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Introduction to Script Writing

Introduction to Script Writing is an online professional development program that will help you develop your professional script-writing skills for a variety of applications, from websites to radio, TV, film, advertising and educational resources. In this script writing course, you will learn how to format scripts, develop a storyline, outline and develop a script, understand the importance of characterisation, as well as how dialogue, music, sound effects and visual components combine to create a compelling script.
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
50 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

Do you see yourself writing scripts for TV, radio, film or podcasts? Script writing is an exciting and lucrative industry that’s full of opportunity for those who have a way with words. This course is ideal for developing your script writing ability, whether to find employment as a scriptwriter or to write your own scripts.

Introduction to Script Writing is an online professional development program that will help you develop your professional script-writing skills for a variety of applications, from websites to radio, TV, film, advertising and educational resources.

In this script writing course, you will learn how to format scripts, develop a storyline, outline and develop a script, understand the importance of characterisation, as well as how dialogue, music, sound effects and visual components combine to create a compelling script.

You will also learn how to write scripts for children and gain an understanding of the business of script writing, from legal and ethical considerations to commercial opportunities, to start your own production business.

On completion of this course, you will have developed your understanding of the business of script writing and how to write scripts for a variety of mediums and audiences.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

Course Structure
Unit - Script Writing

Unit 1 – Script Writing

  • Introduction – what are scripts?
  • Where are scripts used?
  • Writing Scripts – what is the story you want to tell?
  • One page, one minute rule
  • Visual, behaviour and aural storytelling
  • Show and don’t tell
  • Handling time
  • Formatting script
  • Abbreviations

Unit 2 – Plotting the Screen Play

  • Types of stories.
  • What are the specifications?
  • Duration of the performance
  • Developing the story-line
  • The Story Pyramid
  • Creating a story board
  • Storyboards for film and advertising
  • Storyboards for theatre
  • Storyboards for speakers, presentations, educational purposes, and corporate work
  • Techniques for plotting a story
  • Fiction and creative non-fiction
  • Non-fiction – Education, Corporate, Presentation Writing
  • Screen play formatting guide

Unit 3 – Outline and Writing the Script

  • Writing the outline
  • Story arcs
  • Characters
  • Always outline
  • Sequencing
  • Outlines for Colleagues
  • 1-2 page outlines
  • Longer outlines
  • Cliff hangers in a script
  • How cliff hangers can be used
  • Formatting outlines
  • How to write the script
  • Formatting

Unit 4 – Characterisation

  • Writing good characters.
  • Example – a description of Mrs Smith
  • Building characters.
  • Character planning
  • Character goal setting and motivation
  • Example: Beauty and the Beast
  • Character Language

Unit 5 – Use of Dialogue and Sound Effects

  • Dialogue in script writing
  • Writing dialogue
  • Dialogue tags
  • Tips on writing dialogue
  • The Importance of Silence
  • Examples of dialogue
  • Using sound effects

Unit 6 – Writing for Internet, TV and Film

  • Time frame
  • Fiction or non-fiction writing
  • Pace
  • Sound effects
  • Visuals
  • Writing for TV
  • Writing a ‘Spec’ for a TV series
  • Writing for film/screenwriting.
  • Writing for the Internet
  • Writing for websites
  • Sample Script for Online Video
  • How Material is Published Online
  • Management Systems

Unit 7 – Writing for Radio and Audio Presentations

  • Introduction
  • Components
  • Voice and music
  • Sound Effects
  • Hints and tips
  • Other points to consider when writing for radio

Unit 8 – Writing for Training/Instructional Videos

  • One person script
  • Two-person script
  • Multiple persons script
  • Scenes
  • Visuals in training presentations.
  • PowerPoint
  • Videos
  • Diagrams
  • Flow charts
  • Example of a simple flow chart for growing carnations:
  • Example of a very simple business flow chart

Unit 9 – Writing Broadcasts for Children

  • Fiction and non-fiction hybrids
  • Genres
  • Comedy
  • Scary Programmes
  • Educational
  • Films
  • Children’s cognitive development
  • Implications for the writer
  • Socialisation
  • Culture
  • Implications for the writer
  • Gender, roles and stereotyping
  • A note on parents in children’s texts

Unit 10 – Writing for Advertising

  • Writing for advertising
  • What is the purpose of advertising?
  • Writing and analysing adverts
  • Summary skills
  • Tips for summarising
  • Writing for infomercials

Unit 11 – The Business of Script Writing

  • Commercial opportunities
  • Start your own production business
  • Ethical and legal considerations.
  • The law
  • Plagiarism
  • Defamation
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Estimated Duration
50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Approval and Recognition

Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.

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Career Outcomes

Professional development for those aspiring to write scripts, make films or educational videos. Career opportunities can lead to media and marketing.

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Introduction to Script Writing
$599.00
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About Us

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Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

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Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

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There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

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This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

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