Most people need training of some kind before they can successfully complete a task. The same goes for screenwriting. You might be a natural storyteller but in the highly competitive field of moviemaking, everyone can benefit by furthering their education. Due to that competition, there are resources covering virtually every medium and every type of screenplay and every type of screenwriter out there.
Resources for screenwriters range from college and graduate programs at Yale Drama School and University of Southern California film school down to a book you can check out at your local library and everything in between. There is a resource that addresses virtually any question, concern or issue related to screenwriting that could come up as you venture into this field.
You can invest in classes, attend screenwriting retreats or conferences. You can join a screenwriters group to share your writing with other aspiring screenwriters and get their feedback and offer your own. These kinds of resources are collaborative and interpersonal. They are good for less disciplined writers who benefit from a regular writing schedule and regular interaction. Bear in mind that filmmaking is a collaborative process so these types of events and programs will help you get in that mindset.
You could invest your time and money in more individual training, such as self-study CD-ROMs, e-learning courses, or reading one of numerous screenwriting magazines or newsletters. These resources are better for more disciplined writers who aren’t looking for collaboration or the camaraderie of other writers. Perhaps you’re just getting started and want to spend time on your writing until you become more comfortable having it critiqued by an instructor or classmates.
There is a world of information for screenwriters available on the internet, from websites that list agents to websites that list retreats, conferences, and courses. Try http://dmoz.org/Arts/Writers_Resources/Screenwriting/ as a starting point. The site lists dozens of websites geared to all aspects of screenwriting, from contests to script consultants. Script Nurse (http://scriptnurse.com/wcms/index.php) is another site that offers numerous links, articles on screenwriting, product reviews, and discussion forums.
There are numerous resources at your local library or bookstore. Magazines geared to screenwriters publish interviews with screenwriters, producers and agents. They also publish information about contests and networking events. Writers and story analysts offer information on how you can improve your writing, from increasing the action to improving the development of your characters. Consider the two major magazines for screenwriters: Creative Screenwriting (www.creativescreenwriting.com) and scr(i)pt (www.scriptmag.com). There are numerous step-by-step books available which may serve as a good resource for you to keep on your bookshelf as you plug away at your first scripts.
Whatever type of resource is best for you, there is surely something appropriate. Consider what you want to get out of it and the amount you’re willing to spend in money and time. Simply enter your resource type (i.e., screenwriting retreats, screenwriting newsletter) into an internet search engine and you’ll get pages of results. Mix and match your resources to get the most benefit.