Script Writers Justin Morash Melanie Budden Tavnor Currie

Script Writers: The Basics Script writers are somewhat like authors, except instead of writing books etc., they write scripts or screenplay for films.

Format Screen play format is very proper and standard throughout screenwriters; they must begin with formal writing format. All screenwriters are to use formal writing format so that screen plays in the industry are uniform. After formal format there are several components the writer must include the following; title page, scene headings, action (describing what is seen on the screen), dialogue, parenthetical and transitions.

Pre-Production There are two ways a writer can write a script to sell. One way is to write a script on assignment. Writing a script on assignment is when a production company will hire a writer to write a script, based on ideas given. This can either be a script converted from a novel, re-writing from a pre-existing script or just basically from pre- existing thoughts and ideas. A writer working on assignment can commonly make between $ 50,000 to $ 20,000 for a finished script. Although writing on script is not often given enough creative freedom and individuality. For that the next type of script writing is key. Writing spec is when a writing will independently write a script and then present it to a production company. This manner of writing although considered the more creative approach, it is also the more stressful approach. Many writers who write spec, consider it intense, nerve-wracking, and somewhat risky because there is no certainty they will sell their script. For an on assignment script with a budget of $500,000, this is how things are broken down: First draft: $150,000 First draft revisions: $50,000 Second draft: $75,000 Second draft revisions: $25,000 Production bonus: $200,000 Once a studio has purchased or commissioned a script. It goes through thorough editing, re-writing and revising. Only then will the production company decide if they want to proceed with the script.

Production The shooting script is a copy of the script that includes scene numbers, lighting angles and certain directors notes. These scripts are also often marked up with notes from script supervisors, editors and others involved. This is unlike the writings script which is very much a skeleton of this shooting script. Once the script is approved for production, it is scene-number and page-locked. This is done for easy reference, and so everyone can have a copy of the script. If changes are made they will be noted on coloured pages.

Post Production For a writing there often isn’t took much post production work. Once a script is written and sold, there aren’t many things for a writer to do.

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