Screenplay Writing Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Screenplay Writing, also known as script writing, is a specialisation under mass media programme which deals with creating and giving a structure to a story. The story can be of a film, television, video games or any form of digital media platform. In today’s scenario, having a traditional or authentic Screenplay Writing degree to start a career in this field is not mandatory, but having the same can always prove to be a plus point when applying for the jobs. Here, we will provide you with complete details regarding Screenplay Writing, its courses, eligibility, entrance exams, job profiles and much more. Read on to know more about Screenplay Writing or script writing.

Screenplay Writing Eligibility Criteria

As such, there is no requirement of a foundation degree, but it is necessary to show commitment and determination to get into the industry. However, a degree or a certificate that showcases some experience in the same can always be an added bonus. A degree in the following subjects is relevant for the field:

• Mass Communication & Media 

• Film Making

• Film & TV

• Script Writing

The eligibility criteria for Screenplay Writing courses may vary according to the colleges and the level of the course. The general criteria for the courses is mentioned below:

Certificate Programme: The candidate must have passed 12th in any discipline from a recognised board.

UG Degree or Diploma Programme: Candidate must have passed 12th class from a recognised board. There is no compulsion of subject in this field.

Screenplay Writing Courses

Those interested in having a career in the field can pursue Screenplay Writing courses at certification, diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate level. The duration for the courses can be as short as three months and go up to three years. Popular courses under the Screenplay Writing are tabulated below:

Also Read:

• Best Film Making Colleges in India; Fees, Courses and More
• Top Colleges in India offering Film Making Courses

Skills Required For Screenplay Writing 

In recent years, a career in script writing is one of the favourable career options for many, but one must know that this profession is not for everyone. Individuals who are ready to go beyond their capabilities to give one great structure and have the ability to push their creative instincts to create a mind-blowing story can become successful in the industry. Given below are some basic skills that every screenwriter/ scriptwriter/ scenarist must possess:

• Attention to details
• Adaptability
• Persistence and determination
• Good communication and Storyboard skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• Good visualisation skills
• Confidence
• Ability to do multitask

Entrance Exams For Screenplay Writing 

Generally, a candidate can directly apply for the programme by visiting the official website of Screenplay Writing colleges. But, there are few entrance exams through which the admissions are done. The same are listed below:

• IIMC Entrance Exam
• JMI Entrance Exam
• XIC OET
• DUET

Syllabus for Screenplay Writing

To get an idea of what aspirants are taught in Script Writing courses, see the details mentioned below:

Job Profiles & Scope For Screenplay Writing

Those interested in the field can simply show their screenplays to a manager or agency who can represent them and submit their work to a potential employer. He/she could work in an office, from home, in a movie studio, a television studio, or on a movie set. A professional’s day-to-day activities may include coming up with themes and ideas, researching background material, developing believable plots and characters, laying out the screenplay to an agreed format, preparing short summaries of your ideas, selling your ideas or "pitching" to producers, receiving feedback on your work from producers or script editors, and rewriting the script before final submission. After having a few years of working experience, one can become a lecturer or professor at the colleges offering the programme. Or, can become a guest speaker, have their own social media handle on YouTube or Podcast their expertise relayed to the same.  

Candidates who are interested in this field can work for many other job profiles besides Screenplay Writer. The other career options are:

Content Developer: Content developers write and edit online content for customers or companies on demand. These professionals are expected to have good knowledge of SEO.

Content Writer: As the name suggests, content writers write content for their company. Content writers work for newspapers, magazines, news channels, websites, etc.

Director: A candidate who is passionate for filmmaking can also become a director. Just like Script Writing, film direction is also a highly creative field.

Blogger: Bloggers write, edit, post and promote content on their web pages or websites. Usually they are freelancers and write only on topics related to the field of their choice.

Short Film Writer: Short duration films are more challenging to write. Often short duration films are known to give a strong message.

Read More:

• Direction
• Career options after pursuing Film Making in India