Writing For The Screen
- Grades 7-9
- CTY-Level
-
LIVE
- Language Arts
Ever wondered what it takes to write the next big movie, TV show, or viral YouTube series? In today’s multimedia world, screenwriters need to think visually, like directors and producers, bringing words to life on the screen. In this course, we’ll dive into the essentials of screenwriting, learning how to format a script, build captivating scenes, and create characters that feel real. Step by step, you’ll move from ideas to beat sheets and from outlines to scripting, gaining tools needed to turn your story ideas into filmable screenplays. By the end of the course, you’ll write an original short film script of your own that’s ready to share and showcase.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 12 weeks.
About Advanced Enrichment Courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator and help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges.
This course is
ungraded.
Classes
Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.
Testing and Prerequisites
| Math | Verbal | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Level | Not required | CTY-Level |
Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.
Sign up for Testing Learn MoreCost and Financial Aid
Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)
CTY Financial Aid Availability for Online Programs
Academic Year 2025-26 (Course start dates July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026): Financial Aid funding is currently available for all eligible students while funding lasts. If interested in applying for financial aid, please select a course with start date of July 1, 2025, or later.
Course Materials
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
The Screenwriter’s Bible (7th edition) by David Trottier
ISBN: 978-1-935247-21-0
WriterSolo screenwriting software (free to download at www.writersolo.com)
If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.
About Language Arts at CTY
Enhance your skills in creative writing and critical reading, learn to craft effective sentences, and develop an analytical approach to reading and writing through our Language Arts courses. Through coursework and online discussions with classmates from around the world, you’ll elevate your writing structure and style, hone your craft, and become an adept wordsmith fluent in the language of literary arts.
Write, Edit, Publish
In the Writer’s Workshop: Crafting, Revising, and Publishing course, you’ll join a CTY writing community and develop your original pieces for publication! Through intensive workshops, you and your classmates will hone your skills while sharing detailed constructive feedback on each other’s work. Along the way, you will polish and prepare your work for publication in a digital zine.