The screenwriters role in the script commissioning process.
By Haydn Taylor
The screenwriters role in the script commissioning process.
Introduction
In this report i will show my understanding of the screen
writers role in the commissioning process and give a detailed
explanation of the process a screen writer goes through in the
development of a script and the production of the script being put
forward to companies. I will be using secondary resources such as
websites, book and magazines.
Responsive, proactive and an open door to writers, BBC
writersoom is always looking at new ways to find and champion
talent for all BBC platforms.
This quote has been taken from the BBC writers room. The BBC
have created an easy way for screen writers to allow their work to
gain credibility and provide them with further development. This is
an example of how the BBCs commissioning process is done. From
researching into how the BBC commission scripts I have found that
in order for a script to be complete the script writer must have a
finished script around 30 pages long, equivalent to 30 minutes as
they find it easier to access. This is the script writers role
within the commissioning process according to the BBC.
Channel 4 offer 12 screenwriters a chance to gain an insight to
the industry and experience what its like to write for a television
company.
Writers will be expected to write an original, pilot one-hour
drama series or serial episode, and 2-3 page outline \ pitch for
the series \ serial as a whole. Each writer will be assigned a
script editor, who is currently working in the industry, to guide
them through this process. The writers will meet with their script
editors between the course weekends to discuss how to approach each
draft. Second draft scripts will be sent to the script editor and
two other writers on the course, for workshop discussions at the
second weekend.
In order for a screenwriter to be eligible for the channel 4
4talentextra course they must have created their own one hour pilot
for a series or episode and perform a pitch. If excepted the
screenwriters role is to meet up with a script editor working in
the industry to discus their original script. The second draft
scripts are then sent off to the script editor and two other
writers where the screenwriter will be in further discussion on how
to develop their script.
Attend an extensive weekend or week long writing course. Fellow
audiences are aspiring and establishing writers and key industry
professionals. Many writers get their first break through meeting
someone at a course
It is important for the screen writer to attend a certain amount
of time on a writing course. This gives them the chance to interact
with other aspiring writers and industry professions. This is
important for the screen writer to do within the commissioning
process as in the media industry it is what you know but who you
know. This is a good chance for screen writers to get their name
and idea out there.
The all important moment will come when a script editor or
professional reader opens your script at the first page and
instantly forms a judgement. This judgement will be based on the
style and presentation of your work. It will be a superficial
judgement and a work of quality will shine through the poorest
layout. But it makes sense to give a good impression; the
impression of a serious writer confident about his work.
The screen writer needs to make sure that their work is looking
professional before handing it into a company as bad presentation
will make the reader loose interest before even reading any of your
work.
New writers who telephone or write are usually asked to send in
an example of their previous work. If this is interesting they will
be asked to submit story ideas and/or write half a trial script. If
this is greeted with enthusiasm they will be commissioned to write
a single episode, and invited to their first script meeting.
When screen writers who reach out to an organisation by either
telephone or writing in the company will ask the writer to send in
previous work. The screen writer then needs to think about what
sort of work the company will be looking for and pick out their
best work to send in.
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Conclusion
After gaining knowledge of the commissioning process from the
resources above i have found out their are many things the screen
writer has to do in order to write a script and submit it to an
organisation. First of all to create a script you need to be very
creative and open minded to change as it is most likely going to be
changed slightly or hugely after submitting it to a company. In
order to finish a full script it is important for the screen
writers to attend writing courses to interact with other aspiring
writers and industry professions. I have found that organisations
such as the BBC have given aspiring writers an opportunity to have
their work seen and learn from the experience. In my opinion the
BBC and Channel 4 websites gave me a better understanding of the
screen writers role in the commissioning process as the books go in
detail on what is expected from screen writers and doesn't talk
much about the commissioning process itself.
References
Websites:http://4talent.channel4.com/extra/4SCDeirdre Alexander4
Screen Writinghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/about/Who we are and
what we do.
Books: How to... Write for television William Smethurst Page
81Page 93 ISBN 1-85703-045-1Screenwriting Ray Frensham Page 258
ISBN 0-340-85971-7
