Unit 19 Learning Aim A
Unit 19 Aim A
A script is the written text of a play, film, broadcast, videogame used to guide actors to show them what to say and when to say it. It is especially important as it creates the story of a film or tv show.
The script writing process is long and it requires experience and achievements such as degrees and other things to be able to create a script whether it is successful or not it can still make a good film, tv show or video game.
Scriptwriters have the ability to make sure that the producer, director and various other teams understand the script. They make sure that these people do their jobs properly so that the film can be highly recognised and so that the film has been produced properly so that it can make a lot of money. They also have responsibilities to tell them changes in the script.
Scriptwriters can get hired by advertising their scripts to companies willing to be interested in buying their script or buying the scriptwriter to create films, tv shows or videogames.
Another way is that actors can become scriptwriters after having experience in that career.
The final option is through the manager who can arrange a meeting with a film company, a tv show company or even a video-game company which can allow them to make a script on the project that they are working on.
Media sectors:
1) Film, “There are no specific qualifications required, however a degree or HND in a media-related subject will really increase your chances of getting work. Alternatively, you can get into the industry by taking a broadcast production apprenticeship.”
17th September 2021
2) Television, TV Producers are responsible for facilitating a film, TV programme or video project from beginning to end, overseeing the project both in the studio and on location. Competitors here are working on a specific brief to simulate real work. Those looking to become a TV producer should expect to decide projects to produce on and create programme ideas. They will need the ability to secure rights of books as well as negotiating with writers.
Individuals who work as TV producers need excellent production and communication skills, the ability to work under pressure and flexible to change. They will need to work out resources they will need as well as pitching skills, planning filming schedules and managing a team.
Film scriptwriter Quentin Tarantino: “Quentin Tarantino, in full Quentin Jerome Tarantino, (born March 27, 1963, Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.), American director and screenwriter whose films are noted for their stylized violence, razor-sharp dialogue, and fascination with film and pop culture.”
Some of the projects he has worked on are: Luke Cage film, The man from U.N.C.L.E., Silver Surfer Film. After dropping out of high school, Tarantino worked as an usher at an adult film theater for a time. He also took acting classes. Tarantino eventually landed a job at Video Archives in Manhattan Beach, California. There he worked with Roger Avary, who shared his passion for film.
Quentin Tarantino is known for writing drafts of his screenplays in longhand and not outlining plot twists, setups and payoffs. But the writer-director has his own method of dramatic structure: He's used the script of one of his films to guide him as far as the length and dramatic flow of another. Quentin Tarantino has won 2 Oscars and many other awards.
Network: “Networking is so important, especially for screenwriters. It’s the best way to get a script to an agent, studio executive or producer. Many cities offer networking events where screenwriters are able to meet like-minded artists and people who could turn your screenplay into a movie. Your script won’t sell itself so it’s important to get out there and market yourself and your product. Don’t be shy, and be confident in your skills and script and you might just stumble across a person who wants to make a movie or show with you!”
Flexibility: “Being a screenwriter means you have to be solving problems and more. Sometimes flexible in all areas. The writing process, the critique, there will be budget concerns, a switch in directors and a change in studio management, which will all lead to script issues arising. However, the goal is always the same: to produce quality content. As long as you push through, take the criticism, use your vision and practice patience, you will rise above. Having the flexibility to deal with all of that is extremely important.”
Consistency: “Consistency is the utmost importance when in the show-business. As a writer, you will have deadlines and times that you need to get everything done. Sometimes you can have a lot of time, while others will give you a short amount. Either way, it’s vital to turn things in on time. There are many tricks and tools for organization and getting past writer’s block that you can utilize when a deadline is approaching. The last thing you want is a reputation of being inconsistent, so practice getting ahead of deadlines now so when you have them in the future, you are ready.”
20th September 2021
Demands for film and TV scriptwriters: Creativity and talent are essential when seeking a career in screenwriting. Patience, self-motivation and the ability to accept criticism are also essential. Screenwriters must also be able to understand filmmaking, possess creative writing skills and be an expert in film language.
Requirements for film and TV scriptwriters: Film scriptwriters will need knowledge of English language, they must have excellent written communication skills, they must have persistence and determination, they must have ambition and a desire to succeed and knowledge of media production and communication.
A2:
Legal Considerations: Legal considerations that scriptwriters have to take consist of: Avoiding Plagiarism, Plagiarism is when you cannot copy someone else’s work and try and pass it of as your own even if it is a book or blog if you didn’t write it you should not publish it. Watershed, after 9pm any content containing sex, violence, etc., can be shown however, before 9pm they must be censored. Obscenity Law, some material is deemed “obscene” and therefore not appropriate for release. This could be for sexual content, or whether the film encourages dangerous or criminal behavior. These issues must be considered or else it will lead to controversy, a ban, or legal battles which will stop film makers from making money and can even lead them to go to jail. Scriptwriters can ensure these are met before, during and after writing their scripts by consulting a Compliance Officer. Films for cinema release are usually viewed by at least two of our Compliance Officers. They recommend an age rating using the published BBFC Classification Guidelines and in most cases, their recommendation is approved by the Compliance Manager or the Head of Compliance.
If Compliance Officers are in any doubt, if a film is on the borderline between two categories, or if important policy issues are involved, it may be seen by other members of the BBFC, up to and including the Chief Executive, the President and Vice Presidents. Occasionally, we may also call for specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm.
DVDs and video on demand (VoD) films and series are normally seen by one Compliance Officer, particularly when they are viewing the DVD or VoD version of a cinema film that has already been classified. But opinions from other Compliance Officers may be required for more difficult content.
Compliance Officers look at issues such as bad language, dangerous behavior, discrimination, drugs, nudity, sex, violence and sexual violence when making decisions. They also consider context, tone and impact - how it makes the audience feel - and even the release format - for example, as DVDs, Blu-rays and VoD content is watched at home, there is a higher risk of under-age viewing.
The job is a full-time post and people receive months of intensive in-house training before starting as fully fledged Compliance Officers. They examine film, DVD, video on demand (VoD) and other online content, and also work on a range of tasks to support best practice in regulating online content and handling data.
21st September 2021
A movie that did not meet legal considerations is 2012 (2009)
North Korea banned the apocalyptic movie 2012 for a very specific reason. The highly anticipated year marked the 100th anniversary of the nation’s founder, Kim Il-Sung. As it was also the last year of the Mayan calendar, it became the center of a myth about a prophetic doomsday. The 2009 movie played off of this legend, which angered the North Korean government because it painted the year 2012 in a negative light. According to The Telegraph, those who owned imported copies of the movie were reportedly arrested and charged with "grave provocation against the development of the state.”
The movie 2012 was probably removed in North Korea because it showed acts of violence and it was the last year of the Mayan calendar, it became the center of a myth about a prophetic doomsday. This neglects the legal considerations and uses the Obscenity Law which is material that is deemed “obscene” and therefore not appropriate for release. This could be for sexual content, or whether the film encourages dangerous or criminal behavior. These issues must be considered or else it will lead to controversy, a ban, or legal battles which will stop film makers from making money and can even lead them to go to jail.
Ethical considerations: Ethical considerations that scriptwriters have to take consist of: Blasphemy which is Insulting or offending God. This can be considered a crime. Defamation/Libel: If you script make a statement about someone’s character that negatively affects reputation, and you can be sued or charged with libel. TV shows for release are viewed by the BBFC. It is the same as film that the BBFC Compliance Officers view and check the ratings for TV shows as well as Films. They look at the Ethical considerations deciding if the TV show would be banned or not due to Libel or Blasphemy.
Mickey Mouse: The Shindig: Believe it or not, our final note on this list is a banned Mickey Mouse cartoon. It’s odd enough to note a Mickey Mouse cartoon being banned, but equally shocking is the country in which it’s banned: the United States. The 1931 cartoon The Shindig featured a Clarabelle Cow reading the book Three Weeks in her stable. After there is a knock at the door, she puts on clothes and walks out. There are two reasons here why the cartoon was banned in America.
The first is that the scene shows Clarabelle’s udders, and it’s apparent after she puts on clothes that the audience was looking at her lying naked and reading. Second, it’s that Three Weeks was a work of erotic fiction that religious leaders in the USA had fervently spoken out against. It’s not the first Mickey Mouse cartoon to find itself banned by a country, but it’s pretty strange that it happened in the United States.
22nd September 2021
Screenwriters prepare their script in a way that enables readers to visualise the setting, emotion and the way it will work on screen. They collaborate with producers, directors and actors to draft and redraft their script, often working to tight deadlines. Screenwriters are almost always freelancers. Scriptwriters develop and research ideas for original movie screenplays, they create an initial framework, or treatment, for screenplays, they write or adapt a story into a script, they meet with film executives to pitch screenplays and ideas, they weave together visual elements in scenes with plot and dialogue and they work with producers and directors to edit and adjust the script as needed.
Screenwriters get hired when an agent, manager or producer pitches the writer's script to a prospective film company then which they option from the screenwriter. As needed the film company will normally hire the same writer to make changes including rewrites or polishes to the story for additional payment.
It is important that scriptwriters develop skills and meet demands so that they can progress in their career of scriptwriting. For examples these are the skills needed to be a film scriptwriter:
Step 1: Start writing. If pursuing a career in screenwriting is what you want, then approach your work as you would any other career: dedicate each day to your craft. Start writing, and keep writing. You should always be working on the first draft of something.
Step 2: Learn the business. Subscribe to trade publications to learn about what television shows are being picked up, what scripts are being sold, and who is behind the projects. You should also read screenplays—as many as you can get your hands on. Learning how other screenwriters work is the best way to see how it’s done.
Step 3: Move. To be a serious screenwriter, you should live where the work happens. Los Angeles is the epicenter of the American film industry. This is where studios, production companies, and agencies are located. New York City is also home to many production companies and is especially good for screenwriters looking to work on independent films and talk shows.
Step 4: Find a mentor. Mentorship is a great way to get a foothold in the industry. Find a person to keep you accountable for your writing. There are also mentorship programs for aspiring screenwriters, such as the Sundance Institute; CBS Writers Mentoring Program’ and NBC Universal Writers on the Verge Program.
Step 5: Get a job in the film industry—any job. Working as an assistant is a great way to make connections with executives and your peers. Grey’s Anatomy creator and writer Shonda Rhimes says that an assistantship job is a rite of passage for any aspiring screenwriter. The most important rule, even when performing mundane office tasks, is to have a positive attitude. Rhimes says: “People who have a great attitude are the ones that I always end up saying, ‘What’s your script about?’”
Step 6: Continue learning. Pursuing a graduate degree in screenwriting is not a necessary step to becoming a screenwriter. There are many schools that offer two-year MFA programs. This is a great way to learn about the structure and form of scriptwriting. Obtaining an MFA also affords graduates the ability to teach. Another way to build skills and practice is to take screenwriting courses. Screenwriting books can also be helpful.
Step 7: Join a writer’s group. Form a simulated writers room with other writers. Discuss and debate plot ideas for a current television show, and come up with future episodes. This is a great way to share ideas, work collaboratively, and practice creative writing.
Step 8: Create a portfolio. Remember that you don’t need someone to hire you to write. Keep building a portfolio so that when someone asks what you’re working on, you have a body of work to present them. It is also important to have synopses and query letters prepared for each of your projects.
Step 9: Build your support team. It is important to have industry professionals to help steer your career. A manager will help you develop and market your scripts. An agent will help you find work opportunities and negotiate contracts.
Step 10: Sell your script. There are a few ways to get your work seen. Make connections with producers and creative executives through websites such as IMDB Pro. Upload your screenplays to online databases such as Ink Tip, and submit your projects to film festivals.
It is important that Scriptwriters follow the legal and ethical considerations because if they don’t they could go to jail for putting these in their scripts which could offend religions or countries policies. These are the legal and ethical considerations:
Watershed(Legal): After 9pm any content containing sex, violence, etc., can be shown however, before 9pm they must be censored.
Bibliography:
Anon, 7 skills you need to be a screenwriter. GCU. Available at: https://www.gcu.edu/blog/performing-arts-digital-arts/7-skills-you-need-be-screenwriter [Accessed September 20, 2021].
Anon, Browse careers. UCAS. Available at: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs/job-profile/televisionfilm-producer [Accessed September 17, 2021].
Anon, Most common questions asked about the bbfc. Home. Available at: https://www.bbfc.co.uk/about-us/faqs [Accessed September 21, 2021].
Ryan Davis More Articles Published on May 19, 2018, 2018. Tv shows you didn't know were banned in other countries. Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Available at: https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/tv-shows-banned-other-countries.html/ [Accessed September 22, 2021].
This was my first submission for this assignment. Nothing has been changed or added for resubmission.
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