Scriptwriting at Algonquin College

Author your own career, by studying writing for film, television, theatre, video and digital media.

The one-year Scriptwriting Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with the knowledge, writing experience and hands-on skills necessary to become a writer in the ever-expanding fields of film, television, theatre, video and digital media content.

Discover your style and voice, as well as how to develop characters and write stories for any audience. By the end of the program, you possess an extensive professional-quality portfolio of work.

By analyzing issues and trends in film and media, you learn how to market your skills effectively and work professionally in our industries . Faculty are up-to-date, experienced professionals who help guide your projects. Guest speakers are regular visitors to your class and provide tips and advice on your potential career path.

At the end of the program, you have the opportunity to travel to Toronto and pitch your film or TV series ideas at major broadcasting and production companies. You also meet agents, distributors and accomplished screenwriters, and attend industry events during your three-day stay. It is a great opportunity to connect with important players in the industry and get their feedback on your projects.

You also expand your real-world experience with a 40-hour work placement. These placements are generally non-writing positions that allow you to learn more about how the production process works, make industry contacts and broaden your skill set.

Another opportunity that you may choose to participate in is the Hothouse Reading Series, which showcases short excerpts from students` plays read by professional actors. You receive feedback from the audience that provides you with invaluable insight to strengthen your writing.

After graduation, you may have career opportunities as a writer for:

• feature length or short films
• broadcast, streamed and digital media
• theatre
• gaming and animation
• production environments performing other writing-related tasks

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have superior oral and written communication skills.
• Are self-motivated and well-organized.
• Can work independently and meet deadlines.
• Are creative thinkers.
• Can work in collaborative settings with appropriate guidance.

Careers

Graduates may have career opportunities as writers for feature length or short films, broadcast, streamed and digital media, online video, theatre and video games. They may also find work in production environments performing other writing and writing-related tasks. Graduates are knowledgeable about their industries and markets, and know how to further their careers in pre-production, production and other creative environments. They also have basic production skills which enable them to work effectively in and with production crews. Graduates possess an extensive professional-quality portfolio.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Conceive, write, edit, revise and rewrite scripts using industry-standard formats and technology.
2. Function effectively as part of a writing and/or production team in the delivery of scripts.
3. Apply production and business management skills to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines in the workplace.
4. Critically evaluate the quality of product being presented for production.
5. Develop strategies for personal and professional development by analyzing issues and trends in target industries.
6. Ensure that all work is completed in compliance with applicable laws, statutory obligations, regulations, and industry principles and practices.
7. Apply creative techniques for writing for a variety of media and styles.
8. Work in a professional and ethical manner, maintain professional relationships, and communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, supervisors and others.
9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, degree or equivalent or partially-completed degree, or two or more years of appropriate post-secondary experience; AND

• Submission of a 500-word written piece identifying the applicant`s suitability for a profession in scriptwriting as well as describing the film, media, theatre, writing or other writing-related experience qualifying you for this program. Submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
• If you do not meet the academic requirements above but have two or more years of media, theatre, journalism or other program-related experience, clarify this in your written piece.
• The written piece is required of ALL applicants. We cannot finish your application process until this has been completed. We encourage you to submit this promptly.
• NOTE: Please send an electronic copy of your written piece to: media@algonquincollege.com.
• The following information must be included in the email subject line: Scriptwriting, Written Piece, your name, and Algonquin student number.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.