Finding the best screenwriting course is essential if the hopeful writer is able to secure a successful writing career, be this in writing for films, drama broadcasts or writing sitcoms. But which screenwriting schools are most valued by the filmmaking industry?
Met Film School
This scriptwriting school, set in Ealing Studios in London, is considered to be one of the elite schools for screenwriters. The courses are available in various formats, from a two day intensive course, to one that lasts six months.
A taster course entails writing a story to screen in eight weeks, which provides valuable information on the important aspects of filmmaking, including casting, editing and direction. The course culminates in the shooting of a short film. But a more intensive project on writing a full length feature film is provided on every other Sunday over six months. This Write a Feature Film project enables the more serious filmmaker to write a full length screenplay.
Degree courses on filmmaking are also available, which include BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking, BA (Hons) Film, Visual Effects & Animation and BA (Hons) Film & Digital Cinematography. Prospectuses are available online.
National Film and Television School
This prestigious film school, unique in that it is based in its own film studios, offer MA film and television courses that are validated by the Royal College of Art. MA courses in filmmaking are offered on vital areas relating to script development, including direction, cinematography, editing, production and screenwriting itself. Diploma courses on script development are also offered, as well as taster courses. Noted filmmakers teach at the school, including Stephen Frears, who worked on Trainspotting and Lynda Miles who worked on The Committments.
The Script Factory
This well-respected London film school offers courses for the filmmaker on essential aspects of screenwriting and film production, but now includes story development for TV and radio. A training programme, known as Friendly Producers, aims to introduce new writing talent to the film industry. The screenwriter working alone will often feel shut out by the film industry yet fresh talent is always in demand. Friendly Producers scheme aims to bridge that gap, in persuading the right people to read the work of an exciting new screenwriter.
Screenwriting courses and workshops are available in the form of film treatment writing workshops, adapting a novel into a screenplay and creating compelling and unique protagonists for films
Other Great Film Schools in the UK
High profile MA courses in screenwriting are offered at the University of the Arts in London and at Leeds Metropolitan University. Valuable screenwriting experience is also offered at the BBC Drama Writer Academy for Drama Writing, which offers a valuable springboard for the screenwriter’s career, who must write episodes for TV soaps.
Film Schools for Screenwriters
Finding the best film school is essential to every aspiring screenwriter. Film schools that are endorsed by notable filmmakers, as well as those with a good track record and good contacts within the film industry, will help the screenwriter secure a successful career within the film industry. Of course, hard work, evidence of talent and the successful completion of the screenwriting course are essential.
Useful Links for Screenwriters
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