Screenwriting Fundamentals

Week 1: Understanding the Screenplay 

After a short introduction to the organising principles of screenwriting, we’ll begin by examining how scripts are written, read, and used across a production. You’ll then move into idea generation, looking at techniques for developing concepts before creating an idea of your own that will carry through the rest of the course. 

Week 2: Character and World 

We’ll explore character creation in detail, looking at protagonists and antagonists and how to build a compelling character arc. You’ll consider the world of your story, undertake simple arena research and look at ways of bringing your setting to life on the page. You’ll then create the characters and world that will support the idea you developed in week one. 

Week 3: Story Structure 

This week will introduce three-act structure and discuss why it remains central to effective screen storytelling. You’ll examine how structure works in practice, explore examples of best practice from the world of cinema and consider how these principles apply to short form writing. 

Week 4: Formatting a Script & Feedback Round 

Next, we’ll cover the foundations of script formatting, looking at professional standards, layout and the importance of good formatting discipline. You’ll be introduced to screenwriting software and guided through simple tutorials before reviewing best practices for presenting your work. This is where you’ll begin writing a full draft of your short script. By implementing everything you’ve learned to this point, you’ll be able to write fast and efficiently, the hallmarks of any good writer. 

Week 5: Dialogue Mastery and Subtext 

In week 5, you’ll learn the craft of dialogue, looking at how to create exchanges that feel authentic while carrying dramatic intent. You’ll explore how subtext operates beneath the spoken line, the role of silence and action in complementing dialogue and how to avoid literal and obvious writing. Through close study of selected scenes, you’ll see how professional screenwriters build conflict and character through dialogue. You’ll then undertake practical exercises to refine your own dialogue and strengthen its purpose and impact. 

Week 6: The Rewrite – Character and Structure 

With a completed draft under your belt, week 6 will provide you with a clear methodology for rewriting, with a focus on understanding how to appraise your story in a practical and organised way. You’ll start by diagnosing any issues with your characters and their arcs, before updating the structure to better align the story to these new changes. 

Week 7: The Rewrite – Scene 

Following on from last week, you’ll turn your attention to the reappraisal of your scenes to better represent the characters on a micro level. You’ll then rewrite your script overall, applying these insights to your work. 

Week 8: Finalising Your Project, Next Steps & Feedback Round 

In our final week you’ll have everything you need to step back and reappraise your script once more, applying everything you’ve learned throughout the course to your screenplay. We’ll discuss how you can put your script to work for you and make it industry facing so your script can find readers, producers and even agency representation. 

At this stage you can submit your work for a second round of feedback. This feedback will support you with the final stage of rewrites.  

Although this marks the end of the taught component of this course, you’ll then have an additional four weeks of unsupervised study time to finalise and submit your script for a final summary report from your online tutor. 

​​Each week you’ll receive guided text and video-based content as well as exercises to support you in the development of your short script. 

​Every fortnight, we will run a 2-hour live session where you can come to ask questions or discuss your creative process with your online tutor.​ 

​​The following resources are available to participants enrolled on this online short course:  

• ​Dedicated easy-to-use virtual learning environment (VLE) 
• ​24/7 technical support available through the VLE  
• ​An online learning community   
• ​Accessible online written and audio/visual content    
• ​Live webinars and drop-in sessions 
• ​Feedback from your online tutor and 1:1 tutorials 
• ​Support from your online tutor for all course-related and academic queries.   

​You can also contact our shortcourses@falmouth.ac.uk email if you require any support with any other aspects of your studies.  

​​​​This course is taught online in our dedicated virtual learning environment. You'll learn through a blend of recorded learning content, written content, learning activities, live webinars, tasks and discussion forums.  

No formal qualifications or prior writing experience required, just a passion for comedy and a desire to turn your love of sharp laughs into screen‑ready scripts. Whether you’re new to storytelling or have dabbled in drama, this course starts from enjoyment of iconic films like Hot Fuzz or shows like The Thick of It, building your skills week by week into professional‑level genre mastery.  

Your enthusiasm for comedy’s wild subgenres is the only entry ticket, unlocking a pathway to original material, expert feedback, and Comedy Writing MA (Online) eligibility that levels the playing field for all. 

​​​To get the most out of your online studies with Falmouth, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer with reliable internet access. This will enable you to fully experience our Virtual Learning Environment, which houses your course materials, videos and webinars, discussion forums and more. Please note while a mobile phone or tablet can support you in your studies, they are not suitable as your primary means of engagement.​ 

​You’ll need to provide your own screenwriting software of choice but we will advise on this when the course starts. There are free options available, so you don’t have to purchase software if you don’t want to.​