LA: A

1. Unit 19: Screenwriting
Section 1: Obtaining Work as a Screenwriter - Commissioning
Commissioning editors aim to build up a publishers list. To do this, they identify books or
media products to publish. To commission work, they find authors or respond to book proposals.
They also ensure that authors deliver typescripts to specification and are on time as they are
constantly given scripts and could possibly lose track with all of the stress. Commissioning is the
act of giving authorisation to put something in place. Within the media sector this could be
things like :
-The greenlight for production in general
-An authorisation of particular budget
-Approval of a particular plot / storyline
In terms of writing, it is essentially the ‘go ahead’ to write based on the successful acceptance of
their pitched ideas.
Commissioning editors are senior employees of the broadcaster, responsible for selecting
programme ideas, allocating funds, specialising in a particular genre and have creative input
and oversee the writing process through production.
Directors take the ideas and the script, then they are responsible for pulling it all together. They
provide the overall creative vision from which the director of photography (DoP), technicians and
editors work from. They interpret the script of how they see it working which makes the writer
have little to no control over it. An example of a director is Steven Spielberg. He is one of the
most influential personalities in the history of cinemas as well as Hollywood’s best known
director and one of the wealthiest filmmakers in the world. Furthermore, he is also known as a
writer for his screenplay of his well known film A.I Artificial Intelligence (2001).
A script editor is a member of the production team of scripted tv and radio 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 providing a critical overview of the scriptwriting process. They will work
closely with the writer at each draft of the script, giving the feedback on the quality of the work,
suggesting improvements which can be made whilst also ensuring that practical issues such as
continuity and the correct running time are adhered too. Script writers will usually be full time
members of the production team, working closely with the producer, if the script writer is not a
producer. Common problems in first scripts are:
-Spelling and grammar
-Incorrect formatting
-Drawing from tropes
-Forgetting the plot
-Endless dialogue

2. -Playing director in descriptions
-Leaving your story unfinished
These are easily fixed by simple things such as reading back through your script, typing in
Courier font, making sure that characters are behaving organically, minimise dialogue and make
sure that at the end of each scene, the narrative develops further. In addition to this, script
editors also work as part of the camera department to ensure that the production has
continuous verbal and visual integrity. Furthermore they are also responsible for checking for
continuity errors in final cuts of scenes.
The job role of an agent is to actively search for potential work for the client in question and if
this turns to a success, the agent will be beginning to organise contracts, along with other
proceedings that would be boring for writers to complete independently. They are also well
practised in negotiating deals whereas a standalone writer may not be as experienced and
unfortunately not succeed. They also give support and constructive criticism on their approach
to the industry, giving the writer the necessary tools to success. Ideally, it is essential to take
time to find the correct agent for the screenwriter (most likely with the same interests etc) to give
the screenwriter further assistance and understand them with their work.
The role of a writer is to be responsible for research, developing an engaging narrative and
emotional impact. They also write a screenplay to meet the brief in the appropriate format
possibly also in teams. Furthermore the vast majority are also freelance. An example of a writer
is Quentin Taratino who wrote the screenplay for one of his best known films, From Dusk Till
Dawn (1996). On the other hand, in the gaming industry, for example the reader's opinion may
be more centered around whether the tone and pace of the script fits with the nature of the
game and its gameplay afterall which is the main priority, unlike the film industry.
A commissioning body is any production company that accepts stories and scripts from
writers outside of their company. Examples of commissioning bodies are BBC, Channel 4 and
ITV. The companies set up writing competitions for writers to send in their scripts and stories for
a chance for their work to go through commission and be published or made into a film or TV
programme.
One way of getting a script commissioned is through pitching your idea to a large corporation.
A corporate media is a mass production, distribution, ownership and funding dominated by
corporations and their CEO’s for example, BBC or Universal. This could have a negative result
however if it is established well within the media sector, the large media corporations most likely
will always complete business through established relationships, therefore providing individuals
that are involved are well established names who have worked for similar large companies. The
companies themselves are part of a conglomerate which is a multi-industry company
(combination of multiple business entities operating in entirely different industries under one
corporate group) as they have complete ownership of all stages in production. A pilot season is
a time of year (generally runs from January to April of a given year) where TV companies
commission plot episodes to be made. A pilot is a single episode of a show that they make and

3. then make a decision on whether to commission it for a full series, almost like a tester.
Therefore at certain times of the year, the companies will look for new materials and test out
new ideas / writers etc to decide what their new shows will be about and like. Large corporations
such as Channel 4, ITV and BBC commission scripts and budgets for TV shows that are on
their channels. Corporations can give up and coming writers the opportunities to hand their
completed scripts to them, in hopes for the corporation to enjoy the script and commission it to
one of their channels. As an example, on the BBC website you can access a wide range of
scripts that people have submitted, with downloadable access. Therefore this will give the BBC
a bigger insight in what the general public are interested in.
Independent production companies are companies which make products for the
corporations. These companies will often make the script for the corporations. Often they will
find a writer through an agent and then bring the script to corporations. An example of some
production companies are Nova Studios Video Productions and RGR Video Production North
East. They produce striking deals with companies to produce materials for example, with a
network in order to broadcast the production there and benefit from some financial input.
Another method of striking deals is directly with writers as independent production companies
are open to having work submitted directly to them. They also specialise in particular genres
therefore this will allow writers to find more information before going ahead with the deal itself.
In addition to this, independent production companies also have a higher budget capability
compared to others therefore this should be accounted for before deciding whether to submit
any completed work.
An independent director is a member of a board of directors who don’t have a material
relationship with a company and is neither part of its executive team or part of day to day
operations of the company. A material relationship is a relationship that can interfere with the
exercise of a director’s independent judgement. iThey are able to list certain exchanges
however there are some requirements for a number of independent directors on the board. In
addition to this, they are generally desirable to be appointed to the board of directors and are
key to good corporate governance. A board that is majority independent would be better suited
to oversee the CEO as opposed to a board with independent directors. On the other hand of
things, there are also downfalls to being an independent director as there is a risk of information
asymmetry (unequal information) as independent directors are usually less informed about the
company than the management team.
Organisations exist to help screenwriters work with actual writers. By helping the writers, they
help to develop scripts and give feedback and tips on how to improve the scripts. Some
examples of organisations are: BFI Film Academy and BBC’s Writers Room.
In the media, there are lots of competitions happening everyday for all ages. If you win the
competition, you can win things such as a cash prize or trips etc. Furthermore when being
successful, there is a chance that your work will be read by people of high authority in the media
industry such as potential managers, agents and producers. In the UK, “FilmFreeway” ran three
different competitions, resulting in winners from 2013 now running in pre-production and

4. production jobs as well as winning rewards alongside. Another example is “Bluecat”. Every year
they provide a community for the unknown screenwriter to develop their work, giving
undiscovered talent a path and professional success. They accept both feature length and short
screenplays and every screenplay will receive a written analysis back with best screenplays
receiving over $40,000 in cash prizes.
Section 2: Working as a Writer - The Demands and Requirements
Professional presentations is where the writer is expected to present themselves as a
professional by checking their scripts for any possible errors before pitching the idea or handing
it over to the cast. In addition to this, it is also important to have what the commissioner has
asked for and expects therefore the success rate will be higher.
The role of an agent is one of the key aspects to being a successful freelance writer.
Communication is also key in being an agent as they need to have regular meetings with other
members of the production so that they know what is required of them and what work is
essential. Ideally it is a big advantage to have a well-known agent on your team for a higher
chance of being successful. Any work submitted through your agent is known as solicited
submissions whereas if work is submitted without an agent, it is classed as unsolicited
submissions.
By using communication in this side of the industry, it means that workers know what is
required of them as mentioned above and also give constructive criticism to the writer on what
they did well and what they can work on to become better with their work. In addition to this,
having good communication skills means that the workplace will be more efficient as workers
will know what they have to do in regards to any work needing to be complete, any
resubmissions on improving their work, feedback etc.
Time management is one of the most key skills to becoming a writer. Being a writer means that
you have to become more dependent and build trust and relationships with others to help you
become more successful, this includes editors and producers. A deadline will have to be set
when writing a book therefore parts of the book or a complete draft is completed by a certain
time. If the deadline is not met, there is a high chance of no success or success being very low.
It is also key for them to manage their day to day life correctly to get their own personal balance
of producing work and free time to relax or be creative and create more ideas.
A process of external sale of a product is known as royalty payments. Royalty payments allow
people to sell your work with permission and keep the money as long as they share a
percentage of the earnings with the writer, however they can be negotiated on a case by case
basis with both parties involved with the transaction. The payments may be nonrenewable
resource royalties, trademark royalties, franchises, copyrighted materials, book publishing
royalties, music royalties and art royalties. Royalty agreements should benefit both the licensor
who is the person receiving the royalty and the licensee who is the person paying the royalty.

5. Collaborative writing is when writers join up and write together, resulting in the co-authorship of
a text by more than one writer. Collaborative writing uses three necessary components to make
the writing process work, which include interaction between participants throughout the entire
writing process, shared power among participants therefore everyone will be able to make
suggestions and decide together and the collaborative production of a single, specific text.
Some theories of collaborative writing suggest that in the writing process, all participants are to
have equal responsibilities. Therefore the workload is evenly displaced and all work participants
work together and interact throughout the writing process.
Above are some examples of collaborative screenplays and writers of some popular films. The
number of people that can be involved in a collaboration is 2 to 6 people, whilst averaging out to
be 3 people. There are advantages to being part of a small team who have similar mindsets as
it can result in great success however there is alot to consider when writing such as determining
your process, analysing your audience, formulating an outline and determine an organisational

6. format, assigning writing tasks and other duties. In addition to this, you will also need to
establish a schedule of deadlines for drafts and establish writing style guidelines as well as
editing responsibilities and procedure. On the other hand, it is also essential to expect some
disagreements and arguments as everyone will have different views and opinions so allow them
to speak their thoughts to result in a well, effective decision and outcome.
Furthermore, handing over control as a writer is key as the role of the writer in the media
industry is to research, develop and construct a narrative for a script with their own ideas or the
concept commissioned by a body such as corporations. Once they have developed their ideas
and constructed a narrative, they will then need to hand their work over to who they have sold it
too in order to receive publication and royalty payments.
Section 3: The Scriptwriting Process - Legal & Ethical Considerations
Legal standards are useful as they help people to understand what they are and aren’t allowed
to do whereas ethical standards are primarily based on human principles of right and wrong. On
the other hand, ethical rights are considered a voluntary and personal act of an individual based
on the perception of right and wrong.
There are 6 key aspects of legal and ethical considerations in order to keep everyone and
everything on track. One of the key aspects is copyright. Copyright is where you can’t copy an
idea made by someone else or their work without permission, however you can copy your script.
When scriptwriting, as you work digitally a date is created in the file and automatically attaches
the copyright to you and the date. It is key that you should put the copyright symbol and your
date on the front page and every page used as a copyright protects original works of authorship,
including scripts and screenplays but can’t protect ideas. This means that a script or screenplay
copyright protects a script or screenplay which you have written but not your idea.
Another key aspect of legal and considerations is plagiarism. Plagiarism is similar to copyright
but without permission. Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, with
or without their consent by incorporating it into your work without thinking about it. In script
writing, writers have to be very careful about how similar their products are to existing works. It
is an actionable offence to use someone's copyright or trademark. To settle a case of
plagiarism, the writer / creator needs to receive credit for their work which will make them
eligible for royalties and profits accrued.
Libel is also known as defamation. This is where a case of oral or written communication of
false statements about another person harms their reputation and usually leads to a crime.
People such as individuals, groups or businesses can be exposed to being at risk of libel.
Research by writers therefore has to be careful, so as not to court legal issues through
misinterpretation. To avoid legal issues, a writer will often use made up characters in their
narratives an exaggerating them to make a valid point - an example of this is in George Orwells
‘Animal Farm’ where russian politicians are depicted as farm animals, one of the animals being
‘Napoleon’ who is described as "a large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar" and represents
Joseph Stalin (who is an antagonist).

7. When writing fiction, bias is an ethical issue. You may wish to consider how you are
representing different people, groups, events and organisations. In the media industry,
'representation' is a central issue and it should always be in thoughts when you are generating
ideas and creating work. If you are writing non-fiction, it will become even more of an issue. In
addition to this,some programmes (such as the BBC news) have a commitment to be balanced,
impartial and fair.
Censorship is the suppression of film content which may be considered harmful to audiences.
There are often guidelines stated on some television shows and films so that the suitable
audience has been stated and the audience are aware of who the suitable ages are to watch
the program - 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. The BBFC have strict guidelines about what
can and can’t be shown on TV, video, games, radio and film. There are ratings for films and
shows which generally revolves around depictions of violence, sex, language, discrimination
and drug use. To make the subject matter appropriate some aspects may need to be cut or
censored.
In broadcasting, a watershed is the point in time after which programmes with adult content
may be broadcast. It divides the day into the overnight period where suitable programmes which
are family orientated for children etc may be aired and where programming aimed at or suitable
for a more adult audience is permitted. Watersheds can also mean the period of time during
which programmes with adult content may be broadcast. In most countries, the same set of
rules also apply for advertisements, content of the advertisement and the nature of the product
or service being advertised.
The UK Watershed:
- The watershed on free to air tv in the UK is between 9pm and 5:30am but premium or
pay-per-view services are allowed to start the watershed at 8pm.
- Programmes that are rated 15 cannot be shown outside this period, however some 12
rated shows can be shown before 9pm such as Doctor Who, Malcolm in the Middle and
Futurama.
- There is no watershed on PIN protected channels (such as Sky Movies).on these typeof
channels, trying to view adult material before 8pm will request a PIN.
- There should be a gentle transition to adult material, including 18 rated content must not
air until 10pm on most channels that are without PIN protection.
- Channels that are dedicated to airing adult content such as the Horror Channel may be
allowed to start 18 rated content at 9pm without PIN protection.
- R18 rated material is not allowed at all and must be edited to fit 18 rated content
guidelines if shown on TV.