Pippa Best, Script Editor
Credits include Yasmin and Blind Flight.
What does a script editor do?
A script editor works with a writer to help them create the best possible screenplay. They also need to help fulfil the requirements of the producers and financiers and be aware of the kind of film they want delivered.
It involves lots of meetings and cups of tea with the writer to talk about the story they want to tell and how best to communicate it to the audience. If a script is a bit slow or something in the story is not clear, I’ll help try and work out why that is. It’s all about helping them tell their story. It’s not about imposing your vision on them - that is the sign of a bad script editor.
First, I’ll read the screenplay right through as if I was watching a film at the cinema. At the end, I’ll write down if I got bored at a certain point or if I didn’t empathise with a character. Only when I’ve read it through a second time will I start to analyse the script. For example, I’ll ask if the reason I don’t empathise with a character is because I haven’t been shown enough of their motivation and so don’t understand their actions. We’ll then talk about that character - what they are like, what they want and what the writer wants the audience to feel about him or her, and look at ways in which the writer could clarify that in the script.
I’ll normally spend about five or six days working on one draft of a script with a writer. I’ll prepare for a day reading the script and choosing films for us to watch that might help give tips on structure. Then we’ll spend at least half a day meeting, followed by lots more conversations and emails as the writer works. I’ll probably comment on a rough draft too before it goes back to the producer.
What kind of skills do you need to become a script editor?
You have to love stories, be fascinated by human nature, be a diplomat, be a very good listener, tactful, responsive, have an innate understanding of film structure, love film, read lots of screenplays and watch lots of films.
The best way to start in the business is as a script reader writing reports on scripts for producers. At first you’ll probably have to offer to read for free - that’ll give you a chance to build up your experience and make contacts in the business.
There are courses you can do run by organisations like The Script Factory, Arista and regional film agencies to help improve your skills, and lots of good books available on screenwriting. It might also be a good idea to do a screenwriting course and worth trying your hand at writing a script yourself - if only to respect how hard it is for a writer to actually put a script together.
How did you get into the business?
I started as a runner working in documentaries and then in 1995 I joined a production company called Zephyr Films as a production assistant. It gave me a great overview of production. As part of the job, I would be given scripts to read to see if they would be of interest for us to produce. I got more and more involved in this area. Then Zephyr ran out of money and I was made redundant. It was hard at the time but turned out to be a very good thing as that was when I realised I wanted to be a script editor.
I touted myself around as a script reader and worked for Parallax for other producers and built up a number of freelance clients. In 1999 Zephyr got some more money and I went back as Head of Development.
Six years ago I realised I'd built up enough regular clients to allow me to move to Cornwall. I ran the Cornwall Film Festival in 2003, became Development Executive and then Project Director at Cornwall Film. I continue to enjoy working as a freelance script consultant through my company Pippa Best Script Consultancy. My website is:
