3. Commissioning
- important part of the pre-production
What does commissioning mean?
- put something into operation
- it starts with the idea of the writer
→ base of a new project
- film corporations e.g. Warner Brother, Paramount, Sony etc have
commissioning bodies
4. Commissioning bodies
1.1. Job roles
Commissioning editor
- identify books or media products to publish in order to build up a publisher's
list
- finding authors or responding to book proposals
- ensure authors deliver typescripts to specification and on time
- research their field in order to learn about trends and gaps in the market.
For this purpose, they:
• attend book fairs;
• conduct internet research;
• draw up surveys to identify demand
5. Commissioning bodies
1.1. Job roles
Executive Producer
- not involved in any technical aspects of the film making
- responsible for the overall production
- handles business and legal issues
- plans the finance, supervise the budget and the
expenses of a project
6. Commissioning bodies
1.1. Job roles
Producer
- have overall control on every aspect of a film's production
- approve the whole production team
- first person to get involved in a project.
- are often responsible for coming up with the idea for a production, or
selecting a screenplay
- approve all script changes and cost reports
7. Commissioning bodies
1.1. Job roles
Director
- Interpreting the script and making it into a film
- planning locations, shots, pacing, acting styles etc
- Overseeing the cinematography and technical aspects
8. Commissioning bodies
1.1. Job roles
Editorial Assistant
- Editorial assistants provide support in all stages of the
publication of:
→ books; journals; magazines
9. Commissioning bodies
1.1. Job roles
Researcher
- researches and fact-checks the information in movies —
> both fiction and nonfiction
- searching for information & finding out if the information
is correct
→ and correcting it if they are not
10. Commissioning bodies
1.1. Job roles
Script Editor
- member of the production team of scripted television
programmes (usually dramas and comedies)
- responsibilities: new script writers, developing storyline
and series ideas with writers, ensuring that scripts are
suitable for production
11. Commissioning bodies
1.1. Job roles
Literary Agent
- represents writers and their written works to publishers,
theatrical producers, film producers, and film studios
- assists in the sale and deal negotiation of the same
12. 2. The role of the writer
What is the role of the writer?
The Responsibilities:
- involve himself and the audience
- respond to the feedback by the audience
- consider the target group and expectations of the producer
"An audience is never wrong. An individual of it may be an imbecile, but a
thousand imbeciles in
the dark - that is critical genius." -Billy Wilder
13. 2. The role of the writer
Scriptwriter
- scriptwriter's work is meant to be read aloud.
- scriptwriter must put enough information in his script
→ especially for the art department, choice of characters, choice of location
A writer has to ask himself:
- What do my audience already know about the topic I am going to write about?
- Is my target group likely to respond to the topic I write about?
- What is my aim?
- How do I want my audience to feel like?
14. 2. The role of the writer
How to become a writer
You have to think about...
- topic, issue, story
- production type → TV, Cinema, …
- target group
THE IDEA MUST BE ORIGINAL !
-have to be familiar with industry standards
15. 2. The role of the writer
Working as a writer
You have to...
- to work as a freelancer.
- work for many hours
- be aware of deadlines
- avoid mistakes
- deal with criticism
What is a Royalty Payment?
A Royalty Payment is a payment for the writer based on how many of their
books, scripts etc. they sell.
17. 3. Legal & ethical considerations
COPYRIGHT
- Copyright refers to laws that regulate the use of the work of a creator, such
as an artist or author.
This includes copying, distributing, altering and displaying creative, literary and
other types of work.
- For a copyright to apply to a work, it must be an original idea that is put to
use.
(The idea alone cannot be protected by copyright)
- It is the physical use of that idea, such as an illustration or a written novel
that is covered under copyright law.
18. 3. Legal & ethical considerations
Censorship
- Censorship is the suppression of speech, public communication or other
information which may be considered disturbing, harmful, sensitive,
politically incorrect or inconvenient as determined by governments, media
outlets.
- it protects children or other vulnerable groups
- restrict political or religious views
- prevent slander and libel
19. 3. Legal & ethical considerations
Watersheds
- watershed is the point in time after which TV programs
with adult content may be broadcast.
20. 3. Legal & ethical considerations
Plagiarism
"PLAGIARIZE" MEANS...
- to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
- to use (another's production) without crediting the source
- to commit literary theft
- to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing
source
