The commissioning process begins with an original idea that is developed into a script by a screenwriter. The script is then passed to an agent who will try to sell it to a commissioning editor at a broadcasting company. If successful, the commissioning editor will negotiate a deal and pass the script to a producer who gives the final approval. The screenwriter's role is to write the script and incorporate creative input. Agents represent clients in the creative industries and negotiate work for them, acting as intermediaries between clients and commissioning bodies. Commissioning editors work for broadcasters and advertise the types of shows they want before negotiating with agents and screenwriters.
2. introduction
Before any television program is made it must go through the different stages of
the commissioning process. It all stems from an original idea which can come from
anywhere. The writing process is next and a screenwriter will write a script. After
this the scrip will be passed on to an agent who will try to sell it to a
commissioning editor and they will negotiate a price. finally If successful the script
will be given to a producer who will give the final ok
3. The screenwriter
The role of the screenwriter is quite simply the writing of the script and all the
events that occur in the production order they. They take the creative input of the
producer, director, production design and editor. In some instances the screenplay
is written by the director. The main goal of the screenwriter is to make the reader
imagine how the finished product will look.
4. The Agent
An agent's job put simply is to represent performers and creative team members
working across film and television. An agent's client is usually an actor or anybody
in the creative arts usually a freelance profession. Agents main focus is
negotiating work for their clients and being the middleman between the
commissioning bodies and the clients. Agents are good at networking and and
usually get work for their clients through other people. The job role of the agent
can be very important to the client as the agent has to keep up with everything
that is going on in their life and other important information such as industry rates
and agreements.
5. Commissioning editor
Put simply a commissioning editor is the person who works for a broadcasting
company who would advertise what they want to have on their channel. They
would then talk with agents who would produce a script by a scriptwriter, a client
of the agent. The commissioning editor would then start to talk with their chosen
scriptwriter and
6. Producer
A producer will usually be the overseer of the entire project. They but they would
also have a team of people working under them such a co-producer and a runner.
A procedure is usually experienced in their field and have prior work as a producer
or a
Networking with commissioning editor
7. Commissioning Bodies Involved
Corporations
A corporation is a well established company that would have a television program
and broadcasting rights. A corporation will also have subsidiaries which will help
produce more money and make them more appealing than independent
companies. A scriptwriter is more likely to go to a corporation as they could
receive a higher wage as corporations have more money to spend on
scriptwriters. As well as this having worked for a corporation is a good selling point
for future jobs. However it is quite hard to get into working for a corporation as
they are very picky and will usually go for a well know or experienced person. The
BBC is a corporation.
