What undergraduate film course do I take to do screenwriting?

2

Hi- I’m a Year 13 who is looking to take a year out of education after getting my A levels (Film Studies, Psychology and English Language), with the hopes of applying for university for entry in 2024.

I would love to work in film and television, particularly in the area of screenwriting (or i guess more generally, the creative part of crafting and fleshing out stories, characters etc etc), but I’m stuck at what university course would be best to take in order to go on to possibly do a MA in screenwriting, ultimately towards getting a job in the area some day.

I understand I would have to take a film-oriented course but it seems like there is so many choices - film and tv, film production, or even possibly film and creative writing - with no kind of indication what might be best for my career area in the long run.

- also any advice for getting a screenwriting job would be much appreciated!

Reply 1

Yat Yat

21

I believe film/TV industry is a very comprehensive one. Every role has its professional know-how, but one needs to know what's going on in other parts, and with certain consideration on these. I also believe one needs to develop certain exposure and connection with the industry as early as the training started (i.e. uni edu). Regarding these, I'd think if one should consider institutions not only good in one aspect, but with a scale including other aspects of the industry. One should also like to stay in greater London, easier to develop exposure and connection with the field.

So, how about King's, Royal Holloway... or some other UoL institutions...? Just my two pennies.

Reply 2

kscgemini

15

I did Film and Drama at Reading university (I’m a mum borrowing my daughters account here while she applies to uni etc) I know it’s very well regarded- they do Film and Television or Creative Writing and Film which might be worth a look? London is 30 mins away by train - I was going into London almost weekly from Reading university as it was such a quick journey.

Reply 3

PQ

PS Reviewer

21

Creative writing in a university with a strong film department (ideally a CILECT member film school) would be a good option to build networks and have extra chances to write, pitch and make scripts and treatments. Building up a strong portfolio of work and contacts to build a career on.

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 4

eleanorchampion

OP

2

Making connections is something I will be sure to keep in mind when considering my choices! However, as fantastic as these universities may be, studying in London would be extremely difficult for me financially. Is there anywhere else you could recommend that may not be as expensive to live as a student? Thank you for your comprehensive reply!

Original post by Yat Yat

I believe film/TV industry is a very comprehensive one. Every role has its professional know-how, but one needs to know what's going on in other parts, and with certain consideration on these. I also believe one needs to develop certain exposure and connection with the industry as early as the training started (i.e. uni edu). Regarding these, I'd think if one should consider institutions not only good in one aspect, but with a scale including other aspects of the industry. One should also like to stay in greater London, easier to develop exposure and connection with the field.

So, how about King's, Royal Holloway... or some other UoL institutions...? Just my two pennies.

Reply 5

eleanorchampion

OP

2

Original post by PQ

Creative writing in a university with a strong film department (ideally a CILECT member film school) would be a good option to build networks and have extra chances to write, pitch and make scripts and treatments. Building up a strong portfolio of work and contacts to build a career on.

I’ve looked into CILECT film schools and it looks like some universities I was looking into are on there- and one of them is also very local to me which is brilliant considering I am situated somewhere very rural. Thank you for the advice!

Reply 6

Yat Yat

21

Original post by kscgemini

I did Film and Drama at Reading university (I’m a mum borrowing my daughters account here while she applies to uni etc) I know it’s very well regarded- they do Film and Television or Creative Writing and Film which might be worth a look? London is 30 mins away by train - I was going into London almost weekly from Reading university as it was such a quick journey.

My younger friend is also considering 'Creative Writing and Film' in U of Reading. Would you please share more with us about the course and the institution? Thanks i advance! And, with your experience, what about a course directly specialised in screenwriting?

What undergraduate film course do I take to do screenwriting?

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