Introduction: Why You Don’t Need Film School
For a long time, film school has been considered the traditional route for screenwriters to make their mark on the industry. Contrary to that belief, it’s been proven time and again that it isn’t the only route.
Many successful screenwriters never stepped foot in a film school classroom but honed their craft through practice, mentorship and independent study. Of course, if film school is the route you wish to go down, then that’s wonderful!
However, it’s important to remember that every screenwriter’s journey is different, with the continuous rise of the internet bringing about reams of knowledge and resources only making it more accessible.
Aspiring writers can now access top-tier resources without the significant financial burden that film school can bring. Whether you’re looking to write the next great indie screenplay or simply to explore storytelling as a hobby, the tools, courses and resources you need are only a few clicks away!
Today’s post is all about boiling down the very best online screenwriting classes, must-read books, tools, and free resources to help kick-start your screenwriting journey. And guess what? There’s no degree required!
Best Online Screenwriting Courses (free and paid)
There is an abundance of courses online that cater to screenwriters of all levels. From beginners to seasoned professionals, you’re sure to find one that fits your vibe.
Here are some of our favorites:
Masterclass: Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting
Aaron Sorkin has become a household name in the world of movies and TV. Known for works such as The West Wing (1999-2006) and The Social Network (2010), Sorkin has been a regular feature here on the Celtx blog, and for very good reason!
I completed his class on Masterclass a few years ago and it was eye-opening. During the course, he breaks down his personal approach to dialogue, character development, and storytelling, all through video lessons with accompanying downloadable workbooks and assignments.
The course does require a small investment with the Masterclass platform, with annual plans for $120 ($10 per month). But it’s well worth it, as you’ll have access to not only Sorkin’s course, but other classes across more than just film and TV.
From start to finish, the class is interactive and engaging. It’s a rare but very welcome and detailed insight into an award-winning screenwriter.
Check out the trailer for this wonderful course here:
Udemy: Screenwriting Made Easy
Udemy hosts a variety of screenwriting courses, but Screenwriting Made Easy is one of the most popular. For a very affordable price, this course covers fundamental concepts like screenwriting structure, formatting, and character arcs.
TOP TIP: Udemy often run sales, so you can frequently find these courses for under $20!
If you fancy taking a closer look at the course, click here.
No Film School’s Screenwriting Resources
True to its name, No Film School offers a plethora of free and paid resources for screenwriters. Their website is packed with guides, templates and recommendations for screenwriting courses.
It’s a fantastic starting point if you’re an independent learner!
From script to screen, Celtx makes it easier to learn by doing. Get started today!
ScreenwritingU ProSeries
A website dedicated to screenwriting classes and resources, ScreenwritingU offers an intensive ProSeries program that dives deep into professional-level screenwriting. With lessons on marketable storytelling, pitch development, and script analysis, this course is ideal for writers looking to break into Hollywood.
With reams of resources to explore, check out what ScreenwritingU has to offer here.
BBC Maestro:
For us UK-based writers, BBC Maestro is a similar platform to Masterclass, with experts from many different fields offering their insights and knowledge.
Two stand out courses for screenwriters include Writing Comedy for Television hosted by Bill Lawrence, known for Scrubs (2001-2010) and Ted Lasso (2020-Present), and Writing Drama for Television hosted by Jed Mercurio, famous for Line of Duty (2012-2021) and Bodyguard (2018).
With the world of television booming in recent years, it’s no wonder that many screenwriters are itching to dip their toes into writing it!
BBC Maestro has everything you need to get started, with each course priced at just under £80 each, with no subscription needed and no time limit. Perfect for taking things at your own pace.
Check out a clip from Jed Mercurio’s course below:
Learn to write a comedy script with the Celtx Screenwriting Series!
Must-Read Books for Screenwriters
If you’d prefer to go down the more traditional route and study the written word, then perhaps our book recommendations would suit you. Let’s dive into our top picks:
Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by Blake Snyder
We’re betting you’ve heard about this one before, and it’s no wonder! This book is a staple for many screenwriters. Snyder’s approach focuses on breaking down scripts into manageable beats, ensuring your story resonates with audiences.
His friendly tone and practical advice make Save the Cat! an excellent starting point for beginners.
Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee
Widely regarded as a must-read for anyone serious about screenwriting, McKee’s book dives deep into the craft of storytelling.
While dense and detailed, Story offers invaluable insights into creating compelling narratives. For me, it’s the most bookmarked and highlighted screenwriting book I own.
If you are able to, I also highly recommend attending one of his seminars in which he delves further into his theories and practices. His approach is a direct one – if you’ve seen the movie Adaptation, you’ll know exactly what I mean!
My experience with McKee’s seminar in London was an intense one, however, it was one of the best investments and experiences of my writing journey so far.
The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
Once you’ve nailed the basics of screenwriting, Truby’s book is the ideal second read. It goes beyond the basics of screenplay structure, focusing on the deeper elements of storytelling, such as theme, character psychology, and moral dilemmas.Â
If you’re looking to elevate your work, this is the place to go.
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field
Field’s book is a classic that has shaped the way screenwriting is taught. It covers everything from three-act structure to the importance of the first ten pages, making it a foundational text for any aspiring writer.
Writing Movies for Fun and Profit by Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant
This humorous yet informative book by two Hollywood screenwriters takes a slightly different approach to the others we’ve already mentioned. They focus on practical advice on navigating the industry, from selling scripts to dealing with studio notes.
A great all-round read, it’s a fun one that doesn’t shy away from the realities of the business.
One thing we’d really like to emphasize is that, not all the information in these books will apply to everyone. Every writer is different and with each book promoting different approaches to creativity and screenwriting, it’s highly likely that you won’t resonate with everything the authors say – and that’s totally okay!
Just as every writer’s journey cannot be the same, not every resource will help. What’s important is that you find what works for you and run with it!
Free Resources: Podcasts, Blogs, and YouTube Channels
Let’s face it – most of us don’t have an endless pot of cash to spend on courses and books. For budget-conscious writers, free resources are a fantastic way to learn and stay inspired! Let’s explore some of the best options out there on the world wide web:
Podcasts
Scriptnotes
Hosted by John August and Craig Mazin, Scriptnotes covers a wide range of screenwriting topics, from breaking in to crafting great scenes.
August, known for box office wonders Big Fish (2003) and Aladdin (2019) and Mazin, known for Chernobyl (2019) and The Last of Us (2023-Present) are both seasoned screenwriters, offering a wealth of knowledge absolutely free. Check out this episode on How to Write a Movie to get a taster of what’s on offer from this talented pair.
The Q&A
Taking a personal approach, this podcast features Jeff Goldsmith sitting down with screenwriters to discuss their individual creative processes and experiences. If you need that extra dose of inspiration, then this is the podcast for you! One of the most recent episodes saw Goldsmith chat with Jac Schaeffer, showrunner for new Disney+ series Agatha All Along, with season two rumored to be being announced soon!
On the Page
Hosted by Pilar Alessandra (aka. The Coffee Break Screenwriter), On the Page is a smorgasbord of screenwriting goodness! From practical writing tips and interviews with industry professionals, to insights into improving your craft, Alessandra has something for every writer.
Her YouTube channel is jam packed with excerpts from her podcast, giving you a quick look at what she has to offer.
Blogs
If books or podcasts aren’t your thing, and you prefer to learn in bitesize chunks, then we have you covered. Blogs are the perfect solution if you’re short on time or need to find out information quickly.
Stand by for our top screenwriting blog picks:
Go into the Story
Written by Scott Myers, famous for Alaska (1996) and Trojan War (1997) before becoming an associate professor at DePaul University, Go into the Story offers daily insights into screenwriting including script breakdowns, advice and industry trends.
John August’s Blog
So, we’re back with John August. Alongside his podcast with Craig Mazin, August maintains a blog filled with helpful tips and resources for screenwriters. An ideal read when you’re on your lunch break or waiting for a train!
The Celtx Blog
Surprise! You’re already here. Our blog is a comprehensive guide to all things filmmaking. With step-by-step guides on how to create your screenplay, as well as the know-how on the film industry, Celtx is here to help you every step of the way! If you’re stuck writing your screenplay, check out our Mastering the Art of Screenwriting series on this very blog, covering everything from horror to rom coms.
YouTube Channels
Of course, if video content is more your thing, there are thousands upon thousands of YouTube videos here to help. Some of the best channels include:
Lessons from the Screenplay
This channel analyses popular movies to uncover what makes their scripts work. Perfect if you’re looking to see screenwriting fundamentals in action. While the channel hasn’t been active for a while, there is still an immense video library to explore.
This video focusing on the first 10 pages of The Devil Wears Prada (2006), is just one example of the short but sweet videos they have to offer.
TOP TIP: If you’re also interested in storytelling in video games, the team behind Lessons from the Screenplay have an additional channel Story Mode On, ideal for aspiring narrative designers.
Film Courage
Featuring interviews with screenwriters, filmmakers and producers, Film Courage explores not just the writing aspect of the film industry, but also everything else that goes into production – it’s a fantastic all-rounder.
Celtx
Back to focusing on the script, our channel offers tutorials, script breakdowns and insights from working screenwriters which caters to writers at all stages of their careers.
Check out one of our most popular webinars Screenwriting Basics with writer Andrew Winter below:
Skip the tuition, not the tools. Celtx has what you need to succeed. Get started today!
Tools to Help: Best Screenwriting Software
We harp on about this a lot here at Celtx, but screenwriting software is essential to any screenwriter. It streamlines the writing process and ensures your script adheres to industry standard.Â
There are countless options out there for you to choose from, each with their own plans and distinguishing features. Well, it turns out we actually have a blog for that! Discover which software is right for you in The Write Stuff: Choosing the Best Screenwriting Software for your Needs.
Starting Your Journey
Breaking into screenwriting may feel overwhelming, but the resources and tools available today make it more accessible than ever.
Whether you dive into an online course, explore must-read books, or immerse yourself in free podcasts and YouTube channels, success comes from consistent practice and a willingness to learn.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Embrace your unique journey, take advantage of opportunities that come your way, and most importantly – start writing!
Every great screenplay starts with a single idea, and yours could be the next to captivate audiences worldwide. The first step is up to you!
For more helpful tips, try these articles next:
- How to Become a Screenwriter: A Guide for Aspiring Writers
- Beyond the Set: Exploring Different Jobs in the Film Industry
- 9 Creative Ideas to Start Your Next Script
