Skip to main content
Apply Request Info
Students interested in reserving your spot at Point Park University for Fall 2022 should pay a tuition deposit by August 1. Paying your deposit allows you to take advantage of class registration and housing options.
Pay your deposit
Senior Teaching Artist Rick Hawkins Highlights Distinctiveness of Screenwriting Program


The B.F.A. in screenwriting program emphasize a balance of hands-on work in the development of scripts along with the study and theory of storytelling for a wide platform of outlets. Students will explore and write short screenplays, feature screenplays, television scripts and more. Writers participate in workshop settings, providing and receiving feedback from peers and instructors. This degree requires all students to meet strict deadlines, communicate in class through critiques and discussions, and share artistic work in a public setting through readings, presentations and screenings.

Follow us on Instagram Student work on Vimeo

Collaboration and Integration

A photo of the writer's room. Submitted photo.The writer’s room is where screenwriting students can workshop their screenplays in a professional setting.

The screenwriting program provides opportunities for collaboration with other writers, filmmakers and animators. Writers will see their ideas brought to life on a variety of mediums and gain intimate knowledge of the industry and its structure. Writers will also have the opportunity to make films, and, by directing actors and composing shots, they can more fully realize the possibilities of visual storytelling.

Inside the Writer's Room

  • Two 60” Full HD Smart LED TV
  • HD Webcam Capabilities for Skype Sessions
  • Power-Outlets at Table for Laptops

Student-Produced Video by Cinema Production Major Ryan Peters '23

Point Park University - Screenwriting Program from Point Park Cinema Arts on Vimeo.

 

Faculty bring industry experience to the classroom

Point Park faculty members bring academic and work experience into the classroom.

Meet the faculty
Pictured is Rick Hawkins.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Rick Hawkins
Hawkins is an Emmy-winning screenwriter whose career in Hollywood includes successes as a producer, studio executive and international media consultant.

Course Offerings

You will receive a well-rounded education through Point Park's core curriculum and classes in the screenwriting major. Some of the courses in the screenwriting program include:

  • Acting and Directing for Writers and Filmmakers
  • TV Animation Writing
  • Classical and Modern Drama
  • Intermediate and Advanced Screenwriting
  • Rewriting the Feature Screenplay
  • Story Analysis
  • Writing the Adaptation
  • Writing the Hour Drama
  • Writing for Multimedia/Web Series
  • Writing the Situation Comedy
  • Video Game Writing

News & Features

JW Nicikowski '21
Tuesday, November 16, 2021 JW Nicikowski's work was selected as Best Feature Screenplay at the 2021 Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival.
Nathaniel Holzer '22
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 "If you have even the slightest spark of curiosity to pursue a career in screenwriting, don’t get in your own way, go for it! The program is so welcoming of everybody no matter what walk of life you are from. We don’t see people as students and professors, just writers. It is a breeding ground for creativity and the honing of the craft with a philosophy that everyone should implore: there are no bad ideas."
Cinema Arts Instructor Receives Oscar Nomination for Her Work on "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
Friday, April 2, 2021 "The production class [at Point Park] is a very practical experience. We try to expose the students to the tools used in the industry," said Diana Stoughton.