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

Georgia Institute of Technology
Better Business Writing in English
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Proposal Writing, Business Correspondence, Presentations, Report Writing, Writing, Microsoft PowerPoint, Technical Writing, Business Communication, Grammar, Peer Review, Editing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
508 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Commonwealth Education Trust
Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest
Skills you'll gain: Editing, Proofreading, Storytelling, Writing, Literacy, Content Creation, Digital Publishing, Cultural Responsiveness, Creativity, Diversity Awareness
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Creative Thinking, Creativity, Natural Language Processing, Problem Solving, Application Development, Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Generative AI, IBM Cloud, Software Development Tools, Image Analysis, Technical Communication, Natural Language Processing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Vanderbilt University
Prompt Engineering
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Presentation, Document Management, Generative AI, Creative Thinking, Creativity, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management Framework, OpenAI, Productivity Software, Microsoft Excel, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Information Management, Natural Language Processing, Data Transformation, Technical Communication, Problem Solving
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI Automation
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Presentation, Generative AI, Document Management, Creative Thinking, Image Analysis, Data Capture, Artificial Intelligence, OpenAI, Data Analysis, Organizational Skills, Risk Management Framework, Computer Vision, Productivity Software, Microsoft Excel, Creativity, Data Ethics, Information Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Microsoft
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Word, Microsoft 365, Data Visualization, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Productivity Software, Data Analysis Software, Data Import/Export, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Proofreading, Editing, Document Management, Technical Documentation, Product Demonstration, Writing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New AI skills
Google
Google UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Wireframing, UI/UX Research, Responsive Web Design, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Research, Information Architecture, Figma (Design Software), Usability Testing, User Story, Web Design, Design Reviews, Usability, Presentations, Design Research, Persona (User Experience), Ideation, User Centered Design, Mockups
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
89K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Pennsylvania
English for Career Development
Skills you'll gain: Vocabulary, Business Writing, Interviewing Skills, Verbal Communication Skills, Language Learning, Business Correspondence, Professional Networking, Business Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
16K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of California, Davis
The Strategy of Content Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Content Marketing, Content Strategy, Marketing Strategies, Content Creation, Strategic Marketing, Marketing, Multimedia, Copywriting, Marketing Communications, Branding, Brand Management, Target Audience, Marketing Analytics, Business Ethics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Imperial College London
Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Ideation, Creativity, Resourcefulness, Curiosity, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Collaboration, Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Meta
Programming with JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Web Development Tools, Javascript, Unit Testing, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Event-Driven Programming, Node.JS, JSON, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Development Testing, Debugging, Package and Software Management, Front-End Web Development, Functional Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months