll gain: Application Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Event-Driven Programming, Interactive Design, User Interface (UI), Program Development, Animations, Game Design, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Debugging

Status: Free

Coursera Project Network

Accomplishment STAR Techniques for Job Interviews

Skills you'll gain: Interviewing Skills, Storytelling, Problem Solving, Professional Development, Initiative and Leadership, Concision, Verbal Communication Skills, Teamwork, Job Analysis

Status: Free Trial

Arizona State University

Sustainability Analyst Fundamentals

Skills you'll gain: Program Implementation, Plan Execution, Data Analysis, Sustainability Reporting, Spreadsheet Software, Contract Management, Waste Minimization, Marketing and Public Relations, Analysis, Policy Development, Annual Reports, Interactive Learning, Goal Setting, Data Presentation, Strategic Partnership, Business Writing, Peer Review, Corporate Sustainability, Student Engagement, Environment

Script Writing Courses Online

Filter by

Subject
Required

Language
Required

Learning Product
Required

Level
Required

Duration
Required

Skills
Required

Subtitles
Required

Educator
Required

Explore the Script Writing Course Catalog