Online course
Start Scriptwriting for Stage, Screen and Radio
12 weeks
12 weeks
This course is an all-encompassing introduction to scriptwriting and is designed for writers who are just starting to explore scripts. You will learn the mechanisms of working across a variety of script forms: TV, film, theatre and radio. You’ll discover ways to generate ideas and turn them into stories, how to write dialogue and how visual narrative storytelling works. The course will also provide insight into the script industries and how to pitch your projects.
If you have any questions, you can get in touch by emailing Vicki at learning@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk.
Course scheduleThis course runs for 12 weeks and is split into several modules, which each last two weeks. Modules consist of multiple chapters and your progress is tracked throughout, making it easy to pick up where you left off.
Although a module is open for two weeks, you are not expected to dedicate that entire time to the course! Our online courses are designed to fit around a busy lifestyle and each chapter is conveniently bite-sized so that you can always be making progress. On average we expect most students to spend between 3-5 hours per week on a course (this time will be a mixture of reading, community discussions, exercises and assignments). This will vary from student-to-student and some modules may be more intensive than others.
Each module includes smaller exercises and a main assignment. How much time you spend on these is flexible and will depend on your own writing style and process.
Equipment and software: What you needYou will need access to a computer and you will need access to the internet.
You can view the study materials on a mobile device but we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for working on assignments and taking part in community discussions.
Important: Your web browser must be up-to-date to access the courses. We recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
We use two platforms to deliver our tutored online courses:
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“I’ve taken away a much greater confidence in my creative work, an ability to be much more flexible but also decisive with my writing ideas and have learned many new writing techniques and ways of working.”
“I have learned a huge amount on this course. I feel I have leaped ahead in my knowledge of writing and what I am capable of writing at the moment.”
“My output has improved a thousand-fold in both content and quality.”
“The course had a therapeutic effect. I gained a sense of freedom from getting lost in the characterisations and dramas of my stories.”
“The course exceeded my expectations in every aspect with how well-structured it was, the exercises and the feedback. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
“Having someone read and feedback on my writing gave me focus and motivation.”
Who is this course for?This course is ideal for people who have done no formal training or courses who want to:
Core areas of expertise: Molly is a scriptwriter, poet, performer and graphic novelist.
Notable works:Her stage work includes LIGHTS! PLANETS! PEOPLE! (winner of the Norfolk Arts Award for Theatre), Whenever I Get Blown Up I Think Of You (adapted for BBC Radio 4) and My Robot Heart. Her new show Stop Trying to be Fantastic has been commissioned by Norwich Arts Centre and Inn Crowd and will tour as soon as that’s allowed. Screen work includes After Hours (Sky One) – available to stream on Now TV. She is currently working on her first feature film, I’ll See Myself Out (Jeva Films). Published works include Stop Trying to be Fantastic (Burning Eye Books, 2020) and Badminton (2016). Her graphic novel adaptation of LIGHTS! PLANETS! PEOPLE! will be published by Avery Hill in September 2021.
Molly has appeared on a range of radio shows including Four Thought, Midweek, Bespoken Word (BBC Radio 4) and the Wondermentalist cabaret (BBC Radio 3). She has performed at festivals and events all over the world, including Latitude Festival, Edinburgh Book Festival, the Brighton Fringe, Salisbury Festival, Palabra Y Musica and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
What’s great about the course? Start Scriptwriting is accessible, fun and suitable for all abilities. We look at writing for theatre, radio, TV and film. It’s ideal for people who have no experience in scriptwriting, or a little experience in some areas, or even lots of experience in one area but who also have a desire to branch out. I foster a lively, informal atmosphere and I like to encourage experimentation, mistake-making and play.
I love teaching this course as I’m always so impressed by the journey the students go on, particularly those who begin the course without much confidence in their work or abilities. Students tend to generate lots and lots of ideas, and are always hugely supportive of each other which is a joy to see.
My students seem to really enjoy the personalized feedback they receive, and my attention to detail. I try to let my personality come across in our interactions so the course feels as friendly and warm as possible. Most students come out of the course with a lot of material at different stages of development, some of which they go on to develop further into plays, radio plays, monologues, TV pitches or feature films. They also sometimes take the ideas they developed and adapt them into other forms, like novels or poems. Some find it a very useful way to develop their craft in preparation for further learning like an MA, others find it an enriching and rewarding creative break.