Scriptwriting
Scriptwriters write scripts (duh). Those who write film and TV
programs are also known as screenwriters or
scenarists. Scriptwriters write for plays and
radio programmes as well, whether it is an original piece of work
or an adaptation. Basically, they write what performers will
speak.
Examples of
Scriptwriting
- complete plays
- short or feature-length films
- radio drama or soap opera
- self-contained episodes for a comedy or crime series
- series for novels or stories
- short sketches for comedy shows
- ideas or questions for panel games or quiz shows
- short stories
Careers
You can write scripts for television, commercials, radio programs,
films and plays.
A lot of writers write scripts and try to sell them - also known as
"spec scripts". Only a handful of spec-scripts are
produced every year.
"Script doctors" help change scripts to suit a
studio network or director. They rewrite parts of a screenplay to
improve dialogue, pacing or other elements. They are in essence
"ghostwriters" and are often uncredited. Famous script doctors
include Judd Apatow, Quentin Tarantino, and Kevin Smith.
Script-doctoring can be quite lucrative and pay well.
A screenwriter might write up a pitch, a short
presentation for a show or movie to prospective buyers. He or she
might be given an assignment - a rewrite of
another person's script.
Salary
How much you make depends on how many scripts you sell - whether it
is by the episode, by the minute or by the play.
Writing an episode of The Archers (BBC Radio 4), earns
around £650-£860, depending on the writer's input
and experience.
Many scriptwriters aren't able to support themselves from
scriptwriting alone. The best scriptwriters, however, can be paid
up to the millions. The movies The Sixth Sense and
Twister had scripts which were purchased for $2.5 million.
The spec script for the film The Long Kiss Goodnight was
sold for $4 million.
Qualifications
Having a degree in journalism, theatre or English is very useful.
In addition to taking relevant courses in school, here are some
attributes which will help you in your career:
- Ability to cope with fierce competition
- Above-average command of English
- Awareness of the differences between the written and spoken word
- Ability to reproduce the rhythm of speech in various dialects
- Resilience to cope with rejection or radical alteration of your work
- Strong belief in your work
- Self-discipline to cope with the solitary nature of the work
- Computer skills
- Networking and marketing skills when dealing with producers and agents
