2. Scriptwriting
• The scriptwriter’s role in the film industry is to create the script for film, television and radio. The script is
one of the most important tools in the film industry. A script consists of dialogue, the imagery on screen,
shots and much more. Without a script their is no order on set. Only the very best scriptwriters have their
work chose for the final draft of the production. Scriptwriters everywhere will send their work to film and
production companies for their scripts to be used in the final production. Only very few scriptwriters are
successful with this.
In this book I found relevant
information to the writers role and the
commissioning process. A quote reads
‘I must warn you it is far from easy –
some say almost – for an unknown
writer to persuade a commissioning
editor to accept a collection of his or
her stories for publication in book
form . Such anthologies don’t exist ,
but they are nearly all written by
known authors whose names play a
large part in promoting sales. This
backs up the difficulty a scriptwriter
has when trying to get his or her work
published. It is very rare for a new,
unknown scriptwriter to get their work
out. The most likely scriptwriters to
get their work published on a regular
basis are the ones who have been
successful before and can be relied on.
3. The commissioning Process
• For an unknown scriptwriter it can be next to impossible for their work to be
accepted as the main script for a production. Only very talented scriptwriters and
known authors will be successful with this. Scriptwriters will continuously send
their work out to different productions companies in the hope that their script is
commissioned. If they are successful with this it can result in moderate wealth and
their name being remembered for future productions and to other companies.
However this is highly unlikely. There are many websites set up to help new
scriptwriters improve their work for better standard and a higher possibility of
their work being successful. The BBC Writersroom is very helpful for new and
young scriptwriters. Instead of going through massive efforts to make what they
feel is a very good script and having it turned down by company after company
you can send your script to the BBC Writersroom. They will asses your work and
give you feedback on what you can do to improve it for commissioning.
4. BBC Writersroom
‘BBC writersroom is always on the lookout for fresh, new, talented writers for a
changing Britain. When we find them, we do everything we can to get their voice
heard and their work produced for BBC film, TV and radio – for drama, comedy,
and children’s programmes.
If you have talent, an original voice, and stories to tell, then BBC writersroom
wants to know about you’. (online)
The BBC Writersroom are looking for new and young talent. They take in
thousands of scripts each year. Their readers analyse the script and asses the
talent of the scriptwriter. If a script catches their attention they will work with the
writer to improve the script and do their best to get the script published.
5. What the BBC Writersroom are looking
for...
‘We look for the best new writers and best writers new to the BBC with the
potential to be developed and produced for BBC broadcast.
We look for what the script tells us about the writer. We see all scripts as a calling
card of a writer’s talent, ability, and voice.
We look for what a writer can deliver in script form rather than ideas to make.’
(online)
Looking at this quote it is clear that the BBC Writersroom are only looking for new
writers preferably young without a lot of experience. They are not interested in
working with skilled and experienced writers. They are there to help new writers
develop their skills and get a taste of what it is like in the scriptwriting and film
industry.
6. What the BBC Writersroom accept..
‘We accept full scripts. Scripts must be either a single drama/comedy or the full
first episode of a proposed series or serial drama/comedy.
Scripts must be a minimum of 30 pages in length. There are very few drama or
comedy slots shorter than 30 minutes in BBC programming, and we want to see
how well you can handle narrative storytelling.’ (online)
Reading this quote I learnt the BBC Writersroom only accept scripts over 30 pages
long. It is likely they will either recycle your copy or send it back to you without
comments if it fails to meet the minimum page requirements. The scripts genre
must be either single drama/comedy or the full first episode of a proposed series
series or serial drama/comedy.
7. What the BBC Writersroom don’t
accept...
• ‘Spec scripts for existing shows – we want to see your original work.
Script samples, short stories, novels, sketches, or ideas/treatments for
programmes.
Scripts sent by email - we don't have the resources to print them or assess them
on screen.
Scripts for short films.
Adaptations of other people's work.
Work sent in from overseas.’ (online)
8. Sending your work to the BBC
Writersroom..
1. Send your final printed copy of your script to the BBC Writersroom.
2. When the BBC Writers room receive your copy of the script they will
log your information in their database and send you acknowledgement that they have received it.
3. Next the scripts are sifted. The readers will briefly asses the script by reading the first ten pages. If the script shows potential
the reader will then read the full script.
4. If the script is successful in the sifting process it will be given a full read. The reader will read and asses the script further. If
the script then fails to show further potential it will be sent back to the writer with comments. If the reader likes the full
script it will be given a second read.
5. If the script is successful in the sifting and first reading process it will be given to another reader for a s second read. If the
second reader agrees with the first in that the script shows a lot of promise and potential it will be given to the development
manager. However if the second reader thinks the writer is not yet ready for further development they will be invited to
send in their next work.
6. Scripts that are the most successful are given to the development manager, who from their will most likely meet the writer,
monitor their development and recommend their work to other departments in the BBC.
9. Conclusion
• In conclusion to my PowerPoint about scriptwriting and the
commissioning process I have explained the difficulties a new writer faces
when trying to get their work published or even just opened and read by a
respected company. The BBC Writersroom is their to help these writers
and work with them to help them achieve more and get their work to high
quality standards which production companies will use.
