Script Development & The Commissioning Process

By Nick McCabe

Writers Room

‘BBC writers room is always on the lookout for fresh, new, talented writers for a changing Britain. When we find them, we do everything we can to get their voice heard and their work produced for BBC film, TV and radio – for drama, comedy, and

children’s programmes’ 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/

They take in scripts and analyse them to see certain skills from a writer, if they produce good enough work, there scripts will get sent back to the writer with feedback on the sheet.

STEPS-

STEPS-

Writers Room

What They Accept And Don't Accept

‘Accept-Full unsolicited scripts (or episodes) for film, TV drama, radio drama, TV and radio sitcom. Also stage plays, but only as a calling card for a writer's talent’Don’t accept –‘Spec scripts for existing shows – we want to see your original work.Script samples, short stories, novels, sketches, or ideas/treatments for programmes.Scripts sent by email - we don't have the resources to print them or assess them on screen.Scripts for short films. Adaptations of other people's work. Work sent in from overseas’ (online)

I found out that to send in a script, you have to abide by the rules, which include all the above. Also you can NOT send copious amounts of scripts off to the BBC, only one will get analysed and sent back with feedback.BBC writers room gives writers a chance to become a professional and show there true writing skills.

Writers Room

What they look for....

‘We look for the best new writers and best writers new to the BBC with the potential to be developed and produced for BBC broadcast.’ ‘We look for what the script tells us about the writer. We see all scripts as a calling card of a writer’s talent, ability, and voice. ‘’We look for what a writer can deliver in script form rather than ideas to make.’

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/terms_and_conditions.shtml

I found that there clearly passionate about who writes for them and what potential they can see in a writer. Also rather then idea generating the focus is on what they can deliver...

The TV’s writers vault

Scripted Projects –

(TV Movies, Mini-Series, Drama Series, Sitcom)

‘When considering to pitch a script or idea for a TV show that would be scripted (Sitcom, Movie, Drama Series, Mini-Series) its important to understand the process that an executive or TV Producer undertakes in getting a television show produced. Knowing this process will help you bring the most valuable elements within your ability and resources to any Producer that would consider purchasing your screenplay or treatment

http://www.tvwritersvault.com/creating/creatingScripted.asp

Knowing how a producer creates these films , in order to get the write written script, it’d help if the producer can relate to the script and work with it , that’s when you’re in the spotlight for writing and get the right “elements within your ability.

The TV’s writers vaultLoglines - Loglines -

Loglines-

The Short Pitch!  The one-liner that tells what your show is-

A "Logline" is a one or two sentence description that tells the basic premise and purpose of a TV show idea’ ‘Loglines for the sake of pitching a project are similar to a TV Guide description of a show, but more specific in describing the concept of the program. This is the catalyst for increasing the odds of selling a script or idea for a television show.’

http://www.tvwritersvault.com/creating/creatingLoglines.asp

To make a script more interesting this piece of information is useful, and I trembled along the fact that to make a script readable u need to pitch ure ideas (exiting) (Not boring)for your scripts then the actual TV show/film its self will enhance.

How to write for television pg 17

I've found that to keep your story/scripts intact from the start, you need to have a dilemma/situation that's interesting and readable , maybe exitment,a twist etc. Violence, conflict. Also as well as the start, the ending needs to be as good, for example at the end of tortured they find that they have bin torturing the complete opposite man witch creates a brilliant twist to the story. Other techniques used for resolutions are cliff hangers....witch are very effective for the script.

How to write for television pg 27

After reading about visual interest, it shows that its not all about a good idea , you have to have an idea that's creative , interesting and shows how the ‘story develops’ .Simple techniques like using pictures instead of words, allot of movement to keep the momentum and try not to set the beginning in an office or a dull setting. Make sure the setting is visually interesting and catches the viewers eyes

How to write for television pg 30,31

Dramatic tension is created in numerous amounts of ways , one main way is to get the viewers involved in the story and the characters and a technique for that as quoted :”emotion-happiness, shock, tears. It is distressing but people are fascinated by other peoples emotions. As a stepping stone to have a dramatic Script humorous language and gestures make viewers feel comfortable .

How to write for television pg 49

The key to plant an idea for a character is developing throughout, there are 4 main key steps that helps : Character assassination-Character development-The thought process-Character names. If there's a situation in the script and its looking dull, boring etc. Have the characters do something unusual witch catches viewers eyes and bring them into the story easier and will “cause a temporary sensation”

Analysis Of Research

Within the research I found out allot about script writing , it mostly involves around keeping the viewers keen and imaginative minds for characterization. Also if I were to write a script now , allot more help and techniques can be developed with doing research and gathering information.

Nick McCabe

Conclusion

What I found out....

By looking at various research sites & books such as (BBC Writers Room, How to write for television &TV writers vault) most views and information is from a professional perspective and that script writing is taken as serious as any other development within writing for television, films etc. To elaborate script writing takes allot of quality developing and idea generation so that the script becomes to the best standard it can be. as well as looking on the internet to gather information , books are also a source of quality information and help you understand how everything is done within the industry of script writing. By conducting this research I now have more knowledge and an understanding.