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

Coursera Project Network
Shell Scripting with Bash: Basics
Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Scripting, Command-Line Interface, Unix Shell, Unix Commands, Linux Commands, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
52 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Fundamentos de la escritura
Skills you'll gain: Grammar, Proofreading, Writing, Literacy, Editing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Vanderbilt University
Microsoft 365 Copilot for Leaders
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Verification And Validation, Ideation, Data Validation, Succession Planning, Microsoft 365, Target Audience, Business Writing, Generative AI, Microsoft Teams, Leadership, Meeting Facilitation, Organizational Leadership, Productivity Software, Complex Problem Solving, Strategic Communication, Business Leadership, Proposal Writing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Communication Skills for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Proposal Writing, Presentations, Technical Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Executive Presence, Business Writing, Public Speaking, Business Communication, Concision, Crisis Management, Persuasive Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Technical Writing, Communication, Meeting Facilitation, Electronic Media, Communication Strategies, Intercultural Competence, Report Writing, Stakeholder Communications
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
870 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Business English: Basics
Skills you'll gain: Target Audience, Business Analysis, Business Communication, Communication Strategies, Analysis, English Language, Business Writing, Vocabulary, Verbal Communication Skills, Grammar
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production
Skills you'll gain: Video Production, Storyboarding, Storytelling, Videography, Proposal Development, Writing, Editing, Creativity
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The University of Sydney
Academic Skills for University Success
Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Editing, Research, Creative Thinking, Public Speaking, Proofreading, Deductive Reasoning, Brainstorming, Information Management, Analytical Skills, Cognitive flexibility, Ethical Standards And Conduct, English Language, Writing, Verbal Communication Skills, Higher Education, Digital Communications, Communication
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
7.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado System
Database Management Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Relational Databases, Data Modeling, Database Management Systems, Databases, Oracle Databases, SQL, Query Languages, PostgreSQL, Systems Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Developing Mobile Apps with React Native
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Flutter (Software), Mobile Development, React Redux, React.js, Front-End Web Development, JavaScript Frameworks, Ajax, Cross Platform Development, Javascript, Apple iOS, UI Components, Data Structures, Back-End Web Development, Debugging, iOS Development, User Story, Full-Stack Web Development, Web Applications, Android Development
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
798 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Introduction to CSS3
Skills you'll gain: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, HTML and CSS, Web Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Responsive Web Design, Usability, Browser Compatibility, Javascript, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
9.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Django for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Application Deployment, Django (Web Framework), Object-Relational Mapping, HTML and CSS, Model View Controller, jQuery, Ajax, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Application Frameworks, Databases, Application Development, Javascript, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Web Development, Data Modeling, Application Security, Web Applications, Web Servers
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Create a Business proposal with Visme for businesses
Skills you'll gain: Proposal Writing, Business Writing, Proposal Development, Sales Presentations, Presentations, Value Propositions, Content Creation
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours