Job Profile Two 2.1 (Screenwriter)

  

Job Profile

 
JOB ROLE:
Screenwriter

 

What is a Screenwriter?

Screenwriters write develop content for visual mediums such as (short) films, TV, commercials and video games. They do this either based on an original idea, by adapting an existing story into a screenplay or by being hired to collaborate on a new project.

What is the role?

The majority of this role is freelance, however, I may be offered short term contracts further down my career. As a result of this, I will need to manage the business side of my career, including finance. I will also need to work with tight deadlines whilst still submitting my writing to an  optimum standard so that other writers and producers will want to work with me again. Screenwriters create the blueprint for fantastic TV, this is very hard to pull off.

 

Skills required:

·       Literacy skills

Ø  I will need to have high level knowledge of the English language, including sophisticated words and language techniques.

·       Imagination

Ø  To be a good writer I will need be able to conjure up a bold vision that I want to entertain my audience with.

·       Time management skills

Ø  I will be working under strict deadlines so will need to develop self-discipline.

·       Excellent research skills

Ø  I will need to include context and research, in detail, about my characters' backstories.

·       The ability to take and act on feedback

Ø  I will need to be able to edit and improve my writing based on feedback I receive from those in higher positions.

·       Determination

Ø  As the industry is competitive, I shouldn't anticipate failure and must put myself out there.

·       A clear, entertaining writing style

Ø  I must effectively communicate my ideas onto my page so that directors (and other members of the production team) understand my vision.

·       Be able to work alone for long periods of time

Ø  Due to working in freelance, jobs may provide limited time to be carried out. So I must have the ability to focus and work independently.

Qualifications needed:

Qualifications for this role are not required and the opportunity is open to all. However, it may be good for me to study undergraduate courses at university such as:

• Creative Writing
• English Language or Literature
• Media Studies 
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• Performing Arts

These subjects will all give me a vast understanding of different writing genres. To be offered a place onto a post graduate (screen) writing course, I will likely need to provide a portfolio as well as evidence of a degree in English Literature or something related.

 

Experience needed:

Experience isn't needed however many producers may look for this as it could stand out on my portfolio. This could look like:

• Entering creative writing or screenplay contests.
• Scriptwriting workshops.
• Attending extra curriculars, whilst in formal education, such as debate club and creative writing.
• Work experience in places like news agencies.
• Joining a local writers' group.

Salary:

The average starting salary for a screenwriter is generally rather low. This then increases as the writer develops a more professional reputation. The median, per year, for a professional screenwriter is roughly £10,500 a year. However, there are exceptions to this as breakthrough writers could be earning up to 6 figures!

 

Related jobs:

• Bookseller/author
• Director
• Magazine journalist
• Newspaper journalist
• Actor
• Poet
• English teacher

Career prospects:

There is no standard career progression for an actor as contracts differ frequently. I may be able to increase the progression by learning how to write different genres, even if I don't particularly have a passion for them. I should also create a portfolio, website or blog that I can show to producers or other members of the production team as they could potentially hire me.

MY CURRENT SKILLS IN RELATION TO REQUIRED SKILLS FOR THIS JOB:

• Analytical mind, particularly after studying English Literature at A Level.
• Imaginative, I write poetry that I occasionally turn into songs.
• I am self disciplined and work well under pressure.
• I can spend long periods of time alone and not feel bored or easily distracted.
• I have good communication skills.
• I have basic understanding of how to structure a clear script.

THINGS I NEED TO OBTAIN:

• A balanced sleep schedule to be able to work long hours without feeling too exhausted.
• An advanced understanding on how to structure a script.
• Confidence to send my work to producers or publishers.

What are the accepted rotes into this job?

Possible rotes into this career:

·       A degree or postgraduate qualification (in subjects previously mentioned) to enhance my knowledge in this area by writing and receiving thorough feedback on my scripts as well as giving advice on others. To get into this, I may need:

Ø  2 to 3 A Levels in the required subjects, for a degree.

Ø  A degree in any subject for a postgraduate course.

Ø  A portfolio with recent published/unpublished writing.

·       Studying English related subjects in college, as well as partaking in extra curriculars such as creative writing and debate club.

 Direct application by sending off work to publishers and building my professional reputation without qualifications. I may be, eventually, be contacted by a producer to develop a script for them.

Taking short courses to once again further my training in this field.

Acting as a ghost writer or intern for someone more senior to me, this would prepare myself for life in the freelance world.

What competition is there for this role?

This industry is highly competitive as only so many scripts can be produced per year and it takes time for a screenwriter to harness their talents as well as developing a successful network.

 

Availability for this role:

There are many job opportunities available to kick start my career, even if they aren't where I envision myself in ten years time. These jobs can be found on websites such as:

• Upwork
• Indeed
• Screenwriting Staffing
• Shore Scripts

 

References:

 www.prospects.ac.uk. (n.d.). Writer job profile | Prospects.ac.uk. [online] Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/writer#skills  [Accessed: Jan 2023]

ScreenSkills (2022). Screenwriter in the film and TV drama industries. [online] ScreenSkills. Available at: https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/film-and-tv-drama/development-film-and-tv-drama-job-profiles/screenwriter/ [Accessed: Jan 2023]
Maio, A. (2019). Oscar-Winning Writers Share their Process Secrets. [online] StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-does-a-screenwriter-do/ [Accessed: Jan 2023]
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk. (n.d.). Screenwriter | Explore careers | National Careers Service. [online] Available at: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/screenwriter#:~:text=You [Accessed: Jan 2023]
James, O. (2022). Is It Hard To Become a Screenwriter? - Letter Review. [online] Available at: https://letterreview.com/is-it-hard-to-become-a-screenwriter/#:~:text=It [Accessed: Jan 2023]

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