The role of the writer in the commissioning of a project
The writer comes up with an idea and translates that idea in a written form as a script. This could be for an original idea, however if the writer already works for a company or under a Director/Producer they may use other sources to transfer into a script, such as, true stories, concepts or existing material.
How Writers could get a script commissioned:
The process:
Job Roles in the commissioning process:
How Writers could get a script commissioned:
- Cooperations will commission for programmes to be broadcasted on their television channels, for example, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 etc.
- Independent Production companies will accept scripts which meet their guidelines, for example, genre, strength of the storyline, budget etc.
- Independent Directors/Producers will accept scripts as well. They are able to recognise the potential in a script and can bring that idea forward to cameras or audiences. If, for example, a writer was to send a script to Peter Jackson it is highly unlikely for him to even look at the script. Whereas if they sent into an independent director/producer then they will more likely get the opportunity to work with someone who has experience.
- Competitions will become highly recognised and will help give writers a better chance in getting into the industry.
The process:
- Pre-prodcution - Once a project has been given the ‘green light’ a writer will be commissioned to develop a screenplay using guidelines from an idea, true story such as ‘The Theory of Everything’, concept or existing material such as comic books e.g. Marvel/DC. The writer may have an original idea which would be pitched to the producer.
- Script editing - When finalising a screenplay, script editors are brought into the project to help tie the ideas of the screenwriter and producers together.
- Director/producer involvement - A Producer has control over the majority of the project, including the script and it’s rewrites. The writer works closely with the producer in order to achieve something which will make the studio a profit. The writer will also work with the director to bring the screenplay into a visual story for an audience which is enjoyable to watch.
- Shooting script - After screenplay is finished, it becomes a shooting script which is then split by its scenes/shots and numbered, broken down to key components required for the film. The decision on how the shoots are ordered for the shooting script is decided by the director and the production assistant.
- Page lockdown (final plan) - Once this stage has been reached there will be no more rewrites or edits, the script will be published and handed into the department.
- Production - which is the film making process.
Job Roles in the commissioning process:
- Commissioning Editor - Has the final say, the CE will decided if the idea goes into production.
- Executive Producer - Responsible for ensuring the commissioners conditions are met.
- Producer - Brings all the elements of the production team together and has a significant
- Director - Translates the script into visuals.
- Editorial Assistant - Provides administrative support to the commissioning editor.
- Editor Administrator - Higher level than the Editorial Assistant, however does many of the same
- duties.
- Researcher - Topic information, location research, paperwork etc.
- Script Editor - Works closely with the writer to ensure the script is as successful as possible. The
- Script Editor does not write the script but will offer guidance and advice.
- Literary Agent - Acts in the interest of the writer - fee’s, exposure etc.