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Screenwriting Programs Teach You How To Write A Screenplay

Screenwriting Programs | How To Write A Screenplay

Writing your own script is a great way to satisfy the creative juices you have flowing inside you. Just think, in stead of being just one character in the script, like an actor, you get to write the words for all the different characters in the screenplay. In fact, there are a couple of famous stories of struggling actors writing their own script just so they could get the acting roles that they wanted. Ever head of these:

• A broke. bit part actor sat down and watched a professional boxing match between one of the greatest boxers ever, Muhammad Ali, and a little know, below average boxer named Chuck Wepner. Wepner surprised everyone by not only knocking Ali down in the ninth round, but nearly going the distance. A script was born. The rest is history: Rocky won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Screenplay and turned Sylvester Stallone into one of the biggest movie stars of his time.

• A couple of friends from Boston had seen a little success in the acting game, but could never quite make it over the hump with the parts they were being offered. So, over a few year period, they decided to take matters into their own hands. They wrote a script and convinced the powers that be to let them star in it. Good Will Hunting made Matt Damon and Ben Affleck household names, not to mention got them an Oscar for Best Screenplay.

Obviously these are exceptions, but getting into writng can be a great way to get your foot in the door as an actor. Most colleges and universities have some kind of writing programs, if not literal screenwriting course. There is also screenwriting software out there that will help you with form and structure of your piece.


Screenwriting Schools

UCLA screenwriting program
One of the best out there. If you are serious and want to not only learn from the best, but be mentored by the best, this is as good as any program out there.
http://www.filmprograms.ucla.edu/screenwriting.htm

Loyola Marymount screenwriting
Another great Los Angeles based screenwriting program. These programs in Los Angeles have the obvious advantage of being located right in the heart of the entertainment capitol of the world.

USC Screenwriting
The top-notch film school at USC has got all the resources for any aspiring writer.

Online screenwriting degree
Nowadays, most of these schools offer at least the option of some of the work being done online.

ScreenWriing Software

Celtx screenwriting software
Celtx is the world's first all-in-one media pre-production system. It's super cheap to use as well. Definitely worth a look.
http://www.celtx.com/index.html

Movie Magic Screenwriter Software
A little expensive, but it is a top of the line program with a ton a features. You can also download it immediately and start using it today if you wanted. Many TV shows use this software.

Sophocles screenwriting software
A one time player in the software game, they were bought out and no long offer new versions. Older versions can be found on the Internet, but support is no longer offered.

Final Draft
Used for formatting a screenplay to meet the screenplay submission standards set by the theater and film industry. Final Draft is considered the industry standard for writing scripts. It is the only screenwriting software the WGA (Writers Guild of America) accepts.
http://finaldraft.com

Writing your own screenplay, whether it be with a screenwriting program or going to a school/workshop is a great way to get started in the entertainment industry. I'm not saying you are going to sell your script, but it is a good exercise in knowing how another aspect of the business works as opposed to just focusing on acting alone. It will keep your mind working.

Screenwriting Programs | How To Write A Screenplay