Actor James Franco is expanding his teaching resume by offering fans an online screenwriting class.

The 127 Hours star has already taught at some of America's most prestigious film colleges, including New York University, University of Southern California, and UCLA, and now he is giving those unable to attend the chance to take a class in the comfort of their own home.

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Franco and his producing partner Vince Jolivett have created a pre-recorded lesson, available through online learning community Skillshare.

The Introduction to Screenwriting for Short Films class is comprised of 15 video lectures in which Franco will share tips on how to perfect writing skills.

Enrolled students will create a screenplay for an eight-minute short film based on one of three source texts, and 10 of the projects which receive the most votes from the students will be read by Franco and Jolivett.

Three will be chosen as the duo's "favourite writers", and one lucky student will receive personal feedback from Franco.

The class costs $25 (£15) and more than 700 aspiring writers have enrolled.