The Screenwriting Journey is an immersive program designed for aspiring screenwriters eager to master the art and craft of storytelling for the screen. Whether one dreams of writing for Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, or television series, this program provides a comprehensive exploration of the essential elements and techniques of screenwriting.
By the end of the Journey, participants will have developed a solid foundation in screenwriting, equipped with the tools and knowledge to start crafting their own compelling stories for film. Whether you’re new to screenwriting or looking to enhance your existing skills, join us on this creative exploration and bring their cinematic visions to life.
Learning Objectives
- Explore the fundamentals of story structure, plot development, and character arcs essential for crafting engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.
- Master the technical aspects of screenplay formatting, dialogue writing, scene construction, and pacing to effectively translate your ideas onto the screen.
- Understand the nuances of different genres and how to effectively utilize tone and atmosphere to evoke emotions and engage viewers.
- Participate in writing exercises and receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors to refine your writing skills and strengthen your storytelling voice.
- Gain practical insights into the screenwriting industry, including pitching techniques, script coverage, and navigating the pathways to getting your screenplay noticed.
Spring Application Coming Soon
Cycle(s) Offered:
Spring 2025 (March – May)
Time:
3 hours per month
Areas of Focus:
Script, Screenwriting, Movies
Requirements:
- Attend at least 1 Community Experience per month
- Have at least 2 pair sessions per month
- Complete the Screenwriting Foundations: Crafting Compelling Stories for Film & Teleplays Essentials: Crafting a Pilot courses
- Submit a short film screenplay
Screenwriting Journey Package
As a mentee or mentor in the Screenwriting Journey, you’ll have access to a collection of online mini courses designed to help you craft the perfect short screenplay. You’ll be paired with a mentee or mentor for one full cycle, and you’ll meet with them at least twice each month. You’ll attend at least one community engagement experience a month – there are many to choose from to accommodate all of your interests and everyone’s schedules.
Screenwriting Courses
Participants will engage in a series of workshops and guided sessions focused on key aspects of screenwriting. Courses within “Screenwriting Foundations: Crafting Compelling Stories for Film” include:
- Screenwriting Foundations: Crafting Compelling Stories for Film
This course is designed to help develop the skills and understanding needed to work as a writer in today’s film industry. Screenwriting Foundations: Crafting Compelling Stories for Film provides insight into the work of a screenwriter – a deep understanding of film storytelling and professional scripts, short-form and full-length scripts, professional working practices, and employment strategies. Specific topics range from story structure and formatting scripts to actually producing the film. - Teleplays Essentials: Crafting a Pilot
Writing for TV is designed to help develop the skills and understanding needed to work as a writer in today’s TV industry. Writing for TV provides insight into the work of a scriptwriter – a deep understanding of TV storytelling and professional scripts, drama vs comedy scripts, professional working practices, and employment strategies. Specific topics range from story structure and formatting scripts to actually seeing a script to fruition.
These courses are offered as a part of this journey package. If you’d like to take a course without joining a journey, click here.
Screenwriting Mentoring
Mentoring requirements depend on pair type:
- Mentor/Mentee: Meet 2-3 times per month and, as a pair, attend an engagement event at least once per month.
- Peer-to-Peer: Meet 2 times per month and, as a pair, attend an engagement event at least once per month.
The Screenwriting Journey requires a cycle-long commitment to a mentorship relationship. If you’d like to mentor but cannot commit to this requirement, click here.
Screenwriting Community Experiences
Mentees and mentors in the Screenwriting Journey must attend at least one Community Experience per month, including:
- Table read workshopping/critique
- At least one live event related to the film industry
- College and Career Chats
- Community Studios
If you’d like to attend engagement experiences but cannot commit to these requirements, click here.
Script 360 Adventure
The Screenwriting Journey belongs to the Script 360 Adventure.
This Adventure focuses on exploring scriptwriting through lessons and experiences that discuss playwriting, teleplays, and screenwriting! It is great for mentees who want to explore scriptwriting at a high level.
Not ready for a Journey?
If you want to be a part of the Girls Write Now Collaboratory but you aren’t ready to join a Journey, you can participate in individual writing courses, short-term mentoring services, and select community engagement experiences. See all of the options available to you below!
Writing
Take a course without joining a journey, being paired with a mentee or mentor, or attending community engagement experiences.
Mentoring
Meet with a mentee or mentor without joining a journey, accessing writing courses, or attending community engagement experiences.
Community
Attend community engagement experiences without joining a journey, being paired with a mentee or mentor, or accessing writing courses.