5 answers
Lex
Student
Rancho Cucamonga, California
1
Question
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What do screenwriters do (their full job) ?
What do screenwriters do? Do they just write scripts or come up with the movie/ show idea and write for the script? Also who do they work with? Like directors, producers.
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5 answers
Madeleine Graham
Freelance
6
Answers
Flint, Michigan
Updated
Madeleine’s Answer
I have a friend, Joseph Zabrosky, who is a film maker. I sought his expertise a while back, but I have yet to follow-up on it as most of my writing is Journalistic. I hope you find this information from Joe is useful.
When writing a screenplay your concern should be format (how the story put on the page) and structure (3 act structure). There's much detail in both of these but generally speaking keep the following in mind.
For format read anything by Esther Lutrell or something more basic like Michael Hague.
For structure:
Act 1 - Establish - Who, What, Where and Hook
1. Let reader know who the story is about within the first 5 pgs. If possible show your hero being good at what he does and or a victim (to create sympathy) and or powerful.
2. What he wants (objective) within the first 15 pgs
3. Where the story takes place - comes naturally
4. Hook - must let the reader know what could possibly stop the hero from getting what he or she wants. This is the hook and will keep the reader turning the page.
-Pg 25 - First Plot point (turning point)
- Pg 30 - End of Act 1
Act 2 - Build Conflict through obstacles that get bigger as the hero moves through Act 2 until he faces his largest obstacle near the end of Act 2 where he's closer to capturing his objective than he's ever been, thus inspired, but has to deal with his largest obstacle, hence sad. In following, this is the Climax of the movie (physical and emotional).
-Pg 45 - indication where hero is going
-Pg 60 - point of no return for hero
-Pg 80 - low point for hero
-Pg 85 -Next Plot Point - turning point for hero
-Pg 90 - End of Act 2
Act 3 - Resolve Conflict
The plot is like snowball going downhill gaining in strength and size till the end.
Standard script is 120 pages
More cost effective if you can write it in 95 pgs
Every scene in your movie should be motivated by hero getting closer to his objective.
Movies are called movies because they are suppose to move.
Hope this helps!
Peace,
joe
When writing a screenplay your concern should be format (how the story put on the page) and structure (3 act structure). There's much detail in both of these but generally speaking keep the following in mind.
For format read anything by Esther Lutrell or something more basic like Michael Hague.
For structure:
Act 1 - Establish - Who, What, Where and Hook
1. Let reader know who the story is about within the first 5 pgs. If possible show your hero being good at what he does and or a victim (to create sympathy) and or powerful.
2. What he wants (objective) within the first 15 pgs
3. Where the story takes place - comes naturally
4. Hook - must let the reader know what could possibly stop the hero from getting what he or she wants. This is the hook and will keep the reader turning the page.
-Pg 25 - First Plot point (turning point)
- Pg 30 - End of Act 1
Act 2 - Build Conflict through obstacles that get bigger as the hero moves through Act 2 until he faces his largest obstacle near the end of Act 2 where he's closer to capturing his objective than he's ever been, thus inspired, but has to deal with his largest obstacle, hence sad. In following, this is the Climax of the movie (physical and emotional).
-Pg 45 - indication where hero is going
-Pg 60 - point of no return for hero
-Pg 80 - low point for hero
-Pg 85 -Next Plot Point - turning point for hero
-Pg 90 - End of Act 2
Act 3 - Resolve Conflict
The plot is like snowball going downhill gaining in strength and size till the end.
Standard script is 120 pages
More cost effective if you can write it in 95 pgs
Every scene in your movie should be motivated by hero getting closer to his objective.
Movies are called movies because they are suppose to move.
Hope this helps!
Peace,
joe
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
84
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Screenwriters play a vital role in the creation of movies and TV shows. They are responsible for crafting the script, which includes writing dialogue, describing scenes, and developing the story. They can come up with original ideas for scripts or adapt existing material like books or plays.
Screenwriters often collaborate with directors, producers, and other members of the production team. They work closely with directors to bring their vision to life and ensure that the story is effectively translated onto the screen. Producers also play a role in the development and production of the script, providing feedback and guidance to the screenwriter. It's a collaborative process where different creatives come together to bring a story to the screen.
Screenwriters often collaborate with directors, producers, and other members of the production team. They work closely with directors to bring their vision to life and ensure that the story is effectively translated onto the screen. Producers also play a role in the development and production of the script, providing feedback and guidance to the screenwriter. It's a collaborative process where different creatives come together to bring a story to the screen.
Kelly Desso
Protective Services
219
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
While each job description is different, this position has come to light with various current events and the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Screenwriters are the architects of cinematic storytelling, crafting narratives that captivate and engage audiences on the silver screen. Their primary task is to develop compelling characters, intricate plots, and authentic dialogue that breathe life into a screenplay. Often working closely with directors, producers, and sometimes even actors, screenwriters collaborate to translate ideas into visual narratives. They navigate the delicate balance between creative vision and practical constraints, honing their scripts through revisions and feedback to ensure coherence and resonance. From brainstorming sessions to final drafts, screenwriters play a vital role in shaping the cinematic landscape, infusing it with imagination and emotion.
Tom Foster
Freelance Writer with a lot of life experience
32
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Well, there is a practical answer and a cynical answer. But for the sake of this question I'll be brief.
Screenwriters are responsible for bringing an original idea to life, which in the current era of movies and TV appears to be very difficult. They work with directors and producers, but often have to put up with rewrites and input from different sources to switch and alter a story past what they initially presented.
Not all of these interactions are bad, annoying, or even mildly irritating, but not all of them are as rewarding as one might think. Screenwriters are subject to a lot of things when writing a screenplay, but if one can get the joy out of writing then you've found the most important aspect that's needed when coming up with a new idea.
The long and short of it is that yes, screenwriters do write the screenplays for TV and movies, and yes, they work with pretty much anyone that has something to input, and is involved with the project. They have to write, edit, rewrite, and then write again to the specifications of directors, producers, and sometimes the actors. It's a job that many look at as "anyone can do this". But the history of cinema has shown that while some are skilled at it, some should probably stay away from it and focus on the job they're truly skilled at.
Okay, that's my rant as a writer, over and done. Screenwriting is different in many ways from novel writing, but it's just as fun and engaging if one finds a great director to work with.
Screenwriters are responsible for bringing an original idea to life, which in the current era of movies and TV appears to be very difficult. They work with directors and producers, but often have to put up with rewrites and input from different sources to switch and alter a story past what they initially presented.
Not all of these interactions are bad, annoying, or even mildly irritating, but not all of them are as rewarding as one might think. Screenwriters are subject to a lot of things when writing a screenplay, but if one can get the joy out of writing then you've found the most important aspect that's needed when coming up with a new idea.
The long and short of it is that yes, screenwriters do write the screenplays for TV and movies, and yes, they work with pretty much anyone that has something to input, and is involved with the project. They have to write, edit, rewrite, and then write again to the specifications of directors, producers, and sometimes the actors. It's a job that many look at as "anyone can do this". But the history of cinema has shown that while some are skilled at it, some should probably stay away from it and focus on the job they're truly skilled at.
Okay, that's my rant as a writer, over and done. Screenwriting is different in many ways from novel writing, but it's just as fun and engaging if one finds a great director to work with.
Donnetta Williams
Vendor Coordinator
2
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Donnetta’s Answer
Your question was 'what is a Screenwriter's job'. Screenwriters fit into different categories and it will depend if they work as freelancers or with a production company. A screenwriter at a production company job is script development. They collaborate with producers, and executives to develop concepts and turn them into viable scripts. This involves brainstorming, outlining and drafting scripts based on the company's needs and vision. Script writing can consist of adaptations of existing material such as novels, plays, or true stories into screenplays. Conducting research on various projects relevant to the script, including historical events, cultural contexts and technical details. Revisions and rewrites in response to feedback from executives, directors and other stakeholders. Screenwriters on production staff collaborate with other members of the creative team, including directors, producers and sometimes actors. Production staff screenwriters will participate in pitch meetings with executives to present new ideas, concepts, or scripts for potential projects.
A freelance screenwriter, generates ideas and develops original concepts and ideas for scripts independently. These ideas are based on personal interests, experiences or market trends with the goal of selling them to production companies or studios. Working independently networking with industry professionals, including agents, producers, and other writers to establish connections and opportunities for collaboration or script sales. Freelance script writers could also write spec scripts (speculative scripts) for existing television shows or films as writing samples to showcase their talent and style to potential buyers or employers. Working independently will involve pitching and selling script ideas or completed scripts to production companies, studios or streaming platforms such as Netflix with hopes of securing a deal. Freelance work will also mean managing projects if the script is optioned or sold. This will then lead to working with producers and other stakeholders throughout the development and production process, providing revisions, rewrites and creative input as needed. All administrative tasks related to freelance business, such as negotiating, managing finances, and maintaining a portfolio of work for promotional purposes.
I have been writing as an independent freelancer for years. Started off writing short stories, novellas and entering scripts and stories into challenges and contests. Being rewarded with positive and negative feedback helps you understand what path you are on and just because one to three people think most cinema projects are worthy doesn't mean those writers didn't have a voice creating a network full of possibilities to grow as a screenwriter. Being a freelance and or independent screenwriter/writer you're not getting paid to work hard and put the effort into becoming a successful writer and seeing your work grace a screen be it self produced and filmed or optioned and sold by a production company.
A freelance screenwriter, generates ideas and develops original concepts and ideas for scripts independently. These ideas are based on personal interests, experiences or market trends with the goal of selling them to production companies or studios. Working independently networking with industry professionals, including agents, producers, and other writers to establish connections and opportunities for collaboration or script sales. Freelance script writers could also write spec scripts (speculative scripts) for existing television shows or films as writing samples to showcase their talent and style to potential buyers or employers. Working independently will involve pitching and selling script ideas or completed scripts to production companies, studios or streaming platforms such as Netflix with hopes of securing a deal. Freelance work will also mean managing projects if the script is optioned or sold. This will then lead to working with producers and other stakeholders throughout the development and production process, providing revisions, rewrites and creative input as needed. All administrative tasks related to freelance business, such as negotiating, managing finances, and maintaining a portfolio of work for promotional purposes.
I have been writing as an independent freelancer for years. Started off writing short stories, novellas and entering scripts and stories into challenges and contests. Being rewarded with positive and negative feedback helps you understand what path you are on and just because one to three people think most cinema projects are worthy doesn't mean those writers didn't have a voice creating a network full of possibilities to grow as a screenwriter. Being a freelance and or independent screenwriter/writer you're not getting paid to work hard and put the effort into becoming a successful writer and seeing your work grace a screen be it self produced and filmed or optioned and sold by a production company.