Screenwriter
What is the work like?
Screenwriters create fresh ideas and bring stories to life in scripts for productions like feature films, TV comedy and drama, animation, children's programmes and computer games.
As a screenwriter, you might develop your own original ideas and sell ('pitch') them to producers. Alternatively, producers may commission you to create a screenplay from an idea or true story, or to adapt an existing novel, play or comic book.
Your work would typically involve:
- coming up with themes and ideas
- researching background material
- developing believable plots and characters
- laying out the screenplay to an agreed format
- preparing short summaries of your ideas and 'pitching' them to producers or development executives
- submitting the ‘first draft’ of your work
- getting feedback about your work from producers or script editors
- rewriting the script if necessary (you may need to do this several times before arriving at the final agreed version).
You would usually be self-employed, so you would also spend time networking with agents and producers, and you may deal with your own tax and accounts. You would often combine writing with other work such as teaching, lecturing or editing.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To be a screenwriter, you will need imagination, writing talent and creativity. These cannot always be taught, so are more important than your formal qualifications.
However, when starting out you may find it useful to take a course in creative writing, to help develop your technique and understand dramatic structure and script layout. Courses for all levels from beginners to advanced are widely available at colleges, adult education centres and universities.
Some screenwriters have degrees or postgraduate qualifications in creative writing, English or journalism, but this is not essential. You may have an advantage if you have writing and storytelling experience from another field such as journalism, advertising copywriting or acting.
As a new writer, you could get yourself noticed by entering screenwriting competitions, which broadcasters and regional screen agencies often hold to discover new talent. Contact Skillset Careers for more information. You can also find advice about submitting your work to the BBC at the BBC Writers' Room website.
You would normally start by coming up with your own screenplays and ideas ‘on spec’ and trying to get them accepted by producers and agents. Once you have had some work accepted and started to build a professional reputation, producers might then commission you to produce scripts for them.
What further training and development can I do?
There is no standard training path for screenwriters, as your skills will develop as your experience grows.
You could help your professional development at all stages in your career by joining organisations such as the following:
- Euroscript – Screenwriters' Workshop
- The Script Factory
- TAPS
- New Producers' Alliance.
These organisations offer a range of services to members including script feedback, competitions, training and networking opportunities.
As an experienced screenwriter, you could also choose to take an MA in Screenwriting. MAs are available full-time, part-time and by distance learning from several universities around the country.
See Skillset’s website for a database of media courses, including screenwriting and script development training at all levels. Skillset can also advise you about funding your training as a freelance writer.
Where can I go for more information?
10 Little Portland StreetLondon
W1W 7JG
Tel: 020 7861 7861
66/67 Wells Street
London
W1T 3PY
Tel: 020 7323 1414
London
WC1X 9JN
Tel: 020 7833 0777
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
56 Shoreditch High Street
London
E1 6JJ
Tel: 020 7613 0440
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
As a freelance writer, you or your agent would normally negotiate a fee for each piece of work. You may be partly paid in advance. Depending on your contract, you may also receive a percentage of the profits from a feature film.
See the Writers' Guild of Great Britain website for recommended minimum pay rates for writers in film, TV and theatre.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a home-based freelance writer you would arrange your own working hours. If you were part of a studio-based writing team, you would be more likely to work standard office hours. In either case you would often have strict deadlines to meet, particularly when writing for TV serials or making rewrites.
As well as working from your home or office base, you would also need to attend occasional meetings with agents, script editors and producers.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent writing ability
- creativity and imagination
- storytelling skills and an understanding of dramatic structure
- self-discipline and motivation
- willingness to accept criticism and rejection of your work
- an organised approach to work, for meeting deadlines
- good presentation and networking skills, for marketing and promoting your work.
What opportunities are there?
You would normally work freelance on a piece by piece basis. You may also need to do other types of work to supplement your income, as relatively few screenwriters earn a full-time living from writing.
Some opportunities may be advertised in the trade press and websites, but it is most common to find work through approaching producers yourself, by signing up with a writers’ agent, and through networking and word of mouth.
You can find details of agents from The Writer’s Handbook and The Writers' and Artists' Year Book, which are available in bookshops and libraries.
You may find the following links useful for details of opportunities, contacts and further reading (links open new window):
4TalentBBC Writers’ Room
Scriptwriter Magazine
Broadcast Freelancer
UK Film Council (for details about any grants that may be available for developing films)
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