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 California, Irvine
Writing Skills for University Success
Skills you'll gain: Writing, Research, Grammar, Editing, Intellectual Property, Organizational Skills, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
56 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Geneva
Rédaction de contrats
Skills you'll gain: Arbitration, Contract Review, Commercial Laws, Coordinating, Contract Management, Legal Risk, Legal Writing, Mediation, Civil Law, Liquidation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
846 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
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
125 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
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, IBM WebSphere MQ, Internet Of Things, Peripheral Devices
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
142 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Peking University
Chinese Characters for beginner 汉字
Skills you'll gain: Language Learning, Vocabulary, Literacy, Oral Comprehension
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Scrimba
Frontend Development
Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI) Design, Color Theory, User Interface (UI), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML and CSS, Typography, React.js, Web Development Tools, JSON, Design, Event-Driven Programming, Web Design, Javascript, Debugging, Usability, Web Development, Node.JS, Front-End Web Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
454 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Technical Managerial Written Skills
Skills you'll gain: Proposal Writing, Business Writing, Grammar, Technical Writing, Writing, Business Correspondence, Editing, Concision, Persuasive Communication, Target Audience, Communication, Leadership
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Glasgow
Writing for Business Advanced
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Business Correspondence, Writing, Report Writing, Business Communication, Writing and Editing, Organizational Structure, Vocabulary, Grammar, Concision, English Language, Target Audience, Organizational Skills, Editing, Press Releases
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Copywriting with ChatGPT: Crafting High-Quality Blog Content
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Blogs, Generative AI Agents, Content Creation, Copywriting, Writing and Editing, Customer Advocacy, Branding, Interviewing Skills
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
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
University of Colorado Boulder
Embedded Software and Hardware Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Debugging, Data Structures, System Programming, Microarchitecture, C (Programming Language), Hardware Architecture, Computer Architecture, Integrated Development Environments, Software Design, Maintainability, System Configuration, Peripheral Devices
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
516 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks