Discover the Best Screenwriting Classes in Los Angeles
A screenwriter is a person who writes screenplays for entertainment purposes. These screenplays include everything from dialogue to acting instructions. These scripts are used in many forms of media, including movies, television shows, and even video games. There are many screenwriting opportunities in Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood, so learning this skill could one day prove very beneficial.
Why You Should Learn Screenwriting in Los Angeles
As California is the home of the Hollywood big screen, it is no surprise that California has the highest level of employment for writers. Many people flock to Los Angeles every year with hopes of breaking into the entertainment industry, whether as actors, producers, or writers. Screenwriting is an especially sought-after skill for those working in this industry. If you have a script or even just a good idea, you can turn that into a film, television show, or video game premise with the skills and techniques you learn in screenwriting classes.
As a hub for film, television, and more, there are many screenwriting clubs and organizations to explore in Los Angeles. Even if you have no desire to turn screenwriting into a career, these clubs and organizations are a great way to meet other creatives in your area. Sometimes, making new friends can be hard – by joining a club, it is even easier to meet others who share your passion for writing, film, and entertainment. Who knows? You may even win a screenwriting contest as a result of your hard work.
In-Person Screenwriting Classes in Los Angeles
Get started with your screenplay by searching for in-person screenwriting classes in Los Angeles. In-person classes are the preferred way to learn a new skill because it is faster and easier to learn with an experienced instructor at your disposal. In-person courses are also a great opportunity to meet new people, join new clubs, and learn about various career opportunities.
Taking an in-person class is also virtually stress-free as your instructor and classroom will foster a welcoming, productive area in which to work on your screenplay. With the help of these courses, you will have a well-crafted screenplay in no time.
Introduction to Screenwriting at Santa Monica College provides an all-encompassing course that introduces the basic concepts of and techniques used in dramatic screenwriting. Your skilled instructor will give weekly writing assignments that complement the lecture material. In addition, the instructor will facilitate amicable class discussions to help you and your peers understand the intricacies of screenwriting. You will not only receive feedback on your work from peers and instructors, but you will also have access to the useful resources used by many screenwriters.
Have you ever wanted to write a screenplay but were never sure where to begin? Los Angeles City College in East Hollywood offers a course that helps you Write a Feature Screenplay in 5 Weeks. This class is a great opportunity to start and finish your screenplay. You’ll learn the basic structure of a screenplay as well as techniques to work faster and smarter, not harder. Your story, synopsis, or idea will be thoroughly picked apart in order to create a complete, well-thought-out story that others will find engaging and exciting.
The Los Angeles City College also has a course that teaches you how to Write a TV Pilot in 5 Weeks. Writing for television is a little different than writing for film and this class is sure to help you understand the distinction. You will need to bring a sample of your work so you can work towards creating the next big animated show, comedy, or drama series. From the pilot to the finished script, you will have help from the instructor every step of the way. You will be able to create a structured script with relatable, elaborate characters that will stand out to all types of audiences.
In Toluca Lake, California, your budding young star can attend the Script School Summer Camp: Make a Movie in a Week. This camp helps your future writer, actor, or director take charge and hone their craft by making a movie project that is made by and starring the students themselves. Your child will learn all about movie creation, from how to write a script, how to perform in front of a camera, and how to use specific filming equipment. The completed movie will be available for download so you can always have a memento of your child's first film.
Has your child shown interest in writing? Do they often tell wild, imaginative stories? Perhaps Creative Writing (Ages 8-12) is the perfect fit. This course introduces students to the writing process and the specific techniques associated with creative writing. Your child will gain experience with four genres of writing: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. No matter what your child is interested in, there is something for everyone. Through class discussion and writing exercises, your child will have a better idea of the various skills needed to become a screenwriter.
Intro to Stand Up Comedy by DBA Flappers University in Burbank helps you strengthen your funny bone. This class is a great way to learn basic improv skills, but also more writing-specific skills, such as how to connect with an audience, discover your own writing style, and make material in your life humorous and relatable. Even if you don’t plan on becoming a stand-up comedian, you can transfer these skills to screenplays, auditions, presentations, and more.
The Actors Circle in Culver City, California has an Acting for Adults course that is perfect for any new or budding actor. The instructor and students foster a welcoming and comfortable environment so you can feel confident with your performance. You will learn how to take direction, develop emotionally, and strengthen certain acting techniques. Specifically, students will focus on scene study, cold reading, interview techniques, improv, and character development, which are all useful lessons when you are learning how to act or write a screenplay. You will leave this class feeling more self-aware and confident in your ability to act on stage or screen.
Lastly, it’s no secret that time management is an essential skill for any successful writer. For a screenwriter, this can be especially true, as completed screenplays are necessary prior to filming. Training Connection offers an Effective Time Management Techniques course that will help you manage your time productively by setting goals and establishing priorities. Additionally, your instructor will help you identify any recurring procrastination traps you find yourself falling into. By the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, a training manual, and even the opportunity to repeat the class once more for free.
Virtual Screenwriting Classes
However, there are many factors that can prevent someone from taking an in-person class. Whether there are few available in your area or you can’t find a class that best fits your schedule, you can still become a skilled screenwriter through online screenwriting classes. This is a great alternative to in-person classes as you will receive ample feedback and direction from a live instructor and also have the opportunity to meet with fellow aspiring screenwriters.
You often need to provide your own supplies for online classes, but the instructor will send you a detailed list of necessary supplies. Depending on the supplies, you may already have the items around your house. Otherwise, you can purchase the supplies at a local store or online seller. Ensure that you have your supplies ready by the first class so you can get started.
The Solo Show 1: Writing course is a great way to craft and write your own solo show. It doesn’t matter what shape your screenplay is in because during this four-week course, you’ll work through the entire writing process together. The class begins with the basics of screenwriting, such as conducting script analyses and discussing how to add structure to your story. Students will then provide an outline of their show so the instructor and peers can review it and provide constructive feedback. Lastly, students will share an excerpt of a fully completed scene from their solo show. The lessons, techniques, and tools you learn in this class will help you create a coherent and engaging screenplay.
One of the biggest challenges associated with writing is being able to clarify your ideas without hindering your imagination. The LA Writer’s Lab has a 30-Day Outline Your Story course dedicated to helping you discover your writing process so you can plan the structure of your story and add in as many creative details as possible. In this five-week workshop, you will discuss foundational elements of storytelling, listen to relative lectures, and complete various writing exercises. You will also watch clips of popular films, discuss scenes from various works, and analyze certain storytelling principles. By the end of this course, you will feel more capable and confident.
The New York Screenwriter’s Lab offers a Film Screenplay Intensive that will provide you with the necessary tools and techniques needed to write a feature-length screenplay. This course will focus on creating multidimensional characters, constructing coherent scenes, and applying elements of drama to the structure of your storyline. The instructor will also review the many strategies and methods needed to write a screenplay, which will in turn help you break into the entertainment industry. With this course, your script will have provocative themes, complex characters, and an elaborate plot that will capture audiences near and far.
Private Group Screenwriting Classes in Los Angeles
Are you interested in scheduling a screenwriting course or related event for your group? These events are fun and interactive team-building activities for organizations or exciting activities to bring to a party. CourseHorse offers many live online screenwriting classes for private groups in Los Angeles.
The Virtual Trivia: Movies event tests your knowledge of film and Hollywood big-screen hits. The group facilitator asks your group fun and challenging trivia questions through four separate rounds. Some rounds will be an entire group collaboration whereas other rounds will have your group split into teams. This trivia event typically lasts an hour but can be modified depending on your group's needs. Who knows? You and your friends may learn a lot more about the world of cinema.
Perhaps your group has a shared goal of writing the next major Christmas film and you want to explore the various themes, plotlines, and characters of the most popular Christmas movies. Look no further than the Virtual Trivia: Classic Christmas Movies event. This sixty-minute trivia event takes your group through four challenging and exciting rounds of holiday fun. What better way to prepare for writing a Christmas screenplay than to brush up on all these classic Christmas movies? If anything, this event is a great way to add a little Christmas cheer to your next group meeting.
Preparing for the class is seamless. CourseHorse will ship any necessary supplies to each group member or provide the group with a comprehensive list of items to acquire. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of your reservation. Plus, there are no booking fees with CourseHorse.
The minimum group size varies for each event, but you don’t have to know your exact group size right away. As long as the minimum number of participants is met, you can adjust the group size up until a week before the event.
For an additional $150 fee, you can customize your course with extra games, personalized lessons, or a second event. You can also reach out to CourseHorse through the contact form on their website to learn more about the available options.
CourseHorse suggests using the Zoom platform for your class, but they can accommodate other platforms such as Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. Some courses can even come to your office, party, or home.
