Screenwriting made simple.
I’m James A. Hurst. For 25 years, I’ve written award-winning television including Hardy Boys, Wynonna Earp, Degrassi, and Flashpoint.
I help writers cut through formulas, jargon and bad advice so they can understand why stories work - and actually enjoy writing again.
My YouTube channel, Screenright with James A. Hurst, is one of the fastest-growing writing channels online, with over 250,000 views.
I teach screenwriting through clear lessons on story, character development, dialogue and structure - designed for writers who want to write better scripts, not memorize formulas.
Let's talk about you.
You’ve put in the time. You’ve read the books. You’ve tried to follow the rules.
And yet you keep thinking:
Why isn’t this working?
What am I missing?
Why does everyone else seem to get it but me?
Here’s the truth. You don’t get better just by reading scripts or by memorizing a complicated 22-step formula.
You get better when you understand the tools underneath the story - the decisions, tensions, and character dynamics that actually make a script work.
That’s what I teach.
How I help writers like you.
How I help writers like you.
I teach clear, practical tools you can use immediately - whether you’re writing a pilot, rewriting a feature, or trying to figure out why a scene just isn’t landing.
No gimmicks.
No fake rules.
No vague “trust your instincts” advice.
Just craft you can apply today.
I’ve spent 25 years writing for award-winning TV series like Hardy Boys, Wynonna Earp, Degrassi, and Flashpoint.
My channel Screenright with James A. Hurst is the fastest growing writing channel on YouTube with over 11K subscribers and over 250,000 views.
MAYA WILSON
Screenwriter
Before I found James’ courses, I felt completely confused by all the formulas and so-called rules of screenwriting.
With what I've learned from James, not only did I start to write again… I actually started to enjoy writing again.
I now feel confident in my skills and am loving writing again. Thank you, James.
Master your craft without the stress.
Navigating the world of screenwriting can feel overwhelming. The complicated formulas, confusing jargon, and mounting frustration can make you question your passion for writing.
My screenwriting courses focus on the fundamentals that make stories work - character motivation, conflict, structure, and scene-level decision-making. Instead of rigid formulas, I teach writers like you how to think like storytellers so you can apply these tools to any script you write.
Clear away the myths & misconceptions holding you back
Learn simple, practical techniques from a working screenwriter
Skill-focused courses filled with easy prompts to get you moving
Navigating the world of screenwriting can feel overwhelming. The complicated formulas, confusing jargon, and mounting frustration can make you question your passion for writing.
My screenwriting courses focus on the fundamentals that make stories work - character motivation, conflict, structure, and scene-level decision-making. Instead of rigid formulas, I teach writers like you how to think like storytellers so you can apply these tools to any script you write.
Clear away the myths & misconceptions holding you back
Learn simple, practical techniques from a working screenwriter
Skill-focused courses filled with easy prompts to get you moving
JEFF GLOCKLING
Screenwriter
It’s a big decision to take the next step in developing your writing skills.
I can honestly say that after taking one of James’ courses, I didn’t just learn new concepts. I started seeing my own writing more clearly. My instincts sharpened, my process felt less scattered, and I finally understood why certain things weren’t working.
I walked away with stronger tools, more confidence, and a renewed excitement to actually sit down and write.
FAQS
A few questions I get asked all the time.
A few questions I get asked all the time.
A few questions I get asked all the time.
Do you provide script coverage?
No, I don’t offer traditional script coverage. Instead of written notes on a single draft, I focus on teaching screenwriters how to understand why their scripts aren’t working, so they can fix the underlying problems themselves. My courses are designed to help writers develop repeatable tools for story, character, and structure - skills that carry across every script they write.
Will you read my script and give me feedback?
I don’t offer one-off script feedback or notes. What I teach instead is how to evaluate your own screenplay with clarity - how to spot structural issues, weak character dynamics, and story decisions that aren’t landing. The goal is for you to leave with tools you can use not just on one script, but on every draft going forward.
Do you offer script consultations?
I don’t offer private script consultations at this time. My focus is on building screenwriting courses that teach clear, practical techniques writers can apply immediately - without relying on ongoing notes or external approval. If you’re looking to strengthen your craft and gain confidence in your own instincts, that’s where my work is most helpful.
Are you looking for scripts to produce?
No, I’m not currently looking for scripts to produce or shop. My role is as a teacher and working screenwriter, not a producer or manager. What I do offer is training that helps writers strengthen their scripts so they’re better prepared when they do approach agents, producers, or development executives.
I have a great script. Will you shop it around for me?
No, I don’t shop scripts or make industry introductions. Breaking in requires strong writing, clarity about your voice, and a deep understanding of story and character - not just a single strong draft. My work focuses on helping writers build those foundations so they’re ready when opportunities arise.
Can I pitch an idea or do I need to write the script first?
In most cases, you’ll need to write the script first. While ideas matter, the industry responds to execution -especially in TV pilots and feature screenplays. That’s why my teaching focuses on helping writers turn ideas into finished scripts that actually work on the page.
Do you provide script coverage?
No, I don’t offer traditional script coverage. Instead of written notes on a single draft, I focus on teaching screenwriters how to understand why their scripts aren’t working, so they can fix the underlying problems themselves. My courses are designed to help writers develop repeatable tools for story, character, and structure - skills that carry across every script they write.
Will you read my script and give me feedback?
I don’t offer one-off script feedback or notes. What I teach instead is how to evaluate your own screenplay with clarity - how to spot structural issues, weak character dynamics, and story decisions that aren’t landing. The goal is for you to leave with tools you can use not just on one script, but on every draft going forward.
Do you offer script consultations?
I don’t offer private script consultations at this time. My focus is on building screenwriting courses that teach clear, practical techniques writers can apply immediately - without relying on ongoing notes or external approval. If you’re looking to strengthen your craft and gain confidence in your own instincts, that’s where my work is most helpful.
Are you looking for scripts to produce?
No, I’m not currently looking for scripts to produce or shop. My role is as a teacher and working screenwriter, not a producer or manager. What I do offer is training that helps writers strengthen their scripts so they’re better prepared when they do approach agents, producers, or development executives.
I have a script. Will you shop it around for me?
No, I don’t shop scripts or make industry introductions. Breaking in requires strong writing, clarity about your voice, and a deep understanding of story and character - not just a single strong draft. My work focuses on helping writers build those foundations so they’re ready when opportunities arise.
Can I pitch an idea or do I need to write the script first?
In most cases, you’ll need to write the script first. While ideas matter, the industry responds to execution -especially in TV pilots and feature screenplays. That’s why my teaching focuses on helping writers turn ideas into finished scripts that actually work on the page.
Do you provide script coverage?
No, I don’t offer traditional script coverage. Instead of written notes on a single draft, I focus on teaching screenwriters how to understand why their scripts aren’t working, so they can fix the underlying problems themselves. My courses are designed to help writers develop repeatable tools for story, character, and structure - skills that carry across every script they write.
Will you read my script and give me feedback?
I don’t offer one-off script feedback or notes. What I teach instead is how to evaluate your own screenplay with clarity - how to spot structural issues, weak character dynamics, and story decisions that aren’t landing. The goal is for you to leave with tools you can use not just on one script, but on every draft going forward.
Do you offer script consultations?
I don’t offer private script consultations at this time. My focus is on building screenwriting courses that teach clear, practical techniques writers can apply immediately -without relying on ongoing notes or external approval. If you’re looking to strengthen your craft and gain confidence in your own instincts, that’s where my work is most helpful.
Are you looking for scripts to produce?
No, I’m not currently looking for scripts to produce or shop. My role is as a teacher and working screenwriter, not a producer or manager. What I do offer is training that helps writers strengthen their scripts so they’re better prepared when they do approach agents, producers, or development executives.
I have a great script. Will you shop it around for me?
No, I don’t shop scripts or make industry introductions. Breaking in requires strong writing, clarity about your voice, and a deep understanding of story and character - not just a single strong draft. My work focuses on helping writers build those foundations so they’re ready when opportunities arise.
Can I pitch an idea or do I need to write the script first?
In most cases, you’ll need to write the script first. While ideas matter, the industry responds to execution -especially in TV pilots and feature screenplays. That’s why my teaching focuses on helping writers turn ideas into finished scripts that actually work on the page.
Before I found James’ courses, I felt completely confused by all the formulas and so-called rules of screenwriting.
With what I've learned from James, not only did I start to write again… I actually started to enjoy writing again.
I now feel confident in my skills and am loving writing again. Thank you, James.
MAYA WILSON
Screenwriter
It’s a big decision to take the next step in developing your writing skills.
I can honestly say that after taking one of James’ courses, I didn’t just learn new concepts. My instincts sharpened and I finally understood why certain things weren’t working.
I walked away with stronger tools, more confidence, and a renewed excitement to actually sit down and write.
JEFF GLOCKLING
Screenwriter
JEFF GLOCKLING
Screenwriter
I can honestly say that after one of James’ courses, I walked away with stronger tools, more confidence, and a renewed excitement to actually sit down and write.
With what I've learned from James, not only did I start to write again… I actually started to enjoy writing again.
MAYA WILSON
Screenwriter
