4 WAYS TO LEARN SCREENWRITING WITHOUT EXPENSIVE CLASSES

Don’t get me wrong: there are major benefits to honing your screenwriting craft through the traditional classroom setting (see them at the end!). But, with the evolution of a free and open internet along with decades of cinematic examples, teaching yourself for cheap or free is not impossible… or even that difficult. You will mostly have to provide the time, motivation and tough skin to work at becoming a skilled writer.

Here are some ways to learn screenwriting without having to graduate with an expensive film or literature degree.

ABOVE: Rather watch my advice? Click above to listen to me present this article with my voice and face.

1) Read Real Scripts

The script to any famous or notable film you can think of is most-likely available for free online with the swift stroke of your cursor in the Google search bar. Type “[name of film] screenplay” and you may even find multiple drafts leading to the final shooting script you’re familiar with. Choose films you admire or believe are similar in structure to your script ideas, download the PDF and start studying! Can’t think of a film you want to read? Browse databases like the Internet Movie Script Database, a collection of thousands of films in alphabetical order or by genre OR by screenwriter.

2) Read Screenwriting Books

Who needs a teacher and classmates, just get the text book! There are ENDLESS variations of books written to teach anyone who wants to learn including the popular “Save The Cat” by Blake Snyder. If you learn best from quiet reading time, pick up a volume or two on proper technique. Check out top-pick lists from ScreenwritingsPark.com or IndieFilmHustle.com for some of the highly recommended texts on screenwriting craft.

3) Online Forums

Still hung up on some of the formatting terms and rules? There are many free filmmaking dictionaries and blogs (like mine!) that put the info out there for those starting out, helping guide screenwriters we may work with one day. And, if you have a specific question, there are help forums like Screenwriters.io, or even the screenwriter’s Reddit ready to take a look at your problem and give you advice.

4) Ask for Script Critiques

Once you’ve tried one or more of the methods above and have finished your first draft, ask a charitable, experienced writer or two to review your script. Remember: helpful criticism is GOOD for you. You may think your script is in great shape, but you should get back plenty of technical and story suggestions since this is your first crack at screenwriting. Ultimately, the choices for your story are up to you, but take in advice, write it on a note sheet and digest it for a night to decide which note is good or bad for your story.

PRO-TIP #1: Notes you hear often are often correct. Not sure which notes you should implement or which opinion to trust? Have 2 or 3 reviewers read your script. If a specific note is brought up more than once, it is definitely an aspect to acknowledge or alter in some way.

If you do not know any screenwriters personally, that’s what the internet is for! Facebook specifically. Search screenwriting specific groups on Facebook by typing in the searchbar. Amongst many others to choose from, I recommend “Writers Helping Writers” and “New Screenwriters Writing Screenplays” to find those who are willing to give advice.

And if charitable reads from screenwriter-friends are not an option or you want some more advanced advice, there are paid services: critics who will review your screenplay for a price and send back score sheets identifying problem areas and possible solutions. This may be expensive and some reviewers are more reputable than others. Services like Wefixyourscript.com list their reviewers experience, accolades and produced content so you know who’s reading your script. But don’t just trust my word, research any screenplay judge by their customer reviews before you lay down big money to have your script read.

PRO-TIP EXTRA CREDIT: Scriptnotes

One of the BEST free resources I’ve ever found for screenwriting help has been the Scriptnotes podcast. The suggestion was given to me early in my screenwriting endeavors, and I’m so thankful. The podcast is hosted by Hollywood screenwriters John August (Big Fish, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie) and Craig Mazen (The Hangover Parts II and III, Identity Thief) who talk not only about screenwriting craft, but realistic and up-to-date insight about Hollywood expectations and filmmaking tips. The no-BS chat amongst two industry vets & friends yields invaluable info. Got a commute to work? Start streaming this podcast and let the learning begin.

WHAT YOU MISS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

There is a valid argument for a traditional education. These things may not be important to your journey, or a traditional education may not be your style, but I’d be remiss to leave out benefits you’d skip with self-study alone. Check out lists such as “The 10 Best Academic Programs for Aspiring Screenwriters” by Independent Magazine to see what’s out there.

Class Room Structure

One-on-one attention, question & answering and direct criticism of your work by a professional may be missing from a self-study with reading material alone. Some thrive in traditional class structure as it is similar to years of basic schooling.

Multi-Peer Review

One of the best benefits of a classroom setting is peer-review where you are challenged by the same writers learning right along side you. Like I mentioned, criticism is an important part of the screenwriting experience to make your stories and writing skills better. Being reviewed by multiple judges at once would be your ultimate lesson in note-taking.

Post Grad Networking and Industry Connections

If not for the practical education, being part of a reputable film or writing program may fast-track you to an industry job. Any established university focusing on film studies will have successful alumni, supporters and liaisons to real-life filmmaking positions. You may have to work harder to make those connections and prove yourself as a skilled writer with your own, self-made success.

Which method seems best for you: self-study or the traditional classroom? Either way, hard work, productivity and commitment are aspects that are up to YOU, whichever path you take. Start studying, and happy writing!