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

Duke University
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Software Design, Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, HTML and CSS, Debugging, Software Engineering, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Development, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Javascript, Encryption, Algorithms, Web Design, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Rice University
Introduction to Scripting in Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization Software, Plot (Graphics), Package and Software Management, Python Programming, Programming Principles, Data Processing, Data Mapping, Data Manipulation, Software Installation, Development Environment, Data Structures, File Management, Scripting, Data Storage, Data Import/Export, Program Development, Data Integration, Data Analysis, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Davis
Learn SQL Basics for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, Presentations, Data Cleansing, Feature Engineering, SQL, Apache Spark, A/B Testing, Distributed Computing, Descriptive Statistics, Data Lakes, Data Quality, Data Storytelling, Data Analysis, Peer Review, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Pipelines, Databricks, Database Design, Query Languages
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Berklee
Writing and Producing Music in Your Home Studio
Skills you'll gain: Music, Musical Composition, Music Theory, Peer Review, Music Performance, Active Listening, Storytelling, Post-Production, Constructive Feedback, Editing, Creativity, Performing Arts, Media Production, Writing, Performance Tuning, Self-Awareness
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
R Programming
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Debugging, Simulations, Computer Programming Tools, Program Development, Data Structures, Performance Tuning, Data Import/Export
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Kennesaw State University
AI for Grant Writing
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Grant Writing, ChatGPT, Proposal Writing, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Business Writing, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Kennesaw State University
Writing Professional Email and Memos (Project-Centered Course)
Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Grammar, Business Writing, Business Correspondence, Writing, Writing and Editing, Editing, Proofreading, Concision, Taking Meeting Minutes, Professionalism, Business Communication, Report Writing, Administrative Support and Clerical Tasks, Target Audience, Communication, Constructive Feedback
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
449 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Berklee
The Singer Songwriter
Skills you'll gain: Music Theory, File Management, Music, Music Performance, Musical Composition, Peer Review, Instrumental Music, Self-Awareness, Performing Arts, Creativity, Automation, Storytelling, Writing, Editing, Software Installation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Applied Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Linux Commands, Unit Testing, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Development Environment, Version Control, File Management, Jupyter, Software Engineering, Software Development Tools, Application Deployment, Collaborative Software, Automation, Flask (Web Framework), Web Scraping, Python Programming, Software Testing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
47K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers
Skills you'll gain: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML and CSS, Javascript, Ajax, Responsive Web Design, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Design and Development, JSON, Web Applications, Web Development, Scripting, Usability, Cross Platform Development, Browser Compatibility, Event-Driven Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique
How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Project-Centered Course)
Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Journals, Scientific Methods, Writing, Research, Research Design, Research Methodologies, Editing, Style Guides, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Data Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Lund University
Writing in English at University
Skills you'll gain: Editing, Proofreading, Writing, Grammar, English Language, Literacy, Vocabulary
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
785 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks