Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
The course is designed to introduce you to some of the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a screenwriter. The course will include analysing extracts and film clips and taking part in writing exercises.
What will we cover?
• Genres of film and their conventions The key stages of developing a film or television script Generating ideas for scripts Writing pitches and loglines.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing - Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence - Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence - Identify the key stages of developing a film or television script - Analyse the features of a successful pitch for a film or television show - Write an original logline for a film script.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive tutor presentation, group discussion and analysis of scripts/clips, peer feedback, writing exercises.
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit runs a term-long introductory course, Ways into screenwriting, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to Developing your screenwriting.
All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.
Clive Ford writes for film and stage. He graduated from UAL with an MA in screenwriting. He currently works as a lecturer at the University of Creative Arts in Farnham and at the University of Bedfordshire where he teaches writing for the screen.
Alan NixonSee moreSee less
Alan Nixon is one of Britain’s top independent media professionals. His recent productions include directing the award-winning R4 sitcom Reluctant Persuaders. He has been Creative Consultant to broadcasters and renowned independents, including Aardman Animations (Wallace & Gromit), Grant Naylor (Red Dwarf), and Absolutely Productions (Armstrong & Miller / Trigger Happy TV). He was one of the founding controllers of Channel Five, has worked with Alexei Sayle, Victoria Wood, Caroline Aherne and Simon Day, and teaches courses at the BFI, the National Television and Film School, and the London School of Film, Media and Performance.
Angela ClarkeSee moreSee less
Angela is a best-selling novelist and screenwriter. She’s delighted her latest psych thriller The Anniversary Party (Hachette, 2025) is an Amazon number one bestseller in Serial Killers, and plans to get that ranking printed on a t-shirt. She is the author of On My Life (Hachette, 2019), the Social Media Murders Series including Trust Me (HarperCollins, 2017), Watch Me (HarperCollins, 2016), and Follow Me (HarperCollins, 2015). She also wrote the humorous memoir Confessions of a Fashionista (Penguin Random House, 2013). Follow Me was named Amazon’s Rising Star Debut January 2016, longlisted for the Crime Writer’s Association Dagger in the Library 2016, and shortlisted for the Dead Good Page Turner Award 2016. For screen Angela has written on childrens’, crime and drama developments and shows for AMC, Netflix, BBC, Channel 4, CBeebies and BBC Sounds. Two of her novels have been optioned for television adaptation. Angela has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), Angela is passionate about bringing marginalised voices into the creative industries.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ways-into-screenwriting-getting-started310658Ways into screenwriting: getting startedhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_screenwriting_getting_started-1080.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Writing for stage and screen/Courses/Writing/Creative writing taster courses/Courses/Writing/'Ways into' courses/Courses/Writing/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Courses/Online courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in writing228515911339613545135811361413605173113578122851358113605165313457Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.003036046Ways into screenwriting: getting started7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_screenwriting_getting_started-1080_13.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-01-09T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027WritingHW0777979Ways into screenwriting: getting started795179Clive Fordways-into-screenwriting-getting-started/hw077-2627Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.0000-Available|2027-01-09 00:00:00The course is designed to introduce you to some of the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a screenwriter. The course will include analysing extracts and film clips and taking part in writing exercises.Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.• Genres of film and their conventions<br>The key stages of developing a film or television script<br> Generating ideas for scripts<br> Writing pitches and loglines.- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing<br>- Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence<br>- Identify the key stages of developing a film or television script<br>- Analyse the features of a successful pitch for a film or television show<br>- Write an original logline for a film script.Interactive tutor presentation, group discussion and analysis of scripts/clips, peer feedback, writing exercises. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.City Lit runs a term-long introductory course, Ways into screenwriting, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to Developing your screenwriting.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual3048862Ways into screenwriting: getting started7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_screenwriting_getting_started-1080_14.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-03-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceMar 2027WritingHW5087979Ways into screenwriting: getting started795179Alan Nixonways-into-screenwriting-getting-started/hw508-2627Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.0000-Available|2027-03-20 00:00:00The course is designed to introduce you to some of the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a screenwriter. The course will include analysing extracts and film clips and taking part in writing exercises.Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.- Genres of film and their conventions<br>- The key stages of developing a film or television script<br> - Generating ideas for scripts<br> - Writing pitches and loglines.- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing<br>- Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence<br>- Identify the key stages of developing a film or television script<br>- Analyse the features of a successful pitch for a film or television show<br>- Write an original logline for a film script.The course is aimed at complete beginners. You'll need good levels of spoken and written English to participate fully.Interactive tutor presentation, group discussion and analysis of scripts/clips, peer feedback, writing exercises. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a pen and paper.<p>City Lit runs a term-long introductory course, Ways into screenwriting, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to Developing your screenwriting.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky.</a></p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual3087154Ways into screenwriting: getting started7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_screenwriting_getting_started-1080_15.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-04-17T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2027WritingHW0787979Ways into screenwriting: getting started795179Angela Clarkeways-into-screenwriting-getting-started/hw078-2627Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.0000-Available|2027-04-17 00:00:00The course is designed to introduce you to some of the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a screenwriter. The course will include analysing extracts and film clips and taking part in writing exercises.Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.Genres of film and their conventions<br>The key stages of developing a film or television script<br> Generating ideas for scripts<br> Writing pitches and loglines.- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing<br>- Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence<br>- Identify the key stages of developing a film or television script<br>- Analyse the features of a successful pitch for a film or television show<br>- Write an original logline for a film script.<p>This is an introductory level course. No previous experience required though a love of film is useful. You will also need to be fluent in spoken and written English.</p>Interactive tutor presentation, group discussion and analysis of scripts/clips, peer feedback, writing exercises. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a pen and paper.<p>City Lit runs a term-long introductory course, <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ways-into-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ways into screenwriting</a>, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/developing-your-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Developing your screenwriting</a>.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://citylitwriting.bsky.social on Bluesky" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky.</a></p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual3095071Ways into screenwriting: getting started7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_screenwriting_getting_started-1080_16.jpgInStockDaytimeSunOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-07-11T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJul 2027WritingHW4357979Ways into screenwriting: getting started795179Alan Nixonways-into-screenwriting-getting-started/hw435-2627Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this online taster course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.0000-Available|2027-07-11 00:00:00<p>The course is designed to introduce you to some of the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a screenwriter. The course will include analysing extracts and film clips, and taking part in writing exercises.</p>Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this online taster course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.- Genres of film and their conventions<br>- The key stages of developing a film or television script<br>- Generating ideas for scripts<br>- Writing pitches and loglines.- Identify the key stages of developing a film or television script<br>- Analyse the features of a successful pitch for a film or television show<br>- Write an original logline for a film script.The course is aimed at complete beginners. You'll need good levels of spoken and written English to participate fully.Presentations by the tutor will introduce you to key concepts. Then there will be work and discussion in groups or in pairs to facilitate a practical, hands-on response to the ideas and information presented. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please bring a pen and paper.<p>City Lit runs a term-long introductory course,<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/ways-into-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ways into screenwriting</a>, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/developing-your-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Developing your screenwriting</a>.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href="\" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="\" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="\" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://citylitwriting.bsky.social on Bluesky" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky.</a></p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenvirtual797951HW077,HW508,HW078,HW435NONESat,Sun09/01/2710:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyWeekendOnlineOnline,Keeley StreetClive Ford,Alan Nixon,Angela ClarkeBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2027-01-09T00:00:00+00:00,2027-03-20T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-17T00:00:00+00:00,2027-07-11T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeJan 2027,Mar 2027,Apr 2027,Jul 2027Writing7979Ways into screenwriting: getting startedways-into-screenwriting-getting-started/hw077-2627,ways-into-screenwriting-getting-started/hw508-2627,ways-into-screenwriting-getting-started/hw078-2627,ways-into-screenwriting-getting-started/hw435-2627Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.,Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.,Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this online taster course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.0000-Available|2027-01-09 00:00:00The course is designed to introduce you to some of the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a screenwriter. The course will include analysing extracts and film clips and taking part in writing exercises.,<p>The course is designed to introduce you to some of the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a screenwriter. The course will include analysing extracts and film clips, and taking part in writing exercises.</p>Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.,Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.,Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this online taster course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.• Genres of film and their conventions<br>The key stages of developing a film or television script<br> Generating ideas for scripts<br> Writing pitches and loglines.,- Genres of film and their conventions<br>- The key stages of developing a film or television script<br> - Generating ideas for scripts<br> - Writing pitches and loglines.,Genres of film and their conventions<br>The key stages of developing a film or television script<br> Generating ideas for scripts<br> Writing pitches and loglines.,- Genres of film and their conventions<br>- The key stages of developing a film or television script<br>- Generating ideas for scripts<br>- Writing pitches and loglines.- Develop original ideas for scripts and produce new writing<br>- Discuss and analyse excerpts from screenplays/television scripts with confidence<br>- Give and receive constructive feedback on work-in-progress with sensitivity, insight, and confidence<br>- Identify the key stages of developing a film or television script<br>- Analyse the features of a successful pitch for a film or television show<br>- Write an original logline for a film script.,- Identify the key stages of developing a film or television script<br>- Analyse the features of a successful pitch for a film or television show<br>- Write an original logline for a film script.Interactive tutor presentation, group discussion and analysis of scripts/clips, peer feedback, writing exercises. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.,Presentations by the tutor will introduce you to key concepts. Then there will be work and discussion in groups or in pairs to facilitate a practical, hands-on response to the ideas and information presented. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.City Lit runs a term-long introductory course, Ways into screenwriting, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to Developing your screenwriting.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href=" https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a>.,<p>City Lit runs a term-long introductory course, Ways into screenwriting, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to Developing your screenwriting.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/citylitwriting.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky.</a></p>,<p>City Lit runs a term-long introductory course, <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ways-into-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ways into screenwriting</a>, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/developing-your-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Developing your screenwriting</a>.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://citylitwriting.bsky.social on Bluesky" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky.</a></p>,<p>City Lit runs a term-long introductory course,<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/ways-into-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Ways into screenwriting</a>, which will explore the subject in greater depth. Students can then proceed to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/developing-your-screenwriting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Developing your screenwriting</a>.<br><br>All students are invited to join us at <a href="\" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="\" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="\" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://citylitwriting.bsky.social on Bluesky" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluesky.</a></p>Writing for stage and screenWriting for stage and screenconfigurable
159113605Writing for stage and screenhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/writing-for-stage-and-screen/writing-for-stage-and-screen-11/2/285/13581/13605/1591/Courses/Writing/Writing for stage and screen/Writing for stage and screen
