The Real Job of a Screenwriter
Screenwriter-
The work:
Screenwriters create scripts for TV or film. They write feature films, TV comedy, drama series and serials, adaptations, animation, and children's programs, as well as writing for the games market and corporate production companies.
Screenwriters research, plan, draft and revise scripts before submitting them to a producer, production company or broadcaster. They also typically choose themes for their work; assemble and organise background material; develop theme, plot and characterisation; and ensure a coherence of style before submission.
After it is accepted, a screenwriter's work is likely to go through a variety of transformations from the original outlines and treatments. The screenwriter will spend considerable time negotiating and modifying their work to achieve a working shooting script, and at the request of a script developer, editor, producer or director, they may be asked to rewrite their work several times.
Screenwriters may be the originator of an idea or be approached with a commission, often working to strict deadlines. It is desirable for them to study current and future market sectors and tailor their work to a target audience. It is important for screenwriters to self publicise, make contacts and network with broadcasters and filmmakers.
Hours and Environment:
Hours of work vary, depending on the relationship between the screenwriter and broadcaster/producer, and the writer's own personal aspirations. If the screenwriter has received a financial advance, they may be required to adhere to an agreed schedule and attend meetings with agents and the production team.
Screenwriters generally work alone and from home; consequently they must be highly self-disciplined and motivated.
Skills and Interests:
To be a screenwriter you should:
* be able to produce fresh and original ideas
* be able to visualise ideas and write pictures
* have storytelling skills and an understanding of dramatic structure
* be self disciplined and highly motivated
* have a willingness to accept criticism and implement changes
* have a methodical and flexible approach to planning and drafting
* be organised and able to meet deadlines especially for rewrites
* have excellent written and oral communication skills
* have good presentation skills, including knowledge of the demands of different formats
* have an interest in marketing and promoting your work.
Entry:
There are no formal entry requirements for this type of work, although an understanding of the conventions of screenwriting is useful. Some writers may have proven writing and storytelling experience from another field.
Competitions and special initiatives are designed to discover new talent and some programmes are used as testing grounds. There are national schemes for promoting new writers, offering competitions, awards and scriptwriting workshops.
There are many places that give screenwriters the opportunity to make contacts, workshop their ideas with professionals and develop their script. Some possibilities include the Screenwriters Workshops.
Some writers may be graduates. Full-time degree courses in English, journalism, media studies or creative writing are offered at higher education institutions.
Experience or specialist knowledge of acting, backstage work or journalism may be an advantage, provided it is combined with inherent writing ability and the potential to develop.
Training:
Many further education colleges and adult education centres offer creative writing courses to help nurture writers' talent and develop their technique. Some postgraduate courses may be available, including MA in Screenwriting.
Some universities have departments of continuing education; their creative writing courses often have open access and may generate credit points towards later study. A body of writing and a demonstration of writing talent can be as valuable as formal qualifications for entry to some courses.
Full- and part-time film and television school courses are available and give writers the opportunity to work with actors, directors, and other specialists, and see their work realised on film or tape.
Opportunities:
Screenwriters mostly work freelance on a piece by piece basis: others will be commissioned and may receive a financial advance and royalties. Only a small percentage write full-time; many supplement their incomes by working in other professions. There are opportunities for screenwriters to gain extra revenue and exposure through competitions and prizes; some institutions also offer awards.
Grants may be available for the development of feature films and shorts, and training for writers (both new and established), upon written application and submission of a proposal asking for support.
Annual Income:
Freelance writers negotiate and agree a set fee for each piece of work.
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Benefits
