APPLICATIONS FOR U.S CITIZENS &
STUDENTS WITH A GREEN CARD OR F-1 VISA ARE OPEN UNTIL MAY 1
Accepted students please check out the Accepted Students Page
The 2026 Program runs from Thursday, June 25 - Friday, August 7, 2026.
For any questions, please contact us at summer@cinema.usc.edu.
or 213-740-3327.


Important Notice:

  • SCA Summer Program courses are designated as either 8 units or 4 units.
  • Students can enroll in a mimimum of 4 units and up to a maximum of 12 units.
  • Students cannot take more than one Production Course.
  • Students cannot take an 8-unit Production class -- such as Warner Bros., Filmmaking Intensive, or Directing Intensive -- along with Writing the First Draft Feature Screenplay or Writing the TV Series Pilot.
  • Auditing courses is not permitted in the SCA Summer Program.
  • Current USC students, as well as individuals who have been dismissed from USC, are not eligible to participate in the SCA Summer Program.
Production
Screenwriting
Producing & Editing
Game Design & Animation
Writing the First Draft Feature Screenplay - 4 Units

Units: 4
Student Level: Intermediate

Jun 29 - Aug 7 APPLICATION
In-Person - Ages 16+ - Opal Section
Schedule: Mon/Wed 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Max. Seats: 15
Faculty: Siavash Farahani


Related Courses

You may also enjoy one of the following courses:

About the Class

Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of professional screenwriting with our course Writing the First Draft Feature Screenplay! This thrilling 6-week class is designed for those who already have a foundation in screenwriting and are eager to take their skills to the next level. You’ll dive deep into the craft, honing your ability to sell your imagination, personality, experience, and personal ethos through your writing.

What You’ll Experience

In this dynamic course, which meets two days a week, you’ll work in a collaborative “writer’s room” setting, where you’ll workshop ideas and stories with your instructor and peers. This environment fosters creativity and provides invaluable feedback, helping you refine your screenplay. To get the most out of this course, it’s highly recommended that you come prepared with:

  • Basic Knowledge of Feature Screenplay Writing: A solid understanding of the basics will allow you to dive deeper into advanced techniques.
  • Fundamental Screenwriting Terminology: Familiarity with industry terms will help you keep up with the fast-paced learning environment.
  • A Strong and Organized Idea and Defined Characters: Arriving with a clear concept and well-developed characters will set you up for success.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you’ll have structured and written a completed first draft of a three-act, full-length feature screenplay. You’ll explore and master various aspects of screenwriting, including:

  • Developing Ideas: Learn to transform your concepts into compelling stories.
  • Story Structure: Understand the framework that supports a well-crafted screenplay.
  • Narrative: Dive into the elements that make a story engaging and cohesive.
  • Writing Dialogue: Craft authentic and impactful dialogue that brings your characters to life.
  • Character Arcs: Develop characters that grow and evolve throughout your story.
  • Formatting: Ensure your screenplay meets industry standards.

Intensive Writing Process

This course is rigorous and demands dedication. You’ll be expected to write up to twenty-five pages per week, pushing you to stay focused and productive. By the end of the six weeks, you’ll have a first draft that you can continue to refine or present to industry professionals.

Additional Information

  • Project Creation: All projects are created outside of scheduled class time, giving you the flexibility to work at your own pace.
  • Course Schedule: All dates and times are subject to change, so stay flexible and ready for adjustments.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and dive into the thrilling world of screenwriting. This course is your gateway to mastering the art of crafting a feature-length screenplay and setting the stage for an inspiring career in the film industry. Let your imagination soar and bring your stories to life!

Opal Section (19154)