Summary
Screenwriter roles
Imagine :
The screenwriter works for the cinema or television:
- either he invents a scenario;
- or he adapts an already written support (novel, comic strip, play…).
In any case, he must create the support that will serve as the framework for the film. He manages:
- the emotions ;
- the dialogues ;
- executives…
To write :
The scriptwriter must:
- build a story;
- invent characters;
- create dialogs;
- show concentration;
- know and love to write.
The screenwriter must therefore above all make his imagination work constantly.
Screenwriter working conditions
The documentation :
Down with clichés and received ideas: the screenwriter has every interest in knowing his subject if he doesn’t want to make a mistake.
The first phase of his work therefore consists in reading books and watching films concerning the period of the subject he is going to deal with. His working hours are not only calculated according to the time spent behind his desk.
Solitary work:
Writing a screenplay is an exciting exercise, but also very demanding: the screenwriter often has little time to carry out his mission. During this period, he must tell a story and invent anecdotes in order to move the viewer.
However, he works in the shadows: unlike a literary work, the script is only read by the film crew.
How much does a screenwriter earn?
The screenwriter rarely receives the same salary every month. It depends on the usage and the success of the film. It is paid in Copyright. On average, a 90-minute film brings in more than €15,000 gross, €70,000 for a sitcom.
Training to become a screenwriter
There is no official diploma to become a screenwriter.
At University :
The bachelor’s degree in arts, literature, languages and civilisation, mention in theory and practice of the performing arts, cinema-audiovisual specialty is the most popular.
Film schools also provide some training:
- L’Ensmis (National School of Image and Sound Professions);
- ENSLL (National School of Louis-Lumière);
- The CEEA (European Conservatory of Audiovisual Writing)…
Qualifications needed to become a screenwriter
Have an eye for detail:
Imagination is the scriptwriter’s raw material. Nevertheless, the screenwriter must be particularly meticulous. He must not neglect any detail because even before writing the dialogues, he relates:
- situations;
- actions ;
- and gestures.
Demonstrate a bountiful imagination:
Films and series ultimately often revolve around the same themes. A good screenwriter is the one who manages to make the story more successful and original. He must be inspired by everything he knows and constantly seek to discover. For this, the screenwriter must imperatively have a solid general culture.
And with a lot of humility:
The screenwriter rarely gets public recognition. It is he who writes the plot and the events of the film, or who adapts a novel, but it is not he who brings it to its release. The screenwriter must be aware that he is not writing with the aim of being read by an audience, which fundamentally changes the writing process, as well as the stakes: he can be asked to change everything.
As in most artistic activities, the screenwriter can also rarely plan his projects in advance. He must make himself available when he is offered work because breaking into the profession can be long.
Content updated on 05/30/2012
Our tips:
The path can be strewn with pitfalls before seeing an accepted scenario. But we must not over-dramatise: the cinema market, as much as that of series, is going strong and good screenwriters are in demand.