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
The Bash Shell and Basic Scripting in Linux
Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Systems Administration, Shell Script, Linux Commands, Linux Administration, Linux, Unix, Scripting, Scripting Languages, Unix Commands, IT Automation, File Systems
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
29 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
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
IBM
Developing Back-End Apps with Node.js and Express
Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Server Side, Restful API, Back-End Web Development, JavaScript Frameworks, Cloud Applications, Web Applications, Application Programming Interface (API), Web Servers, Javascript, Authentications, Package and Software Management, JSON, Middleware
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
517 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
University of London
Responsive Website Basics: Code with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: jQuery, HTML and CSS, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Responsive Web Design, Web Design and Development, Javascript and jQuery, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Web Design, Web Development, Javascript, Web Applications, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Interactive Design, Programming Principles, Development Environment
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Macquarie University
Organisational design: Know your organisation
Skills you'll gain: Human Resource Strategy, Organizational Strategy, Organizational Structure, Organizational Effectiveness, Workforce Planning, Organizational Change, Risk Management, Business Strategy, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Report Writing, Culture
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
University of California, Davis
Fundraising and Development
Skills you'll gain: Fundraising, Grant Writing, Proposal Writing, Prospecting and Qualification, Philanthropy, Campaign Management, Tax Planning, Direct Marketing, Business Writing, Marketing Strategies, Relationship Building, Estate Planning, Benefits Administration, Administration, Target Audience, Email Marketing, Telemarketing, Stakeholder Management, Negotiation, Stakeholder Engagement
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
367 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Peking University
Chinese for HSK 6
Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Literacy, Writing, Language Competency, Vocabulary, Language Learning, Grammar, Language Interpretation, Translation, and Studies
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
469 reviews
Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
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
241 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
Research Proposal: Initiating Research
Skills you'll gain: Market Research, Proposal Writing, Research Methodologies, Market Analysis, Business Research, Data Collection, Quantitative Research, Business Writing, Sampling (Statistics), Survey Creation, Qualitative Research, Request for Proposal, Client Services, Professional Networking
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
918 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
LearnQuest
Oracle SQL Databases
Skills you'll gain: Oracle SQL Developer, SQL, Oracle Databases, PL/SQL, Database Design, Database Theory, Database Management Systems, Database Administration, Relational Databases, Database Management, Databases, Database Software, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Storage, Transaction Processing, Stored Procedure, Data Access, Data Modeling, Network Architecture, Data Integrity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
849 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months