Top 10 Best YouTube Channels for Screenwriters
For a long time, screenwriters were fed the idea that in order to become excellent writers, they would have to invest hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars in a film degree. However, with the introduction of the Internet, which has become an invaluable resource for writers in the last twenty years, fresh learning opportunities are now available to writers. With the advent of YouTube, writing experts that writers could have only dreamed of learning from are now accessible at the click of a button. A dizzying array of channels dealing with every aspect of writing imaginable are available for free to anyone, whether a veteran writer or a film enthusiast.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this resource, here are some of the best channels to check out:
Film Courage
From loglines to dialogue, Film Courage offers trustworthy advice to any aspiring screenwriter. It creates a unique learning experience by bringing in a variety of professionals to tackle a particular aspect of writing. Other videos include short interviews with writers speaking on a specific topic, such as movie reviews or how to deal with writer’s block.
Check out their channel here.
Lessons from the Screenplay
Lessons from the Screenplay breaks down your favorite films and shows, analyzing why they are so great and what you can learn from their example. This channel teaches the writer how to write great movies by teaching him how to watch great movies.
Check out their channel here.
FAST Screenplay
Screenwriting can be tremendously rewarding, but it can also be a difficult, grueling process. The channel not only teaches the screenwriter how to develop a compelling screenplay, but it also teaches the writer how to succeed in the business side of the industry.
Check out their channel here.
Robert McKee
A professor at the University of Southern California and creator of the highly acclaimed Story Seminar, Robert McKee examines the narrative structures of stories to discover what makes them compelling. Drawing on his experience of teaching dozens of writers to craft powerful storylines, he provides essential insight for any screenwriter.
Check out his channel here.
Writers Guild Foundation
On their channel, the Writers Guild Foundation offers virtual panels of writers, offering a broad range of perspectives on the creative process. In addition, they also founded the Veterans Writing Project and the Shavelson-Webb Library, the only library dedicated to screenwriting.
Check out their channel here.
The Script Lab
This channel publishes weekly interviews with writers, filmmakers, and film school educators. It also provides suggestions for screenwriters to improve their writing and provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between the script and the screen by creating side-by-side comparisons between scripts for classic films and the finished product.
Check out their channel here.
Tyler Mowery
If you are struggling to know where to start with your screenplay, this channel is definitely worth checking out. Tyler Mowery breaks down the most essential parts of storytelling, such as character development, setup and payoff, and conflict.
Check out his channel here.
The Closer Look
This channel analyzes popular shows, games, and movies to find out what makes them work or fail, covering everything from characterization to plot holes to adaptation. By diving into a wide range of visual mediums, the writer can explore the storytelling challenges and opportunities in each.
Check out their channel here.
Behind the Curtain
This channel analyzes popular shows, games, and movies to find out what makes them work or fail, covering everything from characterization to plot holes to adaptation. By diving into a wide range of visual mediums, the writer can explore the storytelling challenges and opportunities in each.
Check out their channel here.
Outstanding Screenplays
This channel provides practical writing tips for screenwriters with videos that offer side-by-side comparisons between the original film script and the finished movie. Whether you are a writer or a movie lover, Outstanding Screenplays has a fresh and unique perspective on the world of film.
Check out their channel here.
Naturally, this list does not even scratch the surface of the information available on YouTube on the subject of screenwriting. However, this list provides an excellent starting point for anyone interested in screenwriting in particular or movies in general.
Good luck on your writing journey and may the Creator of all stories be with you!