Screenwriting: Writing the 10-minute Short

What You’ll Do

Project: Write the screenplay for a 10-minute short film.

What You’ll Learn

Short films are the ultimate calling card in the movie industry, and can be your ticket to an agent, a contract, and even (yes!) an Oscar. In this class, you will learn how to write the screenplay for a ten minute short film, which you can then use as a writing sample or to pursue production.

This class is for anyone wishing to learn the basics of screenwriting in a supportive space. Drawing from my own professional screenwriting experience, I'll teach you how to pitch, outline, write and workshop a 10-minute short film.

A Screenplay

This class covers:

The basics of storytelling: three-act structure and the clockwork of compelling stories
Elements of Style for screenwriting: how to format it on the page
The anatomy of a good short film
How to write a treatment, or synopsis, of your idea
Developing character: making it seem real
How to effectively process feedback without feeling dejected
Seeking production and professional advancement

How it will be taught

The course will be taught as a series of pre-recorded lecture videos that introduce the concepts and how-tos of storytelling and screenwriting.

Students are able to seek feedback from one another by uploading their work to the Project Gallery.

Students will also have access to a Q&A forum where they can find answers to their questions, should they get stuck.

Hope you enjoy!

Beginner Level

Previous screenwriting experience is unnecessary, as you will cover the basics of the format, but interest/background in filmmaking and/or creative writing is definitely a plus. If possible, pick up a copy of Final Draft (industry standard screenwriting software), as it will make your scripting process much easier. The class will also provide workarounds for standard word processing software.

About Your Teacher See Full Bio

Sarah Zucker · Screenwriter

Hello! My name is Sarah Zucker. I'm a screenwriter, filmmaker and visual artist based in Los Angeles. I'm a co-founder of The Current Sea, a new media company.

Originally from Canton, OH, I earned a BA in Theater and Creative Writing for the Media from Northwestern University, and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU, where I was the recipient of the Venable Herndon Award for Excellence in Graduate Screenwriting.

I've studied under many incredible writers, including playwright Rebecca Gilman (SPINNING INTO BUTTER), Screenwriter Sabrina Dhawan (MONSOON WEDDING), and Walter Bernstein (THE FRONT). I served as the Program Administrator for the Writers Guild of America, East Foundation from 2009-2010, and currently have several screenplays and one television pilot in development.