Screenwriting Essentials for Film & TV

An introduction to writing scripts for the screen, covering standard screenplay format, three-act structure, scene writing and dialogue. It also compares feature films with television, including pilots, episodes and series arcs, so you understand how each format shapes the way a story is told.

Levels4

Starting from250 credits

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About this study guide

Scripts are blueprints for something that will be filmed, which makes them different from any other kind of writing. This self-study resource explains those differences and the craft behind them. You will learn industry-standard formatting for scene headings, action lines, character names and transitions, then move on to structure, from three-act films to episodic television. Further topics include writing visual action instead of description, creating dialogue that sounds spoken, building subtext and handling exposition without slowing the story. The television section explains how pilots set up characters and conflict, how episodes balance standalone plots with longer arcs and how a series bible is put together. Aspiring screenwriters, novelists curious about the screen and content creators planning short films will all find it useful. There are four levels to work through at your own pace: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert.

Each level is unlocked on its own

Choose a level

Compare the levels below and add the one that fits you to your cart

Level 1 / 4

Beginner

What you will study

You will study scene headings, action lines, character names and dialogue layout, the loglines that sum up a story, basic three-act structure, and how to write visually so the reader can picture every scene.

Who this level is for

Made for anyone new to screenwriting who wants to understand how scripts for film and television work. It introduces screenplay format, the key terms of the craft, and how a script differs from prose.

What you will be able to do

You should be able to write a short scene in correct screenplay format, summarise an idea as a clear logline, and plan a simple story for the screen using a three-act outline.

Level 2 / 4

Intermediate

What you will study

Topics include beat sheets and step outlines, writing subtext in dialogue, scene objectives and conflict, the differences between feature films and TV episodes, act breaks for television, and writing a treatment.

Who this level is for

For writers who know screenplay basics and want to develop fuller scripts. This level applies structure and format to real projects and addresses common problems such as heavy exposition and weak scene endings.

What you will be able to do

You will be able to outline a feature or a TV episode beat by beat, write scenes where characters want something clear, and prepare a treatment that explains your story to others.

Level 3 / 4

Advanced

What you will study

You will explore ensemble casts, multiple storylines, series bibles and season arcs, genre conventions, visual motifs, pacing across a full script, and methods for rewriting drafts based on notes from readers.

Who this level is for

Intended for screenwriters with completed scripts who want to handle larger and more demanding stories. It combines structure, character and visual storytelling in full-length projects and helps you make confident rewrite decisions.

What you will be able to do

You should be able to plan a series or a complex feature, keep several storylines balanced, and rewrite a full draft with a clear sense of what each scene contributes to the story.

Level 4 / 4

Expert

What you will study

Study covers theme and character arcs across a whole series, economical scene writing, tone control, adapting source material, writing with budget and locations in mind, and preparing a pitch document and polished writing sample.

Who this level is for

The deepest level of this material, written for experienced screenwriters polishing their work. It deals with subtle craft choices, trade-offs between story and production realities, and bringing every element of a script together.

What you will be able to do

You will be able to shape a script or series with a consistent tone and theme, make informed choices when story and practical limits conflict, and present your work in a professional form.

Levels are unlocked with credits from your balance. You can buy more credits whenever you need them.