WHAT DOES A SCREENWRITER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A What does a Screenwriter Do?)

DGA, SAG-AFTRA, WGA West and East / Photo Credit: Writers Guild of American West

WHAT DOES A SCREENWRITER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A What does a Screenwriter Do?)       

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

What Does A Screenwriter Do?

A screenplay writer (also called screenwriter for short), scriptwriter or scenarist is a writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs and video games, are based.

Every screenplay and teleplay begins with a thought or idea, and screenwriters use their ideas to write scripts, with the intention of selling them and having them produced. In some cases, the script is based on an existing property, such as a book or person's life story, which is adapted by the screenwriter. The majority of the time, a film project gets initiated by a screenwriter. The initiator of the project gets the exclusive writing assignment. They are referred to as "exclusive" assignments or "pitched" assignments. Screenwriters who often pitch new projects, whether original or an adaptation, often do not have to worry about competing for assignments and are often more successful. When word is put out about a project a film studio, Production Company, or producer wants done, they are referred to as "open" assignments. Open assignments are more competitive. If screenwriters are competing for an open assignment, more-established writers usually win the assignments. A screenwriter can also be approached and personally offered a writing assignment.

Screenwriting is a freelance profession. No education is required to become a professional screenwriter, just good storytelling abilities and imagination. Screenwriters are not hired employees but contracted freelancers. Most, if not all, screenwriters start their careers writing on speculation (spec) and so write without being hired or paid for it. If such a script is sold, it is called a spec script. What separates a professional screenwriter from an amateur screenwriter is that professional screenwriters are usually represented by a talent agency. Also, professional screenwriters do not often work for free, but amateur screenwriters will often work for free and are considered "writers in training." Spec scripts are usually penned by unknown professional screenwriters and amateur screenwriters.

Every film, whether blockbuster hit or shoestring indie, begins with a screenplay. It is said that there have only ever been seven plots (boy meets girl, etc.), and everything else is derivative—you’re always just rewriting Shakespeare. That being said, it remains the screenwriter’s challenge to create a story that becomes the blueprint for a fresh, entertaining escape into 120 minutes of fantasy, horror, romance, or adventure.

Duties

The screenwriter’s journey toward a movie deal starts with the pitch meeting. A concise, dynamic presentation illustrates to the producer that you are capable of crafting a compelling script with engaging characters. Based on a successful pitch, the producer will enter into a contract with the screenwriter to draft a script. For members and signatories of the Writers Guild of America there are specific rules that govern this contract. Writers who enter into an agreement for work with a WGA signatory are required to become members and remain in good standing with the WGA. The contract will detail upfront the screenwriter’s salary, length of time he or she has to complete the first draft, deadline for the read and notes to be completed, and subsequent rewrites.

At any point in the process the producer may decide to replace the commissioned screenwriter or kill the project; then it’s back to pounding the pavement for meetings. If the screenplay receives the green light to go into production, the writer will be held to the initial contract that outlined stipulations for any on-set passes (rewrites), consultation during editing, and publicity appearances at screenings.

Skills & Education

A degree is not required for work as a screenwriter, but a relevant education is invaluable. Majors in creative writing, English, or film production are helpful. Courses in literary theory will help you craft your own unique voice by studying criticism of other authors. Scriptwriting may be included in the creative writing track or be available as part of a university’s film degree. It is recommended that you take classes in entertainment business to learn how to properly manage your career as a freelancer. Screenwriters should certainly have storytelling talent, but just as important is a realistic understanding of the industry, a skin thick enough to take constructive criticism, and a gift for networking. Having the passion and charisma to charm the pants off any room of jaded executives doesn’t hurt, either.

Skills needed to work in film and TV scripts

• A keen understanding of film narrative, and knowledge of current audience tastes and future trends…
• A passion for cinema and film making…
• An understanding of their organization’s specific development needs…
• Ability to search out new talent and cultivate creative relationships…
• Excellent all-round communication skills…
• Ability to troubleshoot story problems with creativity, discretion and great flexibility…
• Keen insight into all aspects of screenplay tone, genre, style, structure, character, plot, action and dialogue…
• An understanding of the various development stages, including: log lines, premises, synopses, beat outlines, step-outlines, treatments and rough drafts…
• A keen understanding of how to use the dramatist's tools, including comic irony, suspense, mystery and dramatic tension, and of the different ways that screen works affect audience…
• Knowledge of the production company's requirements and the current market/trends for films…
• Shrewd interpersonal and negotiation skills, liaising effectively…
• Familiarity with screenplay format and layout, and with the required contents of a reader's report…
• An understanding of the art of the synopsis and the screenplay development process…
• Awareness of developments in the arts and culture, with particular regard to new works in film, fiction and poetry… 

What to Expect

Filmmaking is a collaborative process. Producers, directors, stars, and studio executives all make cuts and contributions to the script; it is a living, breathing body that is constantly evolving until the film is in the can. You cannot afford to be overly protective of your work, nor can you take it too hard when the screenplay you slaved over for months is suddenly hacked and slashed to fit a new vision—that’s show business.

An agent is a great asset to a screenwriter; the agent uses his or her own contacts and the reputation of the firm to shop your work around the studios. It is also recommended that you register any spec material with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress. Look for opportunities to attend events like the American Film Market, screenwriting workshops, and film festivals as a chance to network. Opinions on the screenwriting contests and open pitch festivals are mixed; do your research beforehand and understand that while some may have success going that route, it is not a guaranteed “in” to a movie deal.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS,

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DGA, SAG-AFTRA, WGA West and East / Photo Credit: Writers Guild of American West