Unit 24: Task 1

Working as a Script Writer

Initial Task
Research current practice for the commissioning of scripts; contracts and employers
expectations; the legal and ethical considerations that concern writers and prepare and deliver a
presentation in which you comprehensively explain the writer's role in the commissioning
process with elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly.
What’s the Purpose?
A script writer is somebody who takes on the role of creating an original piece of writing for a
film or television show that is crafted to suit the characters or presenter of the show being written
for. ‘The role of a scriptwriter is to provide this to a master, professional level so that the
audience enjoy the programme. Programming itself is fueled by the way the script is written and
how the writer develops upon the characters that the creative department and the actors
themselves portray the characters.’
Duties & Responsibilities
‘The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties:
 Develop and research ideas for original movie screenplays.
 Create an initial framework, or treatment, for screenplays.
 Write or adapt a story into a script.
 Meet with film executives to pitch screenplays and ideas.
 Weave together visual elements in scenes with plot and dialogue.
 Work with producers and directors to edit and adjust the script as needed.’
As of information from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/screenwriter-screenwriting-as-a-career-1283468

Screenwriters develop scripts derived from their own ideas or other existing ideas or work. When
writing scripts, screenwriters are responsible for describing the stories in detail, including
physical environments and the moods of the characters. Films and televisions shows require the
use of these scripts. Prior to production of a film or show, screenwriters might produce a
synopsis and several scenes of a story. A shooting script is then prepared. The shooting script
entails camera, lighting and shot instructions. During the preproduction process, screenwriters
must take into account the ideas of directors and producers they are working with. They should
possess the ability to work and collaborate with others. Screenwriters may be asked to rewrite or
make various versions of the scripts they are working on.
The duty of a scriptwriter on a television project is to produce the script for the series that they
are hired and signed onto write for. Alike other jobs in the film industry there are a few
requirements for gaining a job as a scriptwriter. ‘You must have the ability to write successfully,
with flare and take risks with where the script goes, applying as much creativity as possible to
every part of the script that is written’.
Requirements of a Script Writer
Though no formal education is required, screenwriters usually gain knowledge and skills from
previous experience. They usually possess prior experience as freelance writers or editors.
Creativity and talent are essential when seeking a career in screenwriting. Patience, self-
motivation and the ability to accept criticism are also essential. Screenwriters must also be able
to understand filmmaking, possess creative writing skills and be an expert in film language.
Legislation & Ethical Considerations
All script writers in the industry must ensure to keep the legal and ethical considerations in mind
when creating a script for a new television series or film. The issues include conflict of interest,
copyright, censorship, watersheds and plagiarism.
What are these? – Information provided by http://johnpitwell.blogspot.com/2015/02/task-3-legal-and-ethical-
considerations.html

Copyright: ‘Copyright is a concept used by most governments which gives the creator of work
the exclusive rights to it, however usually for a limited period of time. Copyrighting your work
means that you are protected against plagiarism and that you have proof of ownership for that
script. Writers must properly copyright their work otherwise their content and ideas will be
stolen by another writer. On their manuscripts, the copyright must be clearly exposed. It must
appear on the front cover of the script and on the foot of every page in the script. When the
reader looks at the writer’s script, they will notice that it will not have the right to the steal
content unless it has permission from the writer’.
Censorship: ‘Censorship is the suppression of film content which may be considered harmful to
audiences. Film/TV programs often have guidelines which state what audiences the content is
suitable for. The classifications are U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18 & R18. These classification
guidelines protect groups of people, for example children viewing content that would be
unsuitable for them. All films and television programs and even adverts have to be classified to
protect viewers and to allow people to make appropriate choices. For example if an adult was
choosing a film for a child then they would know that a 15 would be unsuitable for that child to
watch. Censorship also protects people from offensive content, it does this by highlighting what
the film/TV program contains, often on the back of the cover or in the TV guide if it is on
television. It highlights content such as violence, nudity and swearing’.
Watersheds: ‘Watersheds are the point of time at which adult programs may be broadcast on TV.
Programs that contain things such as violence, nudity and sexual intercourse aren't allowed to be
shown before watershed, and only programs that are suitable for family viewing are allowed to
be broadcast. The time for watershed in the UK is 9pm. If I was to put adult content in my script
it would have to be shown after watershed, meaning that possibly fewer people would view it.
When I write my script I will think about what content is appropriate and what shouldn't be
depicted, even after watershed. For example, even if sexual intercourse is permitted to be shown
after the watershed I would have to think carefully before using it.’
Plagiarism: ‘Plagiarism is the act of taking someone else's idea or work and trying to pass it off
as your own. The risk of plagiarism means that a writer must be especially careful when
releasing work, and must be completely certain that the idea and work is their own. There are
services online that can scan your work to make sure that there are similar articles already out
there. If a writer commits plagiarism the original author of that work has the right to take legal
action which could end up with suing or in some cases a prison sentence. If someone plagiarizes
your work as a writer, your first step is to obviously check if it is all your work and not just
similar. After this you would contact the author to see if they will remove the work. At this point
you must have proof that you wrote the work originally. If still no conclusion is reached a lawyer
should be hired and then legal action taken’.
A Look into Watershed & Censorship
U (Universal)
‘A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over,
although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child.
U films should be set within a positive framework and should offer
reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is
particularly suitable for pre-school children, this will be indicated in the
BBFCinsight.’

PG (Parental Guidance)
‘General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.
A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older.
Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to
consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive,
children.’

12A (Only suitable for persons of 12 years and older.)

‘Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that
is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than
12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.
Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should
consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide,
we recommend that they check the BBFCinsight for that film in advance.
No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work.’
15 (Only suitable for persons of 15 years and older).
‘No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one younger
than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video work.’

18 (Only suitable for persons of 18 years and older).

‘No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger
than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated video work. Adults should be free to
choose their own entertainment.’
R18 (Supplied only in licensed shops).
‘The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily
for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving
adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas,
and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. R18
video works may not be supplied by mail order.’
- Information shown collected by http://www.bbfc.co.uk/:

The Commissioning of Scripts

Commissioning a script involves creating a new and original piece of work and sending it to a
company that are looking for work to produce. Companies are always seeking new talent in the
media industry, networks such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 will accept new scripts to look
through and process. If a script catches the right attention, it can then be taken further and maybe
even brought to life. The media industry is a competitive sector, so all work needs to be eye
catching, well presented, creative and imaginative. Getting involved with the Writers Guild of
Great Britain and The Writers Guild of America, West can help with this process as they give
writers the advice and support they need.
The Script Writer – ‘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.’
The 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 while guiding the technical crew and
actors in the fulfillment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members,
production design, and the creative aspects of filmmaking.’
The Producers – The role of the producer is to be the person ‘who oversees the production of a
film. Either employed by a production company or working independently, producers plan and
coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the script; coordinating writing,
directing, and editing; and arranging financing.’
The Script Editors – The script writers work alongside the script writers as well as the rest of the
production team. Their contribution of the script editors is that they’re members ‘of the
production team of scripted television programmes, usually dramas and comedies. The script
editor[s have] many responsibilities including finding new script writers, developing storyline
and series ideas with writers, and ensuring that scripts are suitable for production’
Commissioning Editors – ‘A buyer. It is the job of the commissioning editor[s] to advise the
publishing house on which books to publish. Usually the actual decision of whether to contract a
book is taken by a senior manager rather than the editor.’
The Stages of Commissioning a Script
1. The scriptwriter sends off their script to the company as a pitch, introducing them to the
idea they've had.
2. 2. Development of the script goes underway.
3. 3. A decision is made by the channel company and the commissioning company whether
the script gets green-lit or not.
4. 4. Once the programme is signed off, the scriptwriter will receive confirmation or a
cancellation on their script and pre-production will begin in creating their project
5. 5. Pre-production meeting takes place where the cast and crew are developed.
6. 6. Filming and production occurs over the course of a few months/a year - however long
needed.
7. 7. The programme is edited and finalized for television release on the channel it was
pitched to.
According to the BBC & UKTV.
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