Screenwriter
(aka Writer or Scriptwriter)
Screenwriters are responsible for researching the story, developing the narrative, writing the screenplay, and delivering it, in the required format, to Development Executives. Screenwriters therefore have great influence over the creative direction and emotional impact of the screenplay and, arguably, of the finished film. They are almost always freelancers who either pitch original ideas to Producers in the hope that they will be optioned or sold, or who are commissioned by a Producer to create a screenplay from a concept, true story, existing screenwork or literary work, such as a novel, poem, play, comic book or short story. Screenwriting is emotionally and intellectually demanding, and requires an in-depth understanding of visual storytelling, and of the different ways that films affect audiences. Many more screenplays are commissioned than films are made, and only a very few top UK Screenwriters make enough money to sustain themselves entirely through writing screenplays. Screenwriters write in teams, and an additional Screenwriter may be recruited onto a project by the Producer to improve one or more aspects of the narrative. This Screenwriter may share a screenwriting credit with the original Screenwriter, or otherwise be credited for Additional Dialogue, or as a Story Consultant. In some cases the original Screenwriter may be replaced entirely by another Screenwriter, in which case the original Screenwriter may then receive a "Screenstory by..." credit on the finished film.
Responsibilities
Screenwriters provide a blueprint onto which the Producer, Director, Production Designer, Composer and Editor, cast and crew can graft their creative efforts. Screenwriters must be able to write a screenplay in which the reader can 'see' the film unfold cinematically in their imagination. The screenplay must therefore not only feature fascinating characters, an exciting plot, and a great premise for a marketable film, but it must also conform to the logical principles of dramatic construction, as well as to industry expectations regarding format and style. Screenwriters must produce highly creative writing, to strict deadlines, and they need to work constructively with other members of the script development team to create a product that is likely to be financed and made.
Skills
Screenwriters must have an in-depth understanding of story, plot and narrative, and must also demonstrate the creative imagination required to project their vision on to the page, and to breathe life and individuality into their characters and the life-choices they make. They need to write visually, using sound and dialogue to support the action in order to create a credible and internally consistent story world. They need to understand how a screenwork manipulates and entertains its audience, and must be able to structure their work within a specific tone and genre to satisfy and transcend audience expectations. Screenwriters should be creative, dedicated, well organised, and capable of working as part of a team, to strict deadlines. They must be able to handle frequent rejection with equanimity. A large proportion of produced screen-works are Producer (not Screenwriter)-driven, and sometimes even superb screenplays do not get made. However, as writing a great screenplay can help Screenwriters to secure work on other projects, they must be both ambitious and realistic about their talents, the film industry, and their career prospects.
Qualifications/Experience
While no formal training is required to be a Screenwriter, Producers expect screenplays to be submitted in standard Mastershot format, and are unlikely to read submissions unless they are presented in this way. Prospective Screenwriters can attend one of a number of industry respected Screenwriting courses. More experienced Screenwriters may also wish to consider taking an MA in Screenwriting. Screenwriters must write a number of original short and feature screenplays 'on spec' (self-financed) in order to attract the attention of Producers and Agents. In addition to First Draft screenplays (a screenplay is always a First Draft screenplay until it is sold), Screenwriters should also prepare pitches, synopses and outlines, which may be required by Producers before they are prepared to read the screenplay itself.
Screenwriters are responsible for researching the story, developing the narrative, writing the screenplay, and delivering it, in the required format, to Development Executives. Screenwriters therefore have great influence over the creative direction and emotional impact of the screenplay and, arguably, of the finished film. They are almost always freelancers who either pitch original ideas to Producers in the hope that they will be optioned or sold, or who are commissioned by a Producer to create a screenplay from a concept, true story, existing screenwork or literary work, such as a novel, poem, play, comic book or short story. Screenwriting is emotionally and intellectually demanding, and requires an in-depth understanding of visual storytelling, and of the different ways that films affect audiences. Many more screenplays are commissioned than films are made, and only a very few top UK Screenwriters make enough money to sustain themselves entirely through writing screenplays. Screenwriters write in teams, and an additional Screenwriter may be recruited onto a project by the Producer to improve one or more aspects of the narrative. This Screenwriter may share a screenwriting credit with the original Screenwriter, or otherwise be credited for Additional Dialogue, or as a Story Consultant. In some cases the original Screenwriter may be replaced entirely by another Screenwriter, in which case the original Screenwriter may then receive a "Screenstory by..." credit on the finished film.
Responsibilities
Screenwriters provide a blueprint onto which the Producer, Director, Production Designer, Composer and Editor, cast and crew can graft their creative efforts. Screenwriters must be able to write a screenplay in which the reader can 'see' the film unfold cinematically in their imagination. The screenplay must therefore not only feature fascinating characters, an exciting plot, and a great premise for a marketable film, but it must also conform to the logical principles of dramatic construction, as well as to industry expectations regarding format and style. Screenwriters must produce highly creative writing, to strict deadlines, and they need to work constructively with other members of the script development team to create a product that is likely to be financed and made.
Skills
Screenwriters must have an in-depth understanding of story, plot and narrative, and must also demonstrate the creative imagination required to project their vision on to the page, and to breathe life and individuality into their characters and the life-choices they make. They need to write visually, using sound and dialogue to support the action in order to create a credible and internally consistent story world. They need to understand how a screenwork manipulates and entertains its audience, and must be able to structure their work within a specific tone and genre to satisfy and transcend audience expectations. Screenwriters should be creative, dedicated, well organised, and capable of working as part of a team, to strict deadlines. They must be able to handle frequent rejection with equanimity. A large proportion of produced screen-works are Producer (not Screenwriter)-driven, and sometimes even superb screenplays do not get made. However, as writing a great screenplay can help Screenwriters to secure work on other projects, they must be both ambitious and realistic about their talents, the film industry, and their career prospects.
Qualifications/Experience
While no formal training is required to be a Screenwriter, Producers expect screenplays to be submitted in standard Mastershot format, and are unlikely to read submissions unless they are presented in this way. Prospective Screenwriters can attend one of a number of industry respected Screenwriting courses. More experienced Screenwriters may also wish to consider taking an MA in Screenwriting. Screenwriters must write a number of original short and feature screenplays 'on spec' (self-financed) in order to attract the attention of Producers and Agents. In addition to First Draft screenplays (a screenplay is always a First Draft screenplay until it is sold), Screenwriters should also prepare pitches, synopses and outlines, which may be required by Producers before they are prepared to read the screenplay itself.
