Career as a scriptwriter: Duties, Responsibilities, Essential Skills & Job Outlook

Who is a scriptwriter?

A scriptwriter is someone who writes a screenplay for a movie or TV show. Their main task is to tell a story clearly while developing the characters and settings. Scriptwriters must have a solid hold on the primary writing languages, as well as the knowledge and understanding of plot structure, film and television program structure, and editing processes. Often, they are also responsible for turning a book into a script, essentially stripping the book down to its basic elements, so that it can be presented on screen.

What is a script?

A script is a document that outlines the story to be shot. A scriptwriter is expected to add stage direction and brief character descriptions to make the plot and character development clear. A good scriptwriter moves the story forward quickly and logically. Generally one scripted page is about a minute of screen time, hence, scripting needs to be concise. Scripts can go through many changes due to timing and content, and scriptwriters are looked upon to make significant changes to the screenplay while preserving the story and plot flow.

What does a scriptwriter do - duties and responsibilities

As mentioned earlier, a scriptwriter is responsible for detailing the story, including the physical environment of a scene and emotions of the characters. Hence, the screenwriter has to be able to express the character's movements, expressions, dialogues, in addition to detailing other things that are not a part of what the actors say, look like or how they behave.

Scriptwriters can invent fictional material, write scripts based on actual events, or adapt existing works (such as books, plays, or films). For adaptations, they rewrite and modify existing material with legal permission. Screenplays based on true events require them to do research before writing. So, in a nutshell, here are the things that you should consider doing if you are trying to make a career as a scriptwriter:

• Develop and research ideas for original screenplays.
• Create an initial frame for the plot.
• Adapt a story into a presentable script.
• Meet with film directors and producers to discuss scripts and other presentation techniques.
• Incorporate visuals with storylines and dialogue to create scenes.
• Work closely with producers, directors and actors to edit and adjust scripts whenever required.

Educational courses for a scriptwriter?

Any idea in your mind that might be struggling to find expression, can be given its ideal place once you enrol yourself into a good scriptwriting course. The correct choice of course can make a big impact on your career. The main focus of a scriptwriting course should be on language and expression. It is always advisable that the candidates select the language they are pro at so as to get an edge on in their career. Here is a list of a few top courses you can pursue to become a scriptwriter.

• Post Graduate Certificate in Feature Film Screenplay Writing from FTII Pune

• Certificate in Script Writing from AIFT - Atharva Institute of Film and Television, Mumbai

• Certificate in Script Writing (Copy, creative and content) from Delhi School of Communication, Delhi
• Online Advanced Certificate in Series Writing from Whistling Woods International Virtual Academy, Mumbai
• Diploma in Screenwriting from Ramoji Academy of Film and Television, Hyderabad
• Certificate in Filmmaking, Direction and Scriptwriting from Institute of Mass Communication Film and Television Studies, Kolkata
  
  Interested in cinematography instead click here

Post Graduate Certificate in Feature Film Screenplay Writing from FTII Pune

Certificate in Script Writing from AIFT - Atharva Institute of Film and Television, Mumbai

What are some of the most important skills for a scriptwriter?

In general, to be successful in scriptwriting or screenplay writing, the following skills are a must-have:

• Writing Skills: A good knowledge of your mastered language and the ability to write engaging stories are a must for this job.

• Observations: Many scriptwriters base much of their characters, storyline, and dialogues on people, events and places they observe in real life. An aspiring scriptwriter must be a keen observer who pays attention to both the big and the small details.

• Creativity: Scriptwriters must be able to come up with new ideas and imagine what a movie might look like, even before it goes into production. They should be capable of deciding on the key story beats, developing them, and coming up with film worthy concepts in the long run.

• People Skills: When a film is being made, the writer must work with the producer, director and other team members to bring out the essence of the scene. They must also be able to present their scripts effectively. Hence, a script writer should work on their communication skills and on maintaining these relationships with ease at work.

What does a scriptwriter’s job look like?

Scriptwriters get to work in an array of settings, including studios, corporate environments, on location, on built up sets and other production companies. Most scriptwriters work either on a freelance basis or full-time, and some work for more than 50-60 hours a week to meet tight deadlines. They also have the chance to travel for big projects, to meet clients, or to attend industry events.

Scriptwriting as a profession is emerging, bringing more writers into the field. Understandably, here is competition in the field, but it can also be one of the most bankable career options for those who are able to enter the industry early. Their main craft is storytelling - and that is an art which has been appreciated since time immemorial. And with the multitude of avenues where screenwriters are constantly needed - films, OTT, television, advertising, among others; there is something for everyone. So, ready to start weaving stories now?

Interested in becoming a filmmaker? click here to learn how