Screenwriting School

Hands-On Degrees, Programs, and Workshops

In film, television, and new media, the Screenwriter establishes the basic building blocks of the visual story. At NYFA’s Screenwriting School, students can learn these fundamental skills, working on multiple projects at a time and balancing an intensive workload.

Students learn to transform their ideas into structured scripts throughout the programs, exploring different media, genres, and styles. Through this hands-on approach, students gain extensive experience in screenwriting while building an impressive body of work. Students can choose from a variety of in-person and online programs at our campuses in New York and Los Angeles, as well as at NYFA Australia, that range from short-term workshops to full-fledged degree programs.

As the original disruptors of the Hollywood gate-keeping system, NYFA strives to make education in screenwriting and film accessible to the most diverse, international, and broadest spectrum of students. At our Screenwriting School, we foster an environment that is creatively challenging, respectful, and actively supportive of each unique student and a collectively diverse student body.

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Screenwriting Degrees

Our screenwriting degree programs are designed for students who wish to make a long-term commitment to the craft of writing while receiving a well-rounded education in the arts. The AFA, BFA, and MFA degree students hone their natural writing talent and create a portfolio of scripts in a range of mediums, including television, web series, feature films, short films, comic books, games, and playwriting.

Students also complete an internship, helping them learn the business side of screenwriting and gain the experience necessary to pursue creative goals in film, television, media, and entertainment. A majority of our Screenwriting degree programs are offered at NYFA Los Angeles, and our BFA in Entertainment Media is available at NYFA New York.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Screenwriting

Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Screenwriting

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Entertainment Media

Concentration in Screenwriting

1-Year Screenwriting Certificate Program

In our conservatory-based certificate program, aspiring screenwriters are given the opportunity to learn how to write for the film and television industries. Through coursework and hands-on projects, students develop their own scripts, working collaboratively in a fast-paced creative environment.

Due to the rigorous nature of this program, our one-year certificate is a great fit for students looking to build practical skills as soon as possible. The 1-Year Screenwriting Certificate is available at our NYFA New York and Los Angeles campuses, as well as a one-year diploma program at NYFA Australia.

1-Year Screenwriting Certificate Program


Screenwriting
Workshops

For students looking for a full-immersion screenwriting experience in a shorter period of time, NYFA offers a wide array of in-person workshops. These programs are designed to help students strengthen creative and technical screenwriting skills. Students focus on one script or writing project during the short-term workshops, gradually developing their script’s structure, theme, and characters.

Online Screenwriting Workshops

Students can also choose from a selection of online workshops offered by NYFA’s Screenwriting School. These programs provide students the opportunity to attend full-time and part-time screenwriting classes remotely.

Screenwriting
School Faculty

At NYFA’s Screenwriting School, students study under our prestigious faculty of professional screenwriters and filmmakers. Each faculty member comes from a distinct and distinguished screenwriting background and currently works in the industry, with experience at networks and media companies such as the Disney Channel, HBO, Sony, Oxygen, Imagine Entertainment/Universal Pictures, and Fox Searchlight Pictures, as well as work that has been screened at The South By Southwest Film Festival (SXSW). With their mentorship and guidance, students learn the realities and challenges of working as a professional screenwriter.

 
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Nunzio DeFilippis

Dean of Faculty, Chair of Screenwriting

 
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Randall Dottin

Chair of Screenwriting

 
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Jenny Sterner

Associate Chair of Screenwriting

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Screenwriting
School Alumni

The Screenwriting School at NYFA strives to offer an intensive and focused education that provides hands-on experience and practical training. The achievements of our NYFA alumni are the result of their hard work, perseverance, talent and circumstances, and we’re proud of our alumni who have gone to find great success as Screenwriters, Showrunners, Story Producers, and more. Many NYFA alumni have gone to win and receive recognition from prestigious writing organizations, film festivals, and awards, including the Writer’s Guild Award, The Emmys, the Broadcast Press Guild Award, and the BAFTAs.

Melissa Palazuelos  

Melissa Palazuelos

Writer

 
Mohamed Diab  

Mohamed Diab

Director | Writer

 
Elon Joi Washington  

Elon Joi Washington

Writer | Production Manager

 
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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.