Degree in Screenwriting

A few days ago a StoryLink member wrote me about his interest in furthering his writing education. He graduated from college four years ago, and he has been writing spec scripts and working for different agencies in Los Angeles ever since. He sticks to his writing routine and he has all the motivation in the world, but he has not gotten the attention he wants for his work. He said that he wanted more instruction and more time to hone his craft. I told him about an option that may suit his needs: an MFA in Screenwriting.

I went to the UCLA Extension Writers’ Faire a few weeks ago and I had the chance to attend some great seminars. If you haven’t gone to the Writers’ Faire, then you should go next year, and the year after that. Not only do you get to hear great lectures about the world of writing, you can meet professional screenwriters, enroll in UCLA Extension classes, and get inspired to keep working on your script.

One of the highlights of my day was the Master’s Program in Creative Writing seminar. I learned about universities right here in Los Angeles that offer programs geared toward completing your full-length script, while studying great works and perfecting your craft. The representative from the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences talked about the opportunities afforded to every screenwriting student in their program—including the chance to study with Syd Field, prominent StoryLink member and author of The Screenwriter's Workbook! Many universities across the country that offer this great opportunity to pursue your passion for screenwriting in a two-year program.

Call it a New Year’s resolution in October, but I have decided to apply for an MFA in Creative Writing next year. With the deadlines falling in February, these programs give me a year and a half to get my act together. I have to take the GREs and get recommendations from my college professors and writing-class peers, and most importantly, polish a writing sample that will be the vital piece of my application. Having this goal should keep me motivated, and I love the idea of investing two years of my life in my writing.

If you have any questions for this blog, please send me a message. Keep writing!