Intro to Screenwriting for Films
Dive headfirst into the boundless realm of screenwriting and set your creative spirit free! Whether you're a budding wordsmith or a seasoned storytelling, this course holds the magical key to unlock the very heart of crafting captivating screenplays.
Over the course of 8 weeks, students will learn both the technical and creative process of writing their own screenplay and all of the ins and outs of the writing process, including best practices and important conventions.
This course will cover the conventions of sac genre for both film and television. Upon completion of the course each student will have finished their very own short screenplay.
Topics covered include but are not limited to:
fundamentals of screenwriting
formatting a screenplay
character development
three act plot structure
pacing
revision process through table readings & feedback
Showcase Opportunity
This course includes an optional bi-annual table read, where students may submit their completed scripts to be read aloud by local actors—bringing your stories to life on stage. It's a celebratory moment to honor your creative journey and the completion of your short film script. Submissions will be reviewed in advance with guidance from our team. Refreshments will be provided as we gather to enjoy the work, connect, and celebrate this exciting milestone together.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This course is ideal for anyone interested in learning the art of screenwriting, building a strong foundation in writing for film, or completing coursework toward the Austin School of Film’s Digital Video Certificate Program.
PREREQUISITES
Open to all experience levels. Whether you're new to screenwriting or looking to complete your first script, this course is designed to guide you from idea to finished screenplay. Students must be 18 or older to enroll.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
All adult courses at Austin School of Film, including this one, are certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Certificates of completion are available upon request.
HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?
Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.
Dive headfirst into the boundless realm of screenwriting and set your creative spirit free! Whether you're a budding wordsmith or a seasoned storytelling, this course holds the magical key to unlock the very heart of crafting captivating screenplays.
Over the course of 8 weeks, students will learn both the technical and creative process of writing their own screenplay and all of the ins and outs of the writing process, including best practices and important conventions.
This course will cover the conventions of sac genre for both film and television. Upon completion of the course each student will have finished their very own short screenplay.
Topics covered include but are not limited to:
fundamentals of screenwriting
formatting a screenplay
character development
three act plot structure
pacing
revision process through table readings & feedback
Showcase Opportunity
This course includes an optional bi-annual table read, where students may submit their completed scripts to be read aloud by local actors—bringing your stories to life on stage. It's a celebratory moment to honor your creative journey and the completion of your short film script. Submissions will be reviewed in advance with guidance from our team. Refreshments will be provided as we gather to enjoy the work, connect, and celebrate this exciting milestone together.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This course is ideal for anyone interested in learning the art of screenwriting, building a strong foundation in writing for film, or completing coursework toward the Austin School of Film’s Digital Video Certificate Program.
PREREQUISITES
Open to all experience levels. Whether you're new to screenwriting or looking to complete your first script, this course is designed to guide you from idea to finished screenplay. Students must be 18 or older to enroll.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
All adult courses at Austin School of Film, including this one, are certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Certificates of completion are available upon request.
HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?
Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.
Dive headfirst into the boundless realm of screenwriting and set your creative spirit free! Whether you're a budding wordsmith or a seasoned storytelling, this course holds the magical key to unlock the very heart of crafting captivating screenplays.
Over the course of 8 weeks, students will learn both the technical and creative process of writing their own screenplay and all of the ins and outs of the writing process, including best practices and important conventions.
This course will cover the conventions of sac genre for both film and television. Upon completion of the course each student will have finished their very own short screenplay.
Topics covered include but are not limited to:
fundamentals of screenwriting
formatting a screenplay
character development
three act plot structure
pacing
revision process through table readings & feedback
Showcase Opportunity
This course includes an optional bi-annual table read, where students may submit their completed scripts to be read aloud by local actors—bringing your stories to life on stage. It's a celebratory moment to honor your creative journey and the completion of your short film script. Submissions will be reviewed in advance with guidance from our team. Refreshments will be provided as we gather to enjoy the work, connect, and celebrate this exciting milestone together.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This course is ideal for anyone interested in learning the art of screenwriting, building a strong foundation in writing for film, or completing coursework toward the Austin School of Film’s Digital Video Certificate Program.
PREREQUISITES
Open to all experience levels. Whether you're new to screenwriting or looking to complete your first script, this course is designed to guide you from idea to finished screenplay. Students must be 18 or older to enroll.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
All adult courses at Austin School of Film, including this one, are certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Certificates of completion are available upon request.
HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?
Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.
ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY EDUCATOR
Matthew Hemenway is an Austin-based animator, musician, painter, and filmmaker with a dynamic career spanning commercial, artistic, and feature film projects.
Matthew’s diverse body of work includes videos for musicians, travel brands, tech startups, nonprofits, and government agencies. In 2020, he joined acclaimed rotoscope studio Minnow Mountain, where he contributed to Richard Linklater’s Netflix feature Apollo 10 ½ and season two of the Prime Video series Undone. A graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Film and Media Production, Matthew also brings his artistic talents to the stage as a violinist with the Austin Philharmonic Orchestra.
