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

University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Python Programming
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Scripting, Software Development Tools, Integrated Development Environments, Data Import/Export, Jupyter, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Florida
Healing with the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Journals, Music, Performing Arts, Creativity, Mindfulness, Compassion, Empowerment, Storytelling, Personal Development, Liberal Arts, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Writing, Overcoming Obstacles
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
953 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
JavaScript Programming with React, Node & MongoDB
Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Server Side, MongoDB, React Redux, NoSQL, Restful API, React.js, Back-End Web Development, Front-End Web Development, JavaScript Frameworks, Ajax, Javascript, UI Components, Application Deployment, Data Structures, Authentications, Debugging, Cloud Applications, Full-Stack Web Development, JSON
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Northwestern University
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control
Skills you'll gain: Machine Controls, Control Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Automation Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Engineering, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Automation, Computational Logic, Virtual Environment, Robotic Process Automation, Graph Theory, Matlab, Numerical Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Testing, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Python Programming, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Analysis, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Object-Oriented Data Structures in C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Development Environment, Engineering Software, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Data Structures, Debugging, Program Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Davis
Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People
Skills you'll gain: Spanish Language, Grammar, Language Learning, Vocabulary, Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension, Literacy
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
University of California, Davis
Web Development for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Color Theory, Version Control, Typography, HTML and CSS, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), GitHub, Git (Version Control System), Web Design, Web Design and Development, Web Development, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Front-End Web Development, Application Deployment, Web Applications, Design Elements And Principles, Animations, Web Content, Mobile Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Automating Team Communication with Google Sheets and Apps Script
Skills you'll gain: Google Workspace, Google Sheets, Stakeholder Communications, Communication Planning, Scripting, Project Management Software, Email Marketing, Web Applications
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
127 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
University of Pennsylvania
English for Journalism
Skills you'll gain: Journalism, Research, Oral Expression, Interviewing Skills, Vocabulary, Writing, Media and Communications, Grammar, Electronic Media, Digital Publishing, English Language, Storytelling, Editing, Proofreading, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Codio
Bash Scripting and System Configuration
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Unix Shell, Shell Script, Scripting, Unix, Scripting Languages, Unix Commands, Linux, System Configuration, Linux Commands, File Management
2.9
Rating, 2.9 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks