A screenplay or a script or is a document that outlines every element required to tell a story. It is a written plan, authored by a scriptwriter for a film or television programme. A screenplay is targeted at the visual and narrative arts such as films and television while a script involves a blue-print of what happens in a comic, an advertisement or a theatrical play.
The script or screenplay outlines a movie story through visual descriptions, actions of characters and their dialogue. The script is critical to the success of a film or television project because it provides the foundation for the entire creative and commercial endeavour. The major components of a script or screenplay are actions and dialogues. Commonly a script has a three act structure, the three acts being: o Set- up o Confrontation o Resolution
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Scriptwriters are responsible for: o Development of a script: They originate and develop script ideas, conduct research and write treatment. o Drafting the script: They write an initial draft of the script, develop plot/plotlines, develop characters, personalities, motivations. They also develop settings, write dialogues and describe scenes and re-draft the script to refine the story. o Adaptation of the script: Scriptwriters break down the work into characters, chronology and structure. They rework key elements of the story based on specific requirements of the medium. o Presentation/promotion: Scriptwriters identify sources of production; they make pitches to prospective producers/directors and negotiate contracts/writing agreements. As scriptwriters progress, they may employ an agent to do same on their behalf.
A scriptwriter can write a script either speculatively or on commission. A speculative script can be sold in the open market but a commissioned script is written for a particular production company. Once a script is sold to a production company, it goes through a process of revisions and rewriting before going into production. The director is the person who visualises the script as a film. Often a scriptwriter and a director work together on a film's script. Once a script has been approved for production, camera directions and notes are inserted by the director and production starts.
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To be a scriptwriter one should have the talent and ability to write. There are no set educational requirements for scriptwriters but a college degree is preferred. Candidates must be able to express ideas clearly, create believable characters and should be able to develop a compelling story. They should have an interest in the creative arts: music, drama and dance and should be interested in history. A high degree of resilience is essential to cope with rejection of work and rewriting. It is important to have good communication and interpersonal skills, since a scriptwriter is a part of a creative team and has to work with others.
A scriptwriter can write a script either speculatively or on commission. A speculative script can be sold in the open market but a commissioned script is written for a particular production company. Once a script is sold to a production company, it goes through a process of revisions and rewriting before going into production. The director is the person who visualises the script as a film. Often a scriptwriter and a director work together on a film's script. Once a script has been approved for production, camera directions and notes are inserted by the director and production starts.
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Scriptwriters usually have the freedom to write when and where they choose, provided they meet their deadlines. They should have the stamina to work on their own, for long and erratic hours. Their work requires accuracy and attention to detail. Scriptwriting as a career is open to people of all ages. To be successful a scriptwriter requires is a matured outlook and life experience.
