Production Glossary
Screenwriting
The skill of writing a screenplay for video games, television, documentaries, game shows, and film is called screenwriting.One category of screenwriting is staff writing. A staff writer is a position exclusive to television shows. These writers set the narrative, feel, style, and character development of the TV show into motion. Staff writers work both on their own and with a group of other writers to maintain consistency and coherency on the show.
Most staff writers begin as freelance writers who submit spec scripts to networks and studios for consideration. Spec scripts are intended to “audition” the writer’s ability, understanding of screenwriting, and a familiarity with the show they are writing for. Spec scripts are generally original works. Freelance writers also take on commissioned screenplays. This type of screenwriting allows the author to write original work, but more commonly requires the ability to take a studio’s concept and manifest a screenplay based on it. Commissioned screenwriters also adapt other works into screenplays (i.e. novels and stage plays).
At one time or another all screenwriters find themselves in a position of re-writing. In most cases, a re-write occurs after a screenplay has been given the “green light” by a studio. These scripts are not generally re-written by their original author. Re-writing poses a conflict when it comes to author’s credit. Due to the fact that screenwriters only get credit if 50% or more of the script is significantly changed, it is difficult to pinpoint how many writers and the exact person who assisted in the making of the film or show.
Screenwriters are also utilized in video games. More and more video games are driven by narrative content, requiring the talents of screenwriters to invent and formulate dialogue, themes, characters, and situations appropriate to the overall goal of the game.
Screenwriters follow a very precise technique when constructing screenplays. Since a screenplay is used to detail the actual, visual parts of the story, not the internal workings of a character, structure is key. The most used version of a screenplay is the three act structure, consisting of setting, conflict, and resolution. Screenwriters need not be restricted by three acts, and often have as many as eight before the resolution occurs. A second method of screenwriting is the “sequence” method. This format separates the story into eight 10-15 minute sections. Each section is viewed as a “mini-film” with their own three act structure. As the story progresses from section to section, the action of the film sets up the next sequence.
Each genre of entertainment calls for a slightly different format of screenwriting. Film screenplays follow the standard typographical format. This style requires specific presentation of the film’s parts (i.e. dialogue, action, scene headings, and transitions). The screenwriter must write between 90 and 120 pages in Courier or New Courier 12 pt. font.
For television, the format is basically the same, except that there are act breaks. For multi-camera sitcoms, it is necessary that the essential directions such as sound effects and entrances and exits be clearly noted through capitalization and underlining. The dialogue is also double-spaced in television screenplays.
The style of screenwriting for documentaries is significantly different due to the fact that there is little to no direction for action. Since most documentaries provide voice over for images displayed on the screen, the format writers follow is a two-column style.
There are numerous universities that offer screenwriting programs for those who wish to learn the specific technical aspect of the profession. If a multi-year degree is not an option, many colleges offer abbreviated courses, some of which can be taken online.
The advent of screenwriting software for computers has made it easier for screenwriters to achieve the appropriate format without spending the time adjusting basic computer programs. The very first program for screenwriting was SmartKey. Currently there are at least ten other programs available: Final Draft, Scripped, and Movie Outline to name a few.
