Program Overview

Introduction to the 8-Week Feature Screenwriting Workshop

The New York Film Academy (NYFA) offers an intensive 8-Week Feature Screenwriting Workshop designed for aspiring screenwriters with little or no experience. This program guides students through developing their story idea into a feature-length screenplay.

Workshop Description

At NYFA, students rapidly learn how to craft their own feature-length screenplay of 90-120 pages. Through in-class study, exercises, one-on-one time with their instructors, as well as constructive feedback from their classmates, students rapidly build skills in fundamental writing concepts and techniques. The program meets Monday through Friday for classes and writing labs.

Class Details

Elements of Screenwriting

Elements of Screenwriting introduces students to the craft of screenwriting. Screenplay formatting will be a major focus, and students will learn how to write scene description, to describe characters and locations, and to develop action sequences. Topics will also include:

• Classic screenplay structure
• The Elements of the Scene
• Developing the Character
• Character Arcs
• Antagonists
• Dialogue
• Writing the Visual Image
• Introduction to Final Draft
• Theme
• Conflict
• Flashbacks
• Fantasy Sequences and Dream Sequences
• Voiceover
• Text and Subtext
• Developing Your Writing Style
• Tone and Genre
• Visualization
• Revealing Exposition
• Creating a Compelling Second Act
• Climaxes and Resolutions
• Scene Beats

Feature Workshop

Feature Workshop is a fast-paced, intensive workshop that introduces students to the fundamentals of screenwriting. The classes consist of in-class writing exercises, individual writing, reading aloud of student work in class, and workshop discussions. Students will apply knowledge gained from Elements of Screenwriting and apply it to the creation of their own feature-length scripts. Students will develop and write a first draft of a feature-length screenplay.

Times and Breakdown by Week

This is a full-time program held during the day. Class times may vary.

Program Locations and Tuition

The 8-Week Feature Screenwriting Workshop is currently available at NYFA New York and Los Angeles.

Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee

• Tuition: $3,899
• Departmental Program Fee: $20

Projects

During this dynamic workshop, students develop one concept and create the first draft of a feature-length screenplay.

Screenwriting School Alumni

Notable alumni include Ilaria Polsonetti, Editor, and Shivani Rawat, Producer | Writer.

Additional Information

Please note that equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum. All tuition costs and fees are listed in USD and are subject to change. Tuition prices and fees are only guaranteed one semester at a time and are subject to increase or decrease. An annual increase is expected for all tuition and fees. Costs listed above do not include housing, food, transportation, books, additional necessary supplies, activities fee, or health insurance.