The Role Of The Writer and The Comissioning Process

 In this essay, I will explore the role of the writer when it comes to screenwriting and I will also be focusing on the commissioning process.

Commissioning 

The commissioning process, is a term given for getting a script into production. There are plenty of job roles in the commissioning process, these include: commissioning editor, director, script editor, agents and writers. I will individually explain what each role entails. 

The commissioning editor, has the final say in whether an idea will go into production or not. Producers on the other hand, have a massive impact on the commissioning process; they are the financial and creative heart of a production. They are responsible for coming up with storylines and ideas; they also hire writers and also option the script. Optioning, is the process of securing rights to a script. They have control over the finance of a production, deciding on the overall budget of the film and source financing from investors, studios and distributors. They approve locations and hire a production team to help the production of the film run smoothly. The health and safety of the cast and crew is a major responsibility of the producer legally when on set. The producer also solve any problems that occur over the process of production.

Directors focus on the more creative side of the production process. Hired by the producer, its the director's job to visualize the script and bring it to life. They work closely with the producers and casting directors in order to chose actors and actresses for the film or television show and compare notes about script changes and camera shots. They also instruct other aspects of production such as lighting, wardrobe and makeup. Some directors also like to rehearse before filming begins, 'blocking' the characters. This enables them to make necessary changes and so the actors know where they are positioned. At the end of the filming process, the director will create a 'Director's cut' where they will take control of the editing of the film. From there, the final cut will be made when reviewed by the producer and financers. A good example of a director who is well-known in the film industry is Steven Spielberg. Spielberg is the name behind many poipular films including: 'Ready Player One', 'War Horse' and the 'Indiana Jones' movies. He has been in the film business since 1969 when he was hired to direct one of the segments from the pilot episode of 'Night Gallery' (1969). He is well-known as one of the most commercially successful directors in history, however has had setbacks throughout his career for example in the early 1970s when he unsuccessfully tried to raise the finance to his low-budget films, so he turned to writing screenplays with other writers before then directing them. His first majorly successful film was 'Jaws' (1975) which made 472 million USD in the box office which then lead to the production of 'Jaws 2' which was released  in 1978. Spielberg is a good case study because he has been in the business for a long while and has had a fair few setbacks which is expected in any successful career. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Spielberg)

 The next job role in the process is the Script Editor. The role of the script editor, is to find new scriptwriters, create and develop new storylines and also make sure the script is suitable to go ahead for production. The script editor is usually hired by the producers and works closely with the scriptwriter to ensure that there are no mistakes in the script and suggesting improvements that can be made. This job role is also more permanent as they work with the producer.

Agents are another important role, specifically literary agents. The role of a literary agent, is to act in the interest of the writer. The literary agent helps to push the writer's work by promoting it and working closely with publishers. An example of a good literary agency is 'Janklow and Nesbit Associates' literary agency, co-founded by Morton. L. Janklow who is one of the world's most famous and well-known literary agents. They match writers to quality publishers, the legal team ensure great contracts. 

 ( https://www.janklowandnesbit.com/people/morton-l-janklow)

Lastly, another important role in the commissioning process, is the writer themselves. The role of the screenwriter, is to write the perfect script that will go into production. Screenwriters can base their writing either off of original ideas, adapting an original story or joining an existing project. They work closely with producers and directors to make sure their script is to good enough standards, working to tight deadlines. Screenwriters normally write three drafts of a script or screenplay; the third of which gets pitched to a producer or film company. This draft is known as 'the polish'. On the other hand, screenwriters can be commissioned by a film studio or producer to write a script specifically for them. Once picked up by a studio, more screenwriters can be added to the mix. These screenwriters may share a credit with  the original or even sometimes replace the original screenwriter. A good screenwriter to look at, is Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino has helped written films including: 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Kill Bill vol.1'. He is known for writing his scripts in longhand, not outlining plot twists, setups or pay-offs. 

(https://www.vulture.com/2017/10/100-greatest-screenwriters-of-all-time-ranked.html)

https://screencraft.org/2019/07/22/timeless-screenwriting-wisdom-from-quentin-tarantino/#:~:text=Quentin%20Tarantino%20is%20known%20for,and%20dramatic%20flow%20of%20another.

Another vital part of the commissioning process, is the commissioning body. A commissioning body, is the part of a company which decides which scripts (sent from outside their company) go into production. Depending on the type of commissioning, the process and success rates will be different. For example: whether you enter a competition or send your work in. Some examples of commissioning bodies are corporations such as the BBC. The BBC hold competitions in order for aspiring screenwriters to get their work noticed and possibly into production. An example of a screenwriting competition held by the BBC, is 'BBC Writer's Room'. Writers have to submit their script in a certain window of time, this reflects and also gives them experience for life as a screenwriter as they would have to get used to tight deadlines. Contestants have to submit up to thirty pages of a script. They also need to fill out an application when submitting their script. At the end of the process, a group of between ten and fifteen writers will be chosen to join the Script Room writer development group for 2021. Scripts with the permission of the writer, could also be taken furher into development and used within the BBC.

The next way a writer could get their script commissioned, is through an independent production company. An independent production company, has a different system to a major film studio, however,  they do their own script editing and sometimes receive funding from bigger corporations in return for some of the revenue at the end of the commissioning process. If you go with an independent production company, it is better that you are a less known writer as these companies have a lower budget, however are a great way to kick off your writing career. Some examples of these companies are: Amazon Studios and A24. An example of an independent production company, is 'Warp Films'. They are supported by ITV global, and have shows in the pipeline for channel 4. It was founded in 2001 and was initially financially supported by NESTA.  Writers and directors work with them and they don't support certain genres or formats .(http://warpfilms.com/).

As well as independent production companies, we also have more major big production companies. These companies, as opposed to independent production companies, have their own facilities such as a studio which they can use to make the films. Studio productions are also likely to be more expensive and involve higher-paid actors. An example of a film studio is: 'Columbia Pictures'. which was founded in 1918. Some well-known movies produced by this film studio include: 'The Karate Kid', 'Spider-Man Homecoming, and Venom.' 

https://millennialstudios.co.uk/blog/film-production-company-vs-film-studio/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Pictures

Independent directors on the other hand, have a much easier job producing their own scripts, however, you need to be in a good position financially to independently produce your own work as it isn't cheap. Some independent directors seek involvement from other directors. The same can be said for independent producers,  they perform the same roles as a studio movie producer, however they need to find investors and are answerable to these investors if their project doesn't succeed. They also need to hire writers etc. An example of an independent film director is 

Organizations also have a major role in script development. Although they don't fund projects, they are always there to offer support and advice throughout the way. They really help writers improve their work and allow it to be seen. An example of an organization is 'The Script Factory'.

Working as a Writer  

When it actually comes to working as a writer, there are a load of factors that need to be considered. All of these factors enable for a perfect script and commissioning process. The first of which is Agent Representation. To kick off your writing career, and be a successful writer you will need an agent. Literary agents help push your work and get you recognized as a writer. They do this by representing your work for film producers and studios etc. They also deal with sales and negotiate prices. They are usually involved in every step of the process and would mostly be needed by unrecognized and independent screenwriters. An example of an agent is 'Knight Hall Agency Ltd'. All agents have expectations when it comes to approaching them, the first being to have read a piece of your work before they work with you, you also need to write a little bit about yourself and your work when you send it to them.

The next stage of the writing process, is optioning and payment. To 'option' a script is to keep a script  on hold for a certain price and amount of time. During this time, the writer can not sell their script to anyone else. Also during this time, the buyer can make any changes they wish to the script. When the time is up, the screenplay is returned to the writer. This if often done when the screenwriter does not have the sufficient funds to turn their script into anything bigger.

When it comes to professional presentation, there are certain standards that a screenwriter has to live up to. Their script has to meet professional standards which requires using the correct software. A good example of an effective scriptwriting software is 'Celtx'. This if a free software used by many screenwriters and offers a simple interface and layout. It also writes in courier 12 font which is essential when it comes to screenwriting and is the go-to font. Other general information about the professional layout of a script, is that scripts normally can't exceed one hundred and twenty pages and should be above ninety. Scripts can't have any information un-related to the script in general, such as camera angles, and descriptions of characters or settings can be no longer than two lines. Having all of these rules in place gives you as a writer have a much higher chance of getting your script accepted. When it comes to shooting a script, if there are any changes made (normally motivated by budgeting) then Page-lockdown is essential. Page-lockdown, is the process of coding any changed pages, instead of changing it manually. Pages are individually sent out and renamed to page '1A' which replaces the original '1'.

The last crucial aspect of working as a writer is time management. Writers often face very tight deadlines so it is crucial that these deadlines are met. Especially when working with other people (producers and directors) it is essential that the writer has the script in on time in order to not let any of the production team down.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

As well as writing the best script to your ability, as a writer, you need to consider the legal side of things. If not done properly, you could be taken to court. The first legal aspect of scriptwriting is copyright. A writer owns copyright to anything that is written by themselves. Having copyright over your work does not hold your general idea, however it stops someone from stealing your specific piece of work.  Copyright includes a whole glossary of rights which include: Electronic rights which is the right to publish or allow others to publish electronic versions of your work and Exclusive rights which is the right to publish your work without the work appearing elsewhere at the same time. To be eligible enough to copyright your own work, you have to prove that is is in fact an original piece of work.  If copyright is breached, then the person responsible may have to pay the original owner the profits of what they have made from selling the text, or even a court order where they hand over all copies of the text before attempting to sell the copied work.

The next aspect is Bias. Bias is the idea of being more in favor of one side of a story when trying to get a message across to an audience or readers. As a screenwriter, it is important to be unbiased towards a subject, you need to write about a subject in a way that allows the reader to form their own opinion and not enforce a certain view upon them. This ties in well with another term called 'Libel'. Libel is the term referring to the idea of writing in a way to present someone in a bad light. This then inflicts hatred on that specific person through the way the writer has conveyed them or more specifically their opinions of them in their text. This can be done deliberately for this effect. To avoid legal issues, writers will often make up fake characters to make a point and can exaggerate them as much as they would like to.

Watersheds are another important legal aspect when it comes to scriptwriting. Watershed is the term given for the time where it acceptable to show more mature, non-child-friendly content. This time usually lasts between 9pm and 5.30am. This is important to consider as a screenwriter because depending on what content you put in your writing may determine what time it will be shown.

Lastly, the final thing to consider is Plagiarism. This is the act of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as your own. Doing this could get you in legal trouble, with the person with the person who owns the work suing you, plagiarizing someone's work could also lead to a prison sentence.