B.F.A. Screenwriting

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.

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

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

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.

A Q&A With Rick Hawkins, Senior Teaching Artist and Emmy-Winning Screenwriter

Friday, June 19, 2020 "As an Emmy-winning screenwriter with three decades of writing and executive producing successful TV series, I helped to create a screenwriting program at Point Park that included all the practical and artistic opportunities that I wish had been available to me when I was a student. I consider it a joy and a privilege to be able to mentor and share with young writers their artistic journeys toward professionalism," said Hawkins.