How to Find Screenwriting Workshops for Beginners to Experts

The New York Film Academy offers an intensive eight-week screenwriting workshop that might provide a suitable alternative for a writer looking for a complete and immersive screenwriting education but who isn’t interested in a degree program. This workshop provides a strong foundational focus for screenwriting students with little or no experience. This screenwriting workshop is offered at New York Film Academy chapters in New York, Los Angeles, and Australia.

Pilar Alessandra is a former story analyst who’s gone on to teach classes and workshops worldwide. I was able to attend one of Pilar’s workshops when she came to a city near me, and I found it to be a very educational and encouraging experience! I mainly wanted to include Pilar on this list because it can be challenging for writers living outside Los Angeles to find workshops near you. So, when someone offers thoughtful and beneficial workshops like Pilar and travels to teach them, it’s worth mentioning!

The largest adult-education writing school in the United States, Gotham Writers’ Workshop provides a diverse selection of programs for writers of all mediums. When it comes to screenwriting, they offer many different workshops, including a TV writing workshop, a workshop that focuses specifically on character, and a workshop centered on dialogue.

Robert McKee is a renowned author, lecturer, and story consultant who’s taught screenwriting workshops worldwide. His workshops are noted for their emphasis on story principles rather than mechanical lessons on structure. Alumni of McKee’s workshops have garnered more than 60 Oscar wins, 200 Emmy wins, and 100 WGA wins. Talk about great testimonials!

While not as well-known as the workshops noted above, this SoCreate-sponsored workshop has been named “The Best in the West” for writers’ conferences. The Central Coast Writers Conference takes place in San Luis Obispo, California, which is conveniently located between Hollywood and San Francisco. So, if you’re looking for a West Coast getaway, consider this fall event. It is well-attended by screenwriters, and the casual environment makes networking a breeze. No pressure here! Past presenters include Screenwriter Doug Richardson (“Die Hard 2,” “Hostage,” “Bad Boys”), Jeanne Bowerman (Script Magazine Editor-in-Chief), and Disney writer Ricky Roxburgh. It’s an inspiring event, and you can get a taste of it here or sign up for 2020 (which is all virtual this year) here!