How do you become a writer and what is it like to work as one?
In my opinion you become a writer because you want to be one. For example no one grows up to be a bin man. It takes some writers years to become noticed. Some writers might have a lucky break and get noticed.Stephen Davis says "If you have a stellar script in hand and are prepared to spend three to five years trying to get a break, you might have what it takes to be a screenwriter".
Stephen is saying that you have to have patience to become a writer and that it doesnt happen over night. Most writers start of watching films and TV to give them more ideas but also they will read books aswell. This is a great step to become a writer because it will make you more creative.
The perks of being a writer would have to be seeing your ideas written down on a piece of paper and then seeing it being made and coming to life. Being a writer would be stressful because you might get criticized one what you write but also can be rewarding because people might love what you write. There will be times where writers have writers block. This would be difficult for some because they get paid to come up and write stories and ideas.
WHAT IS A STAFF WRITER?
A staff writer is a person who sits down with a group of people such as directors, producers and maybe other staff writers. The duty for a staff writer is to provide their own ideas give suggestions on can be changed. Staff writers are there so they can all bounce ideas off each other. Some staff writers maybe asked to go to first reads of the script and rehearsals so they can have more input.
WHAT IS THE COMMISSIONING PROCESS, HOW DO YOU GET AN IDEA COMMISSIONED?
Twice a year channels and genres reflect on programme performance, what's been commissioned and future needs. This informs the ideas they are most looking for from producers - their development priorities. These are updated with any changes throughout the year.
When Commissioners have something over and above these priorities they hold briefings for suppliers. These could be online or face to face. Relevant suppliers are informed about these as they come up.
One to one meetings with Commissioners will be to discuss ideas in play, not to brief on what we are looking for. This ensures we have time to develop the best ideas.Securing a meeting with a Commissioner will be based on the strength of the ideas submitted.
Your idea will be looked at first by the genre. If they think it is a good addition to their mix they may ask you to develop it further. When they think it’s ready they will take it to the Channel Controller. The creative dialogue will evolve through conversations with both the channel and genre and will be managed by the Genre Commissioning Editor.
WHY DO YOU NEED AN AGENT? AND WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF SOME SCRIPT WRITER AGENTS.
People use agents so its easier to get recognised and agents can find the contacts for you. But agents can help you with contracts by going through them and double checking is right for you. Agents are there to do the hard work for you
Here is a list of websites and companies are agencies.
HOW DOES A SCRIPT GET CHOSEN
1. The Option Period
The time given to the producer or studio to get the film off the ground is called the "Option Period." It could be for 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, or longer. Often times, Option Agreements will include an Option Extension that allows the producer or studio more time if needed.
HOW DOES A SCRIPT WRITER GET PAID?
Being a script writer can be risky because you could be working on a TV show/ film for a day or up to 6 months. So the pay can be very different each time. Also depends what type of writer you are. When a TV writer is hired onto a show’s staff, he/she is contracted to work on a certain number of episodes. But he/she is also contracted for a certain number of week (usually 6, 14, or 20), so the studio can’t bind you to 6 episodes of some show, then drag them out over two years.Thus, the WGA also establishes minimum weekly payments. Right now, for example, the weekly minimum for 6-week hire is $3,817, and the minimum decreases if the writer is hired for more weeks. So the weekly minimum for a 14-week hire is $3,548. The weekly minimum for 20 weeks is $3,272. So the more work a writer is guaranteed, the less the studio pays.
WHAT LEGAL ISSUES DO YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BEIGING A WRITER?
Plagriasm is very serious and writers must be fully aware of it. A fast definition of it is basically copying someones work. So this is a big worry for writers. Writers must do their own reaseach when coming up for ideas or genualry for anything.If caught stealing someones idea can have seriouse legal issues. The studio or the writer could be fined. If your a freelance writer this wouldnt help you getting another job. Even big shows can be caught out EXAMPLE;
Writers sue 'New Girl' creators for 'stealing the show idea from their television pilot script'
- Stephanie Counts and Shari Gold claim they shopped around TV pilot script 'Square One' from 2006-2011
- The screenwriting duo accuse Fox, WME and others of ripping off their ideas to create 'New Girl'
- They filed a lawsuit in California federal court on Thursday
- The women claim Fox made them a $10,000 settlement offer when the show aired in 2011, which they rejected
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGH POINTS AND LOWS POINTS OF BEING A WRITER FOR TV OR FILM.?
The high points in my opinion would be the pay. The pay looks very good. Also seeing a idea what has been on a piece of paper and then seeing it develop must be great. Working with directors and also seeing the actors. Your job is very creative and that you have a chance of creating something amazing. Also people being a fan of your work would be a high point because most peoples jobs dont have that. Being a writer you can work from home but also come up with ideas anywhere. You have a job that you love.
The low points would be that a TV show/ Film doesn't last forever. Also getting writers block would be difficult. Seeing a idea get turned down and that you've spent a long time writing. All these are the worst thing for a writer because you get paid for your ideas. Audiences may not like your work. Even some writers might get some hate mail.You have no one to help you. Everything that goes into your manuscript comes out of your own head and no one else's. If you don't or can't work on any particular day because you have something else to do or are feeling lazy, stressed, or sick, there will be no one else to cover for you and to do the work for you. The work will simply go undone.
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