Learn How to Write a Screenplay at NYFA
In the Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Screenwriting program at NYFA Los Angeles, aspiring storytellers build a variety of creative and technical skills, completing a series of film and television scripts and projects. Through our hands-on approach, students hone their natural storytelling abilities and develop the techniques required to create compelling story structures, characters, conflict, and dialogue within their screenplays.
As many of our students wish to pursue ambitious goals in the competitive film, television, and entertainment industries, our students also learn to confidently pitch, produce, and sell their original projects. Guided by faculty who actively work in their respective fields, screenwriting students learn how to write a screenplay, developing their best ideas and concepts into refined, polished work.
Faculty Highlights
Curriculum
The curriculum for the AFA in Screenwriting program includes:
- Intensive classes that help students develop their writing skills across multiple media, including film, television, plays, and short films with electives in other media such as comic books and games
- Skill building classes in story generation and genre studies
- Business and pitching classes to prepare the students for the industry
- Training and personalized guidance from experienced faculty and staff that actively work in the filmmaking, television, and entertainment industries
- Access to and instruction on use of camera, sound, and lighting equipment, as well as a digital license to Final Draft screenwriting software
- Exclusive guest lectures from industry leaders such as Screenwriters, Directors, Producers, and Actors
To learn more, refer to NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
NYFA’s AFA degree in screenwriting is a four-semester program that students complete over the course of a year and four months.
AFA students complete multiple projects in a range of media. Students write two features, a television spec script, an original TV pilot, as well as a one act page or short play. They also develop, plot, and write a final capstone script, either another feature film screenplay or an original TV series proposal and pilot script. To learn more, visit our projects page.
AFA students take select History of Visual Arts courses that support the Screenwriting curriculum. Learn more about the course requirements here.
Our AFA in Screenwriting is available at NYFA’s campus in Los Angeles, known as the West Coast’s primary hub for film, television, media, and entertainment. NYFA Los Angeles is centrally located next to Universal and Warner Brothers Studios.
Qualified candidates can complete a 1-Year Certificate Program at NYFA New York, then apply for their work to be accepted for advanced standing in the AFA degree at NYFA Los Angeles. Graduates of this program can also apply to use the AFA credits towards the BFA. To learn more, visit our advanced standing page.
NYFA Los Angeles
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
Please note: 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.