Learn the essential steps of screenwriting and bring your ideas to life on the page.
Explore how to build strong characters, shape a story, write natural dialogue, and format your script using industry-standard software. Whether you’re just starting out or reworking an idea you started in the Filmmaking Institute, you’ll learn how to craft stories that are visually exciting and emotionally powerful—just like the movies and shows you love. This course will help you sharpen your skills and find your voice as a screenwriter.
Grades 9–12
Explore writing a dramatic story for the screen, develop an understanding of the art and craft of writing screenplays for film, television and/or video games. Learn the fundamentals of formatting and the basics of dramatic story structure - revealing character, writing dialogue, genre, and use of story suspense - all essential to the professional writer. Use industry standard software to create a short screenplay to be shared on the final day of the program.
Typical Day
9:30am - 11:30am
Morning Sessions
Each day begins with a focused mini-lesson exploring a different element of screenwriting, such as character development, dialogue, or story structure. Following the lesson, students break into small groups to put these concepts into practice through short script exercises, allowing them to experiment, collaborate, and immediately apply what they have learned in a hands-on, creative setting.
11:30am - 12:30pm
Lunch
Weather permitting, lunch break with their Teaching Assistants, is usually eaten outside to enjoy the beautiful green space at Purchase College. This is a great time to re-charge for the afternoon by relaxing, playing games, and hanging out with new friends!
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Afternoon Sessions
After lunch, students participate in a workshop session dedicated to developing their own scripts. During this time, they can ask questions, seek guidance, and receive individualized feedback from the instructor, allowing them to refine their ideas, overcome challenges, and strengthen their storytelling skills in a supportive, collaborative environment.
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Sharing and Feedback
At the end of the day, students will present their ideas/scripts to each other. Students will offer feedback to each other as well as constructive criticism for the works in progress which will be guided by the instructor.
Final Day
On the final day of the program, students will present their scenes and scripts. Family, friends, and invited guests will have the opportunity to see the growth, creativity, and the skills students have cultivated over the duration of the program.
Program Details
YTH 9520 / Writing for Film
Session III: (2 weeks) July 27 - August 7, 2026
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30 pm (10 sessions)
$1,200 for the first registration $1,080 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees, and alumni, Broadview families, Pepsi employees and early registrations (paid in full by May 1, 2026)
Empire State Arts Scholarship Information
For a well-rounded summer, combine Writing for Film with the Filmmaking Institute to maximize your filmmaking experience.
Program Details
- Computers will be available to students in the lab.
- Students may prefer to bring their own laptops, they may find that easier rather than trying to remember their login every day.
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Students will have access to their free screenwriting accounts on WriterDuet, both in the lab and from their home computers. This allows them to continue writing, revising, and experimenting with their scripts outside of class, giving them the flexibility to work at their own pace and further develop their storytelling skills.
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Instructor/ Videographer
Interested in Undergraduate Theatre Programs at Purchase College?
Check out the acting BFA program (recently chosen as a top 25 Acting College by Backstage), the theatre and performance BA program, and the theatre design/technology BFA program in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts.