Foundations of Screenwriting: Developing Story Structure, Character Arcs, Visual Narratives, and Dialogue for Short Films.

From 52 C$ /h

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of screenwriting for film. Through lectures, readings, and writing exercises, students will learn core storytelling concepts including three-act structure, character development, conflict, visual storytelling, and dialogue. Emphasis is placed on crafting short scripts and learning how to communicate ideas cinematically through action and imagery. By the end of the course, students will have completed a polished short screenplay and gained a solid foundation in the creative and structural tools used by screenwriters.

Extra information

Make sure you have the following:
- A laptop or computer
- Scriptwriting software (preferred Final Draft)
- A webcam
- Stable Internet Connection
- and an enthusiastic attitude 😀

Location

Online from United States

About Me

Lights, Camera, and Action! 🎬

Hi, my name is Angelo and I am currently at my senior year at CUNY Hunter College majoring in Film. I love watching films, but I do watch selectively. I also love discussing about the behind the scenes (BTS) of any production work because they are not being appreciated enough.

Education

Currently studying at CUNY Hunter College. I am at my senior year, and will be graduating with a degree: Bachelor of Arts in Film. I also have a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

Experience / Qualifications

- Overall, I have directed 3 films and co-directed 1 film.
- My most recent film, Genesis.exe, has won a spot in Reels Work Film Festival - and has managed to appear on the big screen with audiences to watch.
- I have written screenplays, handled cameras (notably: CANON and SONY), and edited films (via Premiere Pro & Davinci Resolve)

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Tagalog

Skills

Filmmaking

Creative writing

Storytelling

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Cami

4.9

(29)

Overcome your fears and unlock creative inspiration to finally get to the end of your writing project.

Let yourself be guided and finally realize your dream of writing.

➤ Overcome your fears.
➤ Discover the secret to writing 100% fun and 0% blank pages.
➤ Awaken this writer's flame that has been dormant in you for a long time.
➤ Build unwavering legitimacy and overcome the fear of failure, lack of time and procrastination that keep you from moving forward.

In short, put an end to the fear of writing! Isn't it difficult to be consumed by the desire to write your project and not succeed in doing it? Break forever the insurmountable wall that prevents you from writing today.

It is a matter of combining improvements in form with improvements in substance. For this, the sessions can for example take place according to your needs as follows:
a) Comments / proposals on the text that you will offer me b) Writing exercises based on a statement.
c) A series of precise and pragmatic recommendations and their application through style exercises.

Whether it is a novel, an essay, song lyrics, various texts, a biography or simply a report for professional or school purposes, it is about offering you elements personalized pedagogy:

- Study your text
- Build text, song lyrics etc
- Calmly polish the style
- Research and develop your lexical fields
- Differentiate between writing for oneself and writing for others

All this by combining theory and practice: Writing work from exercises then as part of a personal project.

During the sessions, you are guided in your writing project. The trainer accompanies you and teaches you the preparation method, gives you writing tools and helps you work on your style and your imagination.

The objective is multiple, including a reflection on one's own literary path, an introduction to the basic tools of style work and exercises on description.

Learning objectives:
- Identify your writing path.
- Mobilize your imagination.
- Learn and master the practical writing tools.
- Broaden its reflection on creation and professional and personal writing.
- Create and develop one or more projects.

Trained in a European Grande Ecole & Ivy League University in the United States, specialized and has been working in Europe and North America for more than 16 years in this field, in reputable international institutions , also intervening in forums and conferences.

- Locations: Geneva - Lausanne - Friborg - Neuchâtel - Montreux - Basel - Sion - Sierre - Morges - Bienne. But currently and until further notice, only by videoconference in accordance with national recommendations on Covid.

These sessions, for which you have asked me, also seem to be perfectly unanimous since they arouse a certain enthusiasm (and a certain enthusiasm). Indeed, they have the advantage of face-to-face sessions (ex: quality of the interaction), without its disadvantages (ex: loss of travel time) with additional advantages (ex: the entire session transcribed in writing on the chat). That is why, at your request, I continue to offer this option.

À la carte: evaluated and adapted to each personality.

Isabella

4.9

(29)

Hi, I’m Isabella. I'm an actress trained internationally, with work experience across film, theatre, and TV. I’ve studied at places like IDSA in London, Stella Adler in LA, and Mulholland Academy in Amsterdam, and my training includes techniques like Chubbuck, Meisner, and more.

In our sessions, we’ll always start with where you’re at, whether you’re at the beginning of your acting journey or already stepping into auditions. I tailor everything to your needs, from scene work and character prep to building emotional range, sharpening your audition skills, or simply feeling more grounded and present in front of the camera or on stage.

Qamille

4.9

(29)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION (IN BRIEF):
➤Unleash your writing skills and finally realize your writing project!
Novels, short stories, life stories, theses, songs or simple texts: these workshops help you overcome your blocks and transform your ideas into vivid and inspiring stories.

➤ Together, we will work to:
-Overcome your fear of the blank page and awaken your creativity
-Develop style, vocabulary, coherence and authenticity
-Creating characters, settings, and captivating storylines
-Explore your imagination, your emotions, and your flaws to turn them into a strength
-Alternating theory and practice with concrete exercises and personalized feedback

➤ Proofreading, correction, optimization of your texts possible.
➤Objective: to write with pleasure, progress faster and bring your project to completion.

➤Let yourself be guided: your dream of writing can become a reality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
➤Exploring and sharing the pleasure of words, building the stories that inhabit you, developing your expression, deepening your creativity, exploring contemporary writing, proposing a novel, short stories, a life story, an (auto)biography, a fiction, an essay, song lyrics, various texts or simply a report, a thesis, a report for professional or academic purposes... these are among the objectives of these workshops to deepen or initiate writing and realize one's aspirations by prioritizing the pleasure of writing based on elements of personalized pedagogy.

➤Overcome your fears and unlock creative inspiration to finally complete your project.

Let yourself be guided and finally realize your dream of writing.
➤ Overcome your fears
➤ Discover the secret to producing high-quality writing that's 100% enjoyable and 0% writer's block.
➤ Awaken this writer's flame that has been dormant in you for a long time
➤ Build unwavering legitimacy and overcome the fear of failure, lack of time and procrastination that keep you from moving forward.

In short, overcome your fear of writing. Isn't it frustrating to be consumed by the desire to write your project and yet unable to do so? Break down that insurmountable wall that's holding you back.

This involves combining improvements in form with refinements in content. For example, concrete techniques for starting your text and overcoming writer's block, feedback/suggestions on your texts, writing and style exercises based on a prompt, a series of precise/pragmatic recommendations and their implementation.

That is why, if your manuscript is stuck and you don't know how to start or continue it, if you have all the ideas but don't know what form they should take, if you want to save time in the creative process: let's build the architecture of your story together.

Learning objectives include:
• Discover writing, build confidence, let your own literary voice/path emerge, and unleash your imagination
• Studying and constructing a text, song lyrics...
• Calmly refine the style and create consistency between form and content
• Research and develop your vocabulary
• Acquire techniques and know-how to convey your message both clearly and simply
• Differentiate between writing for oneself and writing for others
• Explore your creativity and develop your expression
• To construct a complete story by creating characters, settings, lively scenes...
• Acquire and master practical writing tools, always with a focus on simplicity/simplification and efficiency (both in content and form)
• Discover contemporary writing and diversify your practice
• Acquire narrative techniques to engage in long stories

So, start, resume or finish a piece of writing you have dreamed of for a long time if you want to write but don't know where to start; if you have a story but don't know how to tell it; if you love to write but have lost your inspiration; if you have a manuscript buried in a drawer and you are afraid of failing.

To achieve this, the first step is to unleash your writing and let go: strengthen your imagination, explore your inspiration, and cultivate your originality. Next, turn your weaknesses into a driving force for writing by exploring your wounds to better utilize them and adopt an effective writing method. Finally, master writing techniques and bring characters to life while crafting captivating stories, controlling pacing, and developing suspenseful plots.

All this by combining theory and practical/concrete applications: writing assignments based on exercises and then within the framework of your project.

During the sessions, you will be guided in your writing project. The trainer will support you in your written communication and offer tools, while helping you to work on and/or optimize your style and imagination.

Proofreading, revising, correcting and formatting articles, theses, etc.: these options are also possible.

Furthermore, these sessions allow one to improve one's written communication and to study the different methods to achieve this (email, letter, report, presentation...), both in terms of content and form.

➤ THE TRAINER - TEACHER CONSULTANT
A graduate of a prestigious French Grande École and an Ivy League university in the United States, he combines academic rigor with modern teaching methods. With over 18 years of experience in Europe and North America, he has taught at prestigious international institutions (both public and private), and regularly speaks in Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Canada, as well as at various forums and conferences.

A recognized specialist, he offers personalized and accessible support based on active listening, a proven methodology, and tailored teaching methods. Whether through one-on-one sessions, workshops, or group training, his approach combines customization, efficiency, and professionalism for rapid, visible results.

➤ LOCATIONS, TIMES

✓ Areas of intervention:
-Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, Zurich, Neuchâtel, Lugano, Basel, Bern, Lucerne)
-Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi, Liège)
-Luxembourg
-On request: France (Paris, Lyon) and Canada (Montreal)

✓ Currently: sessions are primarily conducted via videoconference – a format favored by almost all participants, as it combines the same high-quality interaction with great organizational flexibility. All content, notes, and recommendations are provided directly through the dedicated chat. Advantages: time savings (no travel), flexible scheduling, comfort, and eco-responsibility.

✓ Languages: French / English.

✓ Results: noticeable progress from 2 sessions (2025 study).

✓ Special offers: gift vouchers available all year round – an original and useful way to please your loved ones.

✓ Schedules to be defined together, adjusting as best as possible to your constraints.

✓ 100% tailor-made program, adapted to each need.

✓ Why choose this training?
-Because you benefit from international expertise at the service of your objectives.
-Because each session is personalized and you will leave with concrete tools.
-Because the approach is not theoretical: it is lively, interactive and results-oriented.
-Because you benefit from a motivating, supportive and stimulating environment, which promotes confidence and rapid progress.
-Because in just a few sessions, you will already notice a tangible difference.

Salma

4.9

(29)

With almost a decade of experience, I can tell you that developmental editing is the last crucial step authors seek. This specific field allows an objective outlook on the creative projects without bias towards characters, contextual components, and writing style.
Editing in its entirety is designed to polish and bring out the best version possible of a book. Developmental editing takes it to the next level with analysing characters, settings, backgrounds, and writing style without getting tanged in the sentiments all the mentioned elements invoke.

Dana

4.9

(29)

My 1-1 tutoring sessions are flexible. If you have homework you need help with, or a test coming up you need to prepare for, I am happy to help with that! If you are looking for general, skills-based ELA help, we can discuss your needs and I will implement an individual curriculum to suit your goals.

I have extensive experience helping students improve their reading and writing skills with great success. This includes writing structure and content development, grammar, punctuation, spelling, phonics, reading comprehension, literary analysis, and more.

Aurelien

4.9

(29)

My lessons are safe spaces where anybody can explore, experiment with and develop their imagination and creativity. I focus on making every lesson feel like a practical workshop rather than a traditional lecture.
You may bring whatever you have — an idea, a first line, a half-written chapter, a finished story, a drawing, coursework, or even nothing at all — and together we’ll figure out where you are in your creative process.

From there:
We make and we test. We write and read it out loud. Hearing your own words will help you spot what works and what needs improving.

We work on your project. Some students like specific exercises, others prefer to develop their own novel, screenplay or school assignment with personalised feedback. Every lesson is adapted to your goal and pace.

We work through a writer’s biggest challenge; writer’s block. Whether you are struggling to come up with ideas or you find yourself stuck; I will help you overcome it. A practical way might be a 10-minute freewrite, interviewing one of your characters, stripping a scene back to pure dialogue or trying a completely different exercise to get your imagination moving again.
Finally, you’ll leave each lesson with practical tools, clear next steps and techniques to build momentum, confidence and creative discipline. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy the creative process and feel excited to keep writing long after the lesson ends.

I work with students aged 6 and above, from complete beginners to more experienced writers. I also teach English and German.

Anna

4.9

(29)

As the world becomes increasingly connected, it is important to have the confidence to speak, write, and read effectively in English, a language widely used for international communication.

My classes are designed to equip students with practical communication skills in English.
Whether you want to improve your speaking confidence, strengthen your reading and writing skills, or communicate more clearly in academic, professional, or everyday situations, the lessons will be adapted to your individual needs.

With my background in customer service and communication, I emphasise on clear communication, confidence and vi m vocabulary development.

Students will have opportunities to practise through conversational exercises, reading and writing activities as well a presentation and real real life scenarios.

Briani

4.9

(29)

Hello, my name is Briani! I'm originally from New York but currently living in Paris, where I'm pursuing my Masters at Sciences Po. I've mentored a dozen students through the U.S. college admissions process, helping them gain admission to schools like MIT, UPenn, Rice, Princeton, MIT, Columbia, and the University of Chicago, to name a few. I also worked in the undergraduate admissions office at Columbia for a year as an undergraduate student.

I'm extremely passionate about essay writing and wanting my students to feel like their personal statement is the most authentic story they tell. I provide a thoughtful, personalized, and encouraging approach, challenging students to bring their very best. We will brainstorm ideas for your personal statement, work on drafts with specific, line-by-line feedback where applicable, and also address supplementary essays.

Whether we are starting from scratch or you'd like feedback or advice on how to navigate the college admissions process, I'll take my time and care to make sure all the information I have is clear, accessible, and helpful for you.

Nathan

4.9

(29)

Learn techniques that allow you to see the world as a poem, keep your inspiration flowing, and allow your muse to run free at last. This course will give the student the confidence necessary to remain inspired in spite of discouragement, whether the discouragement comes from without, or within. Every class will be different, depending on the needs and interests of the student. Poetry, songwriting, and other forms of creative writing are exercises in learning how to get out of the way of the work, and let it come naturally. The student will learn to maintain faith in his or her ability to write, and how to tap into the joy of writing at any time!

Serena

4.9

(29)

Have you always wanted to write stories, poems, or plays, but don't know where to start? Treat yourself to a little time with a teacher who has a degree specializing in creative writing!

This course is open to all levels and ages – yes, children are welcome too, because writing can also be oral! Bring your writing for a review together, or come with nothing but your ideas and leave with the result of a brainstorming session, or even a story outline to complete! A longer-term project? No problem, I'd be delighted to follow your progress. Whatever you want to do, you can achieve it, with a little time and effort!

Cristiano

4.9

(29)

Learn how to turn an IDEA/LOGLINE into a powerful SCREENPLAY, TV PILOT or SERIES, acquiring the tools to test, develop and refine your project at every stage - SUBJECT, OUTLINE, TREATMENT - allowing the story to progressively find its own shape and strength.

Learn how to UNLEASH YOUR NARRATIVE CREATIVITY, and STRUCTURE, ENHANCE, or UNBLOCK a SCRIPT that’s struggling to take off.

Discover the DIRECTORIAL GRAMMAR, to think in terms of SHOT COMPOSITION, MOVEMENT, PACE, EDITING, and ACTOR DIRECTION.
Learn how to create and structure a SHOT LIST.

Together we will create a personalized program tailored to your goals and level. If you wish, you will also learn the strategies needed to navigate the highly competitive world of cinema, television, and the wider audiovisual industry across three markets: the United States, France and Italy.

Dhiren

4.9

(29)

What you'll learn
AI filmmaking from idea to finished video.
Storytelling for short films, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and commercials.
Prompt writing for cinematic AI video generation.
Creating realistic characters and scenes with AI.
AI voiceovers with ElevenLabs.
AI music creation with Suno AI.
Editing AI videos in Adobe Premiere Pro and Canva.
Creating 9:16 vertical films for social media.
AI comedy, drama, documentaries, adverts, and trailers.

AI tools we'll use
Sora AI
Midjourney
Google AI Studio (Veo)
Canva AI
ElevenLabs
Suno AI
Adobe Premiere Pro
ChatGPT for scriptwriting and prompts

Who are these lessons for?
Complete beginners.
Content creators.
YouTubers and TikTok creators.
Small business owners creating adverts.
Filmmakers wanting to learn AI workflows.
Marketing professionals.
Students interested in the future of filmmaking.

Brad

4.9

(29)

Writing doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, the hardest part is simply figuring out what you want to say, organizing your thoughts, and getting started.

In this class, I’ll help you turn your ideas into clear, organized, confident writing. We’ll work on practical skills such as creating a strong structure, developing paragraphs, making your argument easy to follow, choosing the right words, editing unnecessary language, and writing with a natural voice.

This is a supportive, one-on-one class designed around your goals and your level. You don’t need to consider yourself a “good writer” to begin. You can bring something you’re already working on—an essay, report, application, article, professional document, or personal project—or we can work through exercises together.

Depending on your needs, we can focus on:

* Organizing ideas before you start writing
* Creating a clear beginning, middle, and end
* Writing stronger sentences and paragraphs
* Explaining complicated ideas simply
* Building and supporting an argument
* Improving clarity, tone, and flow
* Editing your own work
* Overcoming the feeling of being stuck or not knowing where to begin
* Using AI tools thoughtfully without losing your own ideas and voice

My approach is practical rather than overly focused on grammar rules. Good writing begins with clear thinking. Once we know what you want your reader to understand, we can build the writing around that goal.

I have taught writing, research, and public policy at the university level and have worked professionally as a researcher, author, and communicator. I especially enjoy helping people find the structure inside an idea and develop a writing process they can use on their own.

The goal isn’t just to improve the piece of writing in front of us. It’s to help you become a clearer, more confident writer.

Danny

4.9

(29)

Storytelling Coaching
Learn to tell better stories, naturally, clearly and with confidence.
Whether you’re preparing a personal story, presentation, speech, podcast, performance or simply want to become a more compelling storyteller, I’ll help you find the story, shape the material and bring it to life. Drawing on my experience as a writer, performer and storyteller, I work with you one-to-one to develop:

Finding the story: identifying what is actually interesting, meaningful or funny in your experience
Structure: turning scattered ideas or experiences into a story with shape, momentum and a satisfying arc
Voice: finding a way of telling the story that feels natural and authentically yours
Presence: becoming more comfortable speaking and holding an audience’s attention
Performance: using timing, rhythm, pauses, physicality and delivery to make a story come alive
Editing: knowing what to keep, what to cut and where to get to the point
Confidence: moving away from overthinking and allowing yourself to actually tell the story

Sessions are practical, conversational and tailored to what you’re working on. You can bring an idea, a rough draft, a personal experience, a presentation or a story you’ve been struggling to shape.
For anyone who has a story they want to tell better.
Sessions available online or in Hamburg.

Judith

4.9

(29)

This beginner-friendly English class helps students strengthen their reading comprehension, improve writing skills, and explore creative writing techniques. Through interactive lessons, exercises, and guided practice, learners will gain confidence in expressing themselves in English.