Screenwriters

High School

You can develop your writing skills in English, theater, speech, and journalism classes. Belonging to a debate team can also help you learn how to express your ideas within a specific time allotment and framework. History, government, and foreign language can contribute to a well-rounded education, necessary for creating intelligent scripts. A business course can be useful in understanding the basic business principles of the film industry.

Postsecondary Training

There are no set educational requirements for screenwriters. A college degree is desirable, especially a liberal arts education, which exposes you to a wide range of subjects. An undergraduate or graduate film program will likely include courses in screenwriting, film theory, and other subjects that will teach you about the film industry and its history. A creative writing program will involve you with workshops and seminars that will help you develop fiction-writing skills.

Many colleges and universities have film departments, but some of the most respected film schools are the University of California-Los Angeles (https://www.tft.ucla.edu/academics/film-television-and-digital-media), the University of Southern California (https://cinema.usc.edu), and Columbia University (https://arts.columbia.edu/film). Contact these schools or visit their Web sites for information about course work and faculty.

Certification

Certificate programs in screenwriting, film studies, and related fields are offered by colleges and universities. For example, Georgetown University offers an online certificate in screenwriting to students who complete two courses: Introduction to Screenwriting and Advanced Screenwriting. According to the university, the program is "designed for lay enthusiasts, fiction and nonfiction writers of all genres, and filmmakers seeking to enhance their storytelling skills." Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The Writers Guild of America offers members the opportunity to participate in seminars and workshops that cover a variety of topics, such as screenwriting techniques, tax planning, and technology. Contact the guild for more information.