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Screenwriting

  • Ages: 18+
  • Term: Autumn, spring
  • Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This 10-week course explores all the major elements of dramatic scriptwriting and will have you penning the next big thing for the silver screen in no time.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

Autumn term 2024

Tuesday 8 October – 10 December 2024 (10 Tuesdays, 18.00-21.00)

Spring term 2025

Tuesday 4 February – 8 April 2025 (10 Tuesdays, 18.00-21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£339

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide some basic study materials. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase it for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.

Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

  • Notebook and pens/pencils to make notes
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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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Short Courses FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

About this course

Taught by Emmy-nominated scriptwriter Mike Garley, this 10-week course explores all the major elements and craft components of dramatic scriptwriting, from structure to characterisation, dialogue, professional formatting, and more.

All great stories start with the script – this course will teach you the fundamentals of creating an idea and preparing it for screen as you develop your skills as a screenwriter.

On this fun and engaging course, you’ll be encouraged to either create a new story, or develop an existing one. The course will be delivered with a mixture of presentation, video examples, and group activities.

You'll explore treatments, synopses, and adaptations, and will receive practical advice on the layout and presentation of your scripts. You’ll also undertake analysis of key sequences from a variety of films, series, and story-based video web-content.

Similarly, you'll examine and understand the demands and expectations of the industry, which includes how to sell yourself and market your script. Each week you’ll undertake engaging assignments outside your sessions to highlight and illustrate the various demands of screenwriting craft.

  • Screenwriting and genre conventions
  • Major elements and craft components of dramatic scriptwriting, from structure to characterisation, dialogue, and professional formatting
  • The skills required to work with a production studio, or with client in mind
  • Briefs, including treatments, synopses, and adaptations
  • The demands and expectations of the industry, including how to sell yourself and market your script
  • Honest and practical guides (along with personal insights!) into making it in the industry once the course is finished

At the end of the course you'll:

  • Possess improved writing skills and the tools to write compelling original scripts
  • Be knowledgeable about the film and tv industry and have insight into how to break into it and the realities of what this takes
  • Be able to write in a variety of different styles and apply your knowledge to a range of genres
  • Understand all the major elements and craft components of dramatic scriptwriting, from structure to characterisation, dialogue, and professional formatting, and how to exercise these
  • Have the confidence to experiment and adapt your ideas as you go
  • Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination
  • Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course
  • You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at shortcourses@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.

You’ll be given assignments to carry out in your own time outside the sessions, so you continue to consolidate and progress your scriptwriting skills.

Text reads: join our creative community

Book your place today

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Meet your tutor

Mike Garley

Mike Garley

Mike Garley is an Emmy-nominated writer, who's written for Adventure Time, Wallace and Gromit and Image Comics’ 24 panels anthology.

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We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.

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There are plenty of reasons to consider studying a creative short course. Perhaps you want to retrain, learn new skills, or just have fun...

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How to book

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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