Online Classes for Foreign Screenwriters?
Posted on | December 19, 2008 | No Comments
I recently had one of my blog readers write in asking about online screenwriting classes. She’s from Belgium and English is her second language (Dutch being the first). She wanted to know what classes to take so she could write screenplays for the U.K., U.S. or Australian markets.
Here’s my response (it’s a tad long — sorry!):
For bilingual writers in other countries, it’s a smart idea to try to get into the English-language screenwriting market in England, Australia, Canada and the United States to open up even more opportunities. But what you have to be aware of is that your English writing skills will have to be excellent and near flawless, perhaps even more so than mine. Why?
Because there are thousands of aspiring screenwriters in North America who can’t sell a script — and their first language is English! For writers who learned English as a second (or third or even fourth language in many European cases), the chances of selling an English-language script to producers in Hollywood, Canada or England are even slimmer. Producers will be able to tell that you’re “not from around here” if your narrative isn’t perfect and your characters’ dialogue isn’t natural sounding.
So here are some tips:
MASTER ENGLISH
The first step for any writer whose first language is not English would be to become a written-English expert. Or at least become proficient at writing English to the point where readers won’t realize you’re not a native English speaker. It’s key to have taken English classes up to high-school level (which is completing courses up through the 12th Grade). This is highly recommended — whether that means hiring a tutor, taking nighttime English classes, or majoring in English at a university.ATTEND COLLEGE
Next, the best course of action to learn screenwriting would be to attend a bachelor’s program majoring in film studies or screenwriting at a North American school. UCLA and USC, both in Los Angeles, first come to mind when I think college’s with great film programs. In Canada, it’s the Vancouver Film School or more traditional campuses like Ryerson University in Toronto. I’m sure the United Kingdom and Australia have comparable schools, as well.ATTEND COLLEGE … ONLINE
If moving to another country for full English screenwriting immersion is out of the question, then your best alternative will be an online screenwriting course. Some universities (including UCLA) have what’s called an extension writer’s program, or online courses that allow you to take screenwriting classes over the Internet. This is great for out-of-state or out-of-country students!ATTEND CLASSES … ONLINE
If you don’t have the time commitment to finish an extension writer’s program and prefer something that’s shorter, you can try out a variety of online programs. Famed screenwriting coach Syd Field has an online one-on-one course. Gotham Writer’s Workshop has a 10-week web class as well.There are many more out there, you just have to do a web search and some basic research.BRUSHING UP
Once you’ve completed a screenwriting program, you should also periodically improve your talents by taking shorter but more specific classes, such as those offered at ScriptForSale.com. This website offers specialized classes on such topics as advanced dialogue, revealing subtext, and comedy writing. I’ve personally taken one of these classes and found it very helpful.But above all else, just remember that screenwriting is a tough industry to crack; it’ll be even harder if producers perceive you as a non-native English speaker. So practice and then keep writing and rewriting!
Tags: Film school > Foreign screenwriters > online courses > screenwriting classes
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