Comprehensive Screenwriting: From Concept to Script

illuminology Digital Studios offers the premier screenwriting course built with 11-18 year olds in mind. Whether you aspire to write for film or television, this course will guide you through the entire screenwriting process, equipping you with the fundamental skills needed to craft engaging and impactful stories. From ideation to script completion, you’ll learn to develop characters, create compelling dialogue, and structure narratives that captivate audiences.

Focus On Your Goals

Learn Screenwriting from concept to script

Maintain Momentum

Stay on Track w/ Structured Weekly Classes

learn the creativity

Experienced Instructor.

Bringing a wide range of experience — both from the professional animation field and from being an expert homeschooling dad — into teaching students ages 11-18 about this fascinating art form.

  • 30+ years of screenwriting experience

  • Education and experience as an instructor

live the dream

Not A Class, A Community.

Each student attends a class full of students that are just like them. Taking a class isn’t just about learning skills; it’s also an opportunity to join a growing community of people who love animation.

  • Students interact with real people

  • Receive encouragement and guidance

love the passion

Real Skills & Real Careers.

Benefit from an instructor who has real experience and connections to the animation world. Students have the opportunity to get an idea of what it looks like to work in the animation field.

  • Receive one-on-one feedback

  • Lay the foundation for a real career

feel the excitement

A screenwriting course and a community created specifically for school-aged students.

Come learn screenwriting from a professional screenwriter and veteran homeschool dad, Dr. B.Kristoff Jóhannes, PhD! When you take a class with illuminology Ditigal Studios, you receive more than skills. You get the opportunity to…

  • interact directly with field professional and experienced instructor, Brent Johns
  • receive personalized video feedback by a professional screenwriter
  • interact with other students
  • have tons of fun
  • learn real skills and lay the foundation for a real career
  • create story structure, character development, the writing process and more!

Comprehensive Screenwriting: From Concept to Script

SUMMARY

Explore the world of storytelling through the art of screenwriting in this 16-week intensive course. Whether you aspire to just become a better writer or to write for film or television, this course will guide you through the entire screenwriting process, equipping you with the fundamental skills needed to craft engaging and impactful stories. From ideation to script completion, you’ll learn to develop characters, create compelling dialogue, and structure narratives that captivate audiences. Each lesson ends with a hands-on activity to solidify the lesson and an end of course final project.

COURSE OVERVIEW

By the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of screenwriting principles and the ability to craft compelling stories for the screen. You’ll have developed a short-story screenplay and gained valuable insights into the art and craft of screenwriting, preparing you to embark on your journey as a screenwriter in the dynamic world of storytelling through film and television.

Comprehensive Screenwriting: From Concept to Script

  1. Weeks 1-4: Introduction to Screenwriting BasicsWeek 1: Introduction to Screenwriting
    • What is screenwriting?
    • Understanding the role of a screenwriter in the filmmaking process.
    • Introduction to screenplay structure.

    Week 2: The Three-Act Structure

    • Exploring the three-act structure and its components.
    • Analyzing well-known films in terms of their three-act structure.

    Week 3: Developing Engaging Characters

    • Creating memorable characters: protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters.
    • Understanding character arcs and growth.

    Week 4: Crafting Compelling Dialogue

    • The importance of dialogue in storytelling.
    • Writing authentic and engaging dialogue.

    Weeks 5-8: Story Development and Structure

    Week 5: Brainstorming and Ideation

    • Techniques for generating creative story ideas.
    • The importance of finding a unique angle or perspective.

    Week 6: Creating a Logline and Pitch

    • Crafting a concise logline that summarizes the story.
    • Practicing pitching the story idea.

    Week 7: Act-by-Act Outline

    • Breaking down the story into acts and major plot points.
    • Creating a detailed outline of the screenplay’s structure.

    Week 8: Scene-by-Scene Breakdown

    • Translating the outline into a scene-by-scene breakdown.
    • Ensuring each scene contributes to character development or plot progression.

    Weeks 9-12: Writing the Screenplay

    Week 9: Writing Act 1

    • Writing the opening scenes that introduce characters and the story’s world.
    • Establishing the protagonist’s goal and setting up the central conflict.

    Week 10: Writing Act 2

    • Developing the story’s conflict and obstacles in the middle section.
    • Exploring character development and subplots.

    Week 11: Writing Act 3

    • Building towards the climax and resolution of the story.
    • Wrapping up character arcs and resolving conflicts.

    Week 12: First Draft Completion

    • Finalizing the first draft of the screenplay.
    • The importance of completing a full draft before revising.

    Weeks 13-16: Revisions, Feedback, and Polishing

    Week 13: The Revision Process

    • Strategies for revising and refining the screenplay.
    • Addressing plot holes, pacing issues, and inconsistencies.

    Week 14: Peer Feedback and Workshop

    • Exchanging scripts with peers for constructive feedback.
    • Participating in a workshop to provide and receive feedback.

    Week 15: Polishing and Formatting

    • Fine-tuning dialogue, descriptions, and action lines.
    • Formatting the screenplay according to industry standards.

    Week 16: Finalizing the Screenplay

    • Submitting the polished screenplay for final evaluation.
    • Reflecting on the writing process and lessons learned.

Who Should Enroll: This course is designed for middle school and high school students who are intrigued by screenwriting and wish to explore it further. Whether students are beginners or have some experience with writing, this course offers a solid foundation for understanding the technical and artistic aspects of the craft.

Prerequisites: For full program: GD101 (Intro to Graphic Design)

Course Duration: “Comprehensive Screenwriting: From Concept to Script” spans one academic semester, with approximately 16 weeks of instruction, hands-on projects, and discussions.

Course Materials: Students will need access to a computer with text editing software (access to Adobe Story and AI is provided), and an internet connection. Additional resources, including online tutorials, and screenplays from various genres and eras will be provided to enrich the learning experience.

Assessment: Assessment methods include participation, completion of hands-on writing projects, quizzes on screenwriting concepts, and the quality of the completed, polished screenplay that showcases your storytelling skills.

To view work examples, check out the Portfolio page!

What are the courses like?

See Course Formats below for more information.

Other questions?

Take a look at our frequently asked questions or contact us directly.

Course Format

Live Classes – from $75/wk*

(outside instructor classes/camps priced differently)

  • There are three opportunities per year to attend a live 16-week session: Spring Session, Summer Session, and Fall Session.

  • Class meets once a week via Adobe Connect

  • Interact Live via Chat Box

  • Classes are recorded if student is absent

  • Class graphic design projects graded and reviewed by instructor

  • Full access to the teacher

  • Full access to tech support

  • Adobe Creative Suites is included

*$350/mo via autopay subscription or $1200 w/ one-time payment discount. Full and partial scholarships also available.

Other questions?

Take a look at our frequently asked questions or contact us directly.

Session Dates

Applies to Live Classes and Recordings With Grading

FALL 2023

Meets the weeks of September 4 – December 18

SPRING 2024

Meets the weeks of January 15 – April 29

SUMMER 2024

Meets the weeks of May 13 – August 26

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