“I was looking to dip my toes into screenwriting, and this course was the perfect entry into learning about the craft and what it takes to do this professionally. I left the course inspired to write more, and would be keen to take similar courses in the future.”
– Previous participant
Explore the role of a Screenwriter
Bring your passion for storytelling to the forefront and be introduced to the craft of screenwriting. In this Intro to Screenwriting course, you will cover the foundational principles of genre, theme, character, plot and structure as used by professional screenwriters, that you can apply as you generate and develop your story ideas. You will also learn about outlines and treatments, as well as writing scenes and sequences.
Taught by Australia’s premier screenwriters, become familiar with this key filmmaking role and what makes a great screenwriter through interactive lectures, tutorials, readings, viewings and writing exercises.
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
Recognise the principles of screenwriting and cinematic narrative.
Define the key concepts of theme, premise, storyworld and characterisation.
Identify how to structure and format your screenwriting.
Is Intro to Screenwriting right for you?
This is an introductory course that covers screenwriting basics and tips for beginners. No previous experience is required, just a passion for storytelling.
This course is ideal for aspiring screenwriters as well as producers, directors, actors, content creators and other creatives looking to explore the craft of screenwriting and build their storytelling and narrative skills.
AFTRS Intro courses are open to students aged 16 years and older. Students under 18 must complete an Under 18 Consent Form.
Course Requirements and Delivery
Intro to Screenwriting is offered online and in person with self-directed learning which includes readings, viewings and brief writing exercises.
For the online course, classes are delivered over Zoom with 2 x Zoom sessions per week across 3 weeks and 1 hour of self-directed learning per week. You will need access to a desktop or laptop computer with camera, sound and good internet connection, and a quiet place to participate.
The in-person course takes place over 2 days, 9:30am – 3:00pm, and involves 3 hours of self-directed learning.
Once enrolled, you will receive further instructions.
Course Fee: $450 (pricing subject to change, please check enrolment form)
Early bird and other discounts available – learn more.
Meet Your Tutor
AFTRS short courses are taught by leading industry professionals.
Chris Squadrito
Chris is an award-winning screenwriter, director, script editor, and producer based in Sydney. In 2023, Chris’ dark comedy web series ‘Vanlife…
Register your interest to stay up-to-date on future offerings, application or enrolment dates, and more information on this course.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This course is for students aged 16+ only.
If a student wishes to withdraw from a course, they may do so up to 15 days before the course commences and get a full refund. Cancellations 14 days or less before course commencement will incur a penalty.
AFTRS reserves the right to cancel any course for any reason at any time. In the event of a course being cancelled by AFTRS prior to commencement a 100% refund or credit note of the course fees paid will be provided.
Should AFTRS need to cancel a course after commencement, but before its completion, reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule. If rescheduling is not feasible, it is at AFTRS sole discretion to issue either full or partial credit notes depending on the circumstances.
AFTRS will make every effort to ensure the scheduled run of any course.
If you are planning to travel to attend a course, please confirm with AFTRS that the course is confirmed before you make your travel bookings. This decision is dependent on course enrolments meeting minimum numbers. AFTRS is not liable for any travel or accommodation costs incurred through course cancellation at any time for any reason.
Find out more information about discounts and refunds here.
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