Roles of a Script Writer

Obtaining work as a scriptwriter- Commissioning

Within the commissioning company there is several different job roles some of these job roles are:

Commissioning editors

Producers 

Directors 

Script editors 

Agents 

Writers 

Commissioning editors

Most television programmes will start with an idea that is pitched to a CommissioningEditor at a channel. ... A small team, or maybe one person, will work on the idea to show that it is worth developing into a full length programme or series.

Most television programmes will start with an idea that is pitched to a Commissioning Editor at a channel. Largely these ideas will have been developed by an independent production company – most channels will not accept pitches from individuals. If the Commissioning Editor is interested in the idea then it will go into further development, in some cases with a budget to support that work. A small team, or maybe one person, will work on the idea to show that it is worth developing into a full length programme or series. This could involve doing further research, finding contributors or writing a script.  When a programme ideal has final approval, it is ‘green lit’. This means that a production schedule and contract will be drawn up and the programme will go into production.  Or in other words this means the programme/series will be allowed to go ahead as it fits in within the budget required. Also the TV programme/film will be saw as a potential success. 

Producers

A television producer is a person who oversees all aspects of video production on a television programme. Some producers take more of an executive role, in that they conceive new programs and pitch them to the television networks, but upon acceptance they focus on business matters, such as budgets and contracts. Other producers are more involved with the day-to-day workings, participating in activities such as set design, casting and directing. Today in the television industry there are more than one producer… There is over ten producers for every film. Sometimes the main actors of the film can be the exclusive editors. Some of the producers categorize from exclusive producers to coordinating producer. Here is a list of the kinds of producers that take part in making a film.

Exclusive producer

Co-executive producer

Supervising producer 

Producer 

Co-producer

Consulting producer

Production consultant 

Associate producer 

Assistant producer 

That is just a few of the producers that make a film. It is said on average for every film made there is at least ten film producers… maybe more, maybe less. 

Directors 

A film director is a person who directs the making of a film. A film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfilment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of filmmaking. Under European Union law, the director is viewed as the author of the film. 

The film director gives direction to the cast and crew and creates an overall vision through which a film eventually becomes realized, or noticed. Directors need to be able to mediate differences in creative visions and stay within the boundaries of the film's budget. 

There are many pathways to becoming a film director. Some film directors started as screenwriters, cinematographers, film editors or actors. Other film directors have attended a film school. Directors use different approaches. Some outline a general plotline and let the actors improvise dialogue, while others control every aspect, and demand that the actors and crew follow instructions precisely. Some directors also write their own screenplays or collaborate on screenplays with long-standing writing partners. Some directors edit or appear in their films, or compose the music score for their films. 

Script editors 

A script editor is a member of the production team of scripted television programmes, usually dramas and comedies. The script editor has many responsibilities including finding new script writers, developing storyline and series ideas with writers, and ensuring that scripts are suitable for production. The script editor will work closely with the writer at each draft of the script, giving the writer feedback on the quality of the work, suggesting improvements that can be made whilst also ensuring that practical issues like show continuity and correct running time are adhered to. Unlike the writers, script editors will usually be full-time members of the production team, working closely with the producer, if the script writer is not a producer.

Agents

Media agencies advise companies on how and where to advertise, and on how to present a positive picture of themselves to the public. Primary services include advertising, public relations and other forms of media management.

Media agencies were first launched with their main focus being the transaction of media space more efficiently than the mainstream advertising agencies, which had previously managed the process of media buying. A media agency ensures that a marketing message appeals to consumers, appears in the right place, at the right time and that the advertiser pays the best possible price.

There are cases, mainly within the large conglomerates, where both media and creative agencies are housed under one roof, however their P&L usually remains separate.

Writers

Writers are very important in the media industry. They are responsible for research in the making of films and programmes. They research things like marketing and location scouting etc. The writers need to have a creative mind. In the process of this they need to be able to develop and engage the reader with engaging narrative and emotional impact. This means the script and other sorts of writing etc. needs to have the reader on point and interested. Also in this role the writer has to write the screenplay to meet the brief in the appropriate format. Which basically means that the screen play need to meet the standards of the project that they are making. Like if it was a film. Then the standards need to be quite high. Also the screenplay needs to be engaging towards the target audience, and needs to grasp their attention. Most writers or even the vast majority of writers are freelancers. Which means they work on their own terms and do not work for a company. Sometimes in necessary writers will work in teams.

Commissioning Bodies 

CorporationsAlmost all the pitching of ideas for big corporations (e.g. Fox, Sony, Disney, Universal) goes through established relationships – this provides a ‘safe bet’ of already known names who have already worked for big companies, indies or agents.

Corporations can give up and coming writers the opportunity to submit their scripts to them and if the corporation particularly enjoys someone’s script they may commission the script to be made for one of their channels. 

For example, on the BBC website you can access a range of scripts that people have submitted and download them to read - this also gives the BBC a bigger insight into what is popular amongst the public. 

Independent Production Companies

There are hundreds of independent companies in Britain this means. If you need an independent company, there is plenty out of there for you to use. They strike deals with other companies to produce material (e.g. this could be for broadcast on a network).  Writers may submit work directly to IPC’s. Different companies are known for different genres and work to varying budgetary capabilities. 

Independent Directors

An independent director is a director which in the industry prefers to work to work alone. He/she prefers to do the work/project their own way instead of someone telling them what they have to do and when it has to be done. An independent director likes to set their own deadlines for projects.

Organisations

MediaOrganization Law and Legal Definition. The term "mediaorganization" means “a person or entity engaged in disseminating information to the general public through a newspaper, magazine, other publication, radio, television, cable television, or other medium of mass communication. There are also a number of organisations that are set up to assist prospective writers to kick-start a career in media. Some of the main organisations are: 

BBC Writers Room

Good in a Room

BFI Film Academy,

These are the main organization within the media industries.  Organisations also supports writers across different platforms. Such as media including film, online, radio, theatre, TV and videogames. 

Competitions 

There are numerous screenwriting competitions available for entry with cash prizes. So every screenwriting competition there is several different companies who will enter not just for the cash prize. But just because they are proud of the projects. 

Winning screenplay contests is not an automatic ticket to success, but your work is more likely to be read by potential managers, agents, and producers. This is an opportunity to maybe succeed within the media industry.  For example, the AcademyNichollFellowshipsinScreenwriting and AustinScreenwritingCompetition- there is a proven track record of writers who have sold scripts, gotten representation, and launched their careers based on winning these screenwriting contests. In the UK FilmFreeway run three competitions, with all winners since 2013 being in pre-production or production, with some winning awards.

Section 2: working as a writer- The demands and requirements

Professional Presentation

Professional presentation is where a company, give their ideas over to other companies professionally. They do it within a friendly and engaging manor . 

Agent representation

An agent is someone who looks after the sales and the work loadof a client. The amount of pay the agent receives is all dependent on how much the client and the agents agree how much the fixed percentage is, which is usually between 10-25%.  

They will take the fixed percentage from how much the client ever makes due to the work of the agent.  Depending on how much their client is involved with the project. Will depend on how much they will get percentage they will get. The agent will negotiate the saleto publishers, theatrical producers and film producers. Some well know publishing companies will not accept clients unless they have an agentto represent them. Having a well-known and more experienced agent is a bigadvantageas they will already have contacts to send on the work. Submissions via a professional source (e.g. an agent or manager) are known as solicitedsubmissions.  Those done individually are known as unsolicitedsubmissions. 

Communication 

Scriptwriters must be able to communicate their ideas effectively when pitching a product. This is because they need their idea to sound engaging and better than any other pitch that other screenwriters are putting out there. When liaising and networking with other industry professionals need to be able to talk and communicate with others within the project. When communicating to their audience via their written work the screenwriters need to have an engaging and emotion attitude towards their screenwriting so that the audience become interested. 

Time management 

 Time management is making sure time is divided correctly is very important when writing scripts. A disadvantage of time management is wasting time can cause scripts to remain unfinished for extensive periods of time.  Which is not essential at all for being a scriptwriter as you need everything to be finished in time for filming. Sometimes if left unfinished for song long, a writer can end up losing interest and end up giving up. Time management is even more important when a script has been commissioned and the writer has to work with a whole team of people that are relying on the script to be done at a certain time. If deadlines are not met, it can have caused strained relationships with people in the commissioning purposes especially agents and producers. 

Royalty payments 

Royalty payments are payments that writers will receive from the sales of books and films along with the use of the script. So this is when books and films are sold, the script writer will get a certain percentage of that money made. This is why it is called a royalty payment. Royalty payments are split up between the writer, the agent, and the producers. So this means that all three roles will get an equal percentage of payment, if successful. The payments writers receive can be varied. So sometimes depending on how good the screenplay is will depend on how much the writer will get payed. 

Collaboration

Writers will often have to work with other professionals in order to produce a project. This could be with other writers on a script, or even with producers and directors if they have been asked to produce specific material. You need to have certain skills. You need to be able to work in a team. Also you need to be able to work with different pieces of work. Some days you could be working by yourself and some days you may be working with directors and producers.

Handing Over Control

Once the script is sold the writer only has the rights that were agreed with the purchaser. Screenwriters are rarely involved in the development of a film. Sometimes they come on as advisors, or if they are established, as a producer. Although many scripts are sold each year, many do not make it into production because the amount of scripts that are purchased every year outnumber the amount of professional directors that are working in the film and TV industry.

Some scripts are ‘optioned’ which means the production company buy the rights for a period of time with the option of making it – while they hold the rights nobody else can produce the script.

Legal and ethical considerations 

Copyright

You can't copyright an idea, but you can copyright your script. So you can copy someone else’s idea and get away with it. But if you copy their script. Then you have copyright their script.  As you work digitally, a date is created in the file and this automatically attaches the copyright to you and the date. So when you submit data it will automatically get submitted as copyright. You don’t have to worry about it not getting copyrighted. You should put the copyright symbol and your non the front page and every page of the script. If you don’t do this the people can steal your work. You can take extra steps such as registering it with a bank or solicitor, sending it to yourself special delivery (and not opening it) to prove its creation date. Copyright lasts for the life of the writer plus 70 years.

Plagiarism

Writers have to be very careful about how similar their products are to existing works.  It is an actionable offence to infringe on somebody’s copyright or trademark. Plagiarism covers a spectrum for word for word copying to changing some words, to copying ideas and arguments.  

Learning Aim C

https://showreelmediastudies.blogspot.com

Learning Aim A+B

Script For Affiliation

Script affiliation deluxe from Luke CG 

This is the script for the project "Affiliation". This was a collabrative project, but we all put together a different part of the project. I have put together scene 1. There was me and four of my peers who put together this script. Five scene between us which means a scene each. I did scene 1 as i believe it is the best way to set the scene, as well as set the atmosphere. 

Editing Techniques

Editing techniques

I have been asked to analyse these specific clips and provide good examples of various editing techniques from past and present.

●      Battleship Potemkin: The Complete Odessa Steps Sequence, documents an early use of montage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laJ_1P-Py2k 

●      Way Down East - DW Griffith, Early Example of Parallel editing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI2e3pXat54  

●      Example of Parallel Editing in "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts1x6uADFtM

●      Rocky III Training montage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4soF2wigKSM

●        Team America  - spoof montage explains the use of montage well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhWiTORp22k

Battle Potemkin

First I will be analysing Battleship Potemkin. There are several different editing techniques within this short clip. One of these specific techniques is called “Dissolve Fading”. This is the technical term for this editing technique. This could have been used for several different reasons. One of these reasons being the fade will make the audience be on the edge of their chairs. This one specific technique reference was used so that this purpose could be achieved. It was achieved as it grasps the audiences’ attention and makes them want to watch more of the silent film.  The “Dissolve Fade” technique was used so that it is effective on the audience.  It was very effective because the Dissolve Fade helps create tension for the audience. Also the fade will slowly show the audience what will happen within the next scene.

Another technique that this silent film uses is “Quick Cut Shots”. This montage uses quick cuts to give the audience a sense of urgency and dread. By cutting to shots of people fleeing down the stairs, the audience feels the urgency they feel, while at the same time feeling concerned for their safety. This concern is only heightened by cutting to the stunning shots of the feet of the soldiers walking down the stairs. The sense of intensity and concern hits an all-time high as we see the baby carriage falling down the stairs with the baby inside. By cutting to shots of shocked onlookers, we as well get a feeling of shock and horror after observing the preceding events. Meaning is used so that he audience can see what is happening within the scene. As well as feel as though they are apart of the movie.

Way Down East

The second movie clip I have decided to analyze is “Way Down West”.  The purpose of this is to grasp the attention of all the audience. The meaning of this is to make the audience aware of what is happening in the world. There are different kinds of editing in this clip.  This is successfully achieved due to this specific editing technique. Which is “Parallel Editing”.  This technical editing is the technique of alternating two or more scenes that often happen simultaneously but in different locations. One possible purpose for this editing technique being used could be that it wants the audience to know what is going on in different places within the movie. It uses three different location shots in this clip. We are presented with an ice land that is defrosting and melting. Then we are presented with a woman lying down.  Lastly we are presented with a character running across ice melting.  

This is effective for many different reasons. One of these reasons is because its engagement. The interest and engagement of this clip is effective as it makes the audience feel sorrow for this specific character within this clip. So the effectiveness of the clip has been successful.

The silence of the lambs

Thirdly I have decided to analyse the clip Silence Of The Lambs. This clip I my opinion was very interesting. The meaning of this clip/movie was to mislead he audience.  The purpose of this specific clip was to grab the viewer’s attention and interest. The technical name of the technique used to achieve this purpose and meaning is “Parallel Editing”. There is only two different locations/ scenes used in this Parallel Editing. These two scenes are, a criminal keeping someone hostage and the armed forces targeting a house.  This technique achieves the purpose as it creates tension for the viewer. Little things such as medium-long shots and close ups help achieve this.  Towards the end of the clip the audience are mislead. This is because the audience think that the armed force has located the criminal. Where really they are at the wrong house. This is where the audience starts to get suspicious about whose house they have broken into etc. 

This is effective as it makes the audience feel mysterious as well as on edge. That was also a possible purpose of the movie. This clip also is effective as grasps the audience attention into wanting to watch more.

Rocky III- Montage

Fourthly I have decided to analyse Rocky III montage.  The purpose of this clip is to show the audience what is happening. As well as what the main character is doing to succeed. The meaning of the clip is so that the audience can understand what Rocky is training for and why he is doing it. This is successfully achieved due to the technical term “montage” this is successfully used as it shows a series of shots, which are condensed into a period of time. This montage also gives off a lot of information across to the audience.  Montages like the Rocky montage are usually referred to as “Soviet montage Theory”. This is because this montage is over a period of time.

There has been different kind of techniques used to help support the main purpose, which have been camera angles. Camera angles, which have been used successfully, are panning shots, medium- long shots and long shots. These specific shots help achieve the meaning and purpose.

These are effective as they help grasp the attention and engagement of the viewer. It also grasps the audience’s interest. This is because when montage is used it shows the target audience what is happening over a certain time period. Which means this is vital information that audiences need to know about.

Team America

Finally, the last clip I have decided to analyse is Team America.  A possible purpose of this clip is to get the point across to the viewer what the characters are trying to do. The meaning of this clip is for the clip to grasp the viewer’s attention as well as their interest.  The technique used for this clip is called a “montage” a montage is successfully used for many different reasons. One of these reasons being the production tem who made this clip want to get the idea across to the viewer that this character need intense training to become a soldier. That’s when the montage comes into place.  This is achieved successfully as it is supported by the camera angles in the shots.

This is effective because it engages the audience and helps achieve the possible/ actual purpose of the clip. The audience and viewers are intrigued and interested in the clip, as a successful montage has been used.

Single Camera Techniques

Single camera techniques

Single camera productions are where the single-camera setup, or single-camera mode of production, is a method of filmmaking and video production. ... Each of the various shots and camera angles is taken using the same camera, which is moved and reset to get each shot or new angle. The lighting setup is typically reconfigured for each camera setup.

Here are a couple of examples of how different techniques are used over the years, from over the history of Hollywood. Featuring from early Hollywood to present day.

Single camera techniques have evolved a long way. All the way from the 1500s.

The multiple-camera setup, multiple-camera mode of production, multi-camera or simply multicam is a method of filmmaking and video production. Several cameras either film or professional video cameras are employed on the set and simultaneously record or broadcast a scene. It is often contrasted with single-camera setup, which uses one camera. In my opinion I believe that multi- camera productions are the better choice out of the two. This is because when you have more than one camera on set it is easier to record scenes from the video you are making where as if you only have one camera you are only restricted to working at one scene at a time. Also, if you have two or more camera you have more/different angles of the scene to record. If you use a multi-camera production you could record more than one scene at a time, this is because you are not restricted to one camera. Single camera productions differ to multi camera productions in many different ways. One of these ways is that with single camera productions you are budgeted to only one camera and one set. Where as if you are recording a multi camera production you have all the freedom in the world to record.

Advantages of single camera techniques

There are many different advantages to single camera techniques. Here are a few advantages of single camera techniques.

·      Cheaper

·      More control

·      Practicality

·      Flexibility

·      Easier footage

When using a single camera technique can make the production cheaper. This is an essential advantage as it means that the company producing the movie/video don’t need to go over their budget. A second advantage is directors’ control. This is also a good advantage as it gives the director more control of every shot where as in multi camera production there would be someone with the responsibility of that specific camera. So, the director might find it hard to access footage on different cameras. The third advantage is practicality. This is a good advantage to single camera production. This is because the production team are not limited to how much space is needed to set up things like the different shots and different scenes etc. Fourthly I have used the advantage flexibility. This is a good advantage as you don’t need to worry about other cameras getting in the shot. This allows the director and camera team to be more flexible with shots. The last advantage I have chosen is easier footage. This is because with all the footage being on one camera it is easier to access. Where as if the footage was scattered around different camera it would be difficult to find with specific footage is needed.

Disadvantages of single camera productions

There are just as many disadvantages from singe camera productions as there as advantages. Here are five disadvantages from single camera production.

·      Angles

·      Post-production time

·      The director

·      Repetition

·      Editing time.

Angles can be a disadvantage when using single camera productions. The most important disadvantage is angles this is because shooting with single-camera production is that you only get one angle at a time. When you shoot with multi cameras you can capture several different things happening at once.  The second disadvantage is post-production time.  This is a disadvantage because you will be spending a lot more time in the editing room because all the film will be from one camera and all of your outtakes and mistakes will have to be sorted out over time.  The director can be a disadvantage because the director get no control over every shot so this can be a disadvantage because you are not too clear on what you are shooting so you are stuck with the overall footage weather it is good or bad. Repetition is also a disadvantage because you repeat the same shot 3 times to get each angle as you can only get one at a time where as the use of multiple cameras you are able to capture everything at once. Also editing time is a disadvantage because you will be spending a lot of time in the editing suit because of all the shot that have been taken with multiple cameras you could shoot different angles and takes at the same time.

Single camera techniques analysis

•     The Shinning-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W7uKverqX8

 In the film the shinning there has been lots of camera and editing techniques, the use of these techniques have helped this film fit the genre of horror and they have helped make this film scary and put the viewer on edge these techniques have made this film on of the more popular horror films of its time. The single camera technique was used by this film to make sure it was made in the way the director wanted it to come across to the viewers which is different to the multi-camera shoot. By using the single camera techniques, it can create a number of different shots for the film to make it more shocking and scarier for the viewers which is needed to be taking into consideration for the film genre. A Steadicam was also used in the production of the film this new type of technology helped create some part of the film. The use of the cameramen using a Steadicam will then take footage with a smooth atmosphere and no unsteady movements etc.

Requiem for a Dream (2000)- analysis-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlETkY6ogRg

This is a film based around the era 2000, single camera techniques are used very successfully throughout the film especilly during the scnes provided. There is a specific scene that uses the technique snorricam. This technique is required for the camera to be strapped on the actors body. Facing either towards the character or away from the character.  But in this specifi scene we are provided  witht the snorricam being a close-up of the characters face.  This is benificial for the audience as they get to know why the camera is in that position. They also get a connection witht the character as it gives the audience a feel of what the character is feeling. The audience are aware tha the director is using this specific technique so that they can feel/understand what emotons he character is feeling. By the use of acting skills the actor portrays to the audience that he s feeling panic and terror. By knowing this the audience they are provided with a extrauninary scene. As they feel for the chaacter.  This will definitley stand out to the crowd/audience as they feel as though they are in the moment. The continuity of this scene is successful as each individual frame is in time and flows successfully.