Profession script writer

Script writers create scripts for motion pictures or television series. They write a detailed story that consists of plot, characters, dialogue and physical environment.

Personality Type

• Artistic / Enterprising
• Artistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Writing techniques

  The different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.

• Literature

  The body of artistic writing characterized by beauty of expression, form, and universality of intellectual and emotional appeal.

• Copyright legislation

  Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

• Screenwriting theories

  The techniques and structures for writing a script in order to convey your creative vision through symbolism, dialogues, action, and subtext such as the Three-act structure, the Hero's journey, and the Sequence approach.

• Film production process

  The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.

Skills

• Consult with editor

  Consult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.

• Use specific writing techniques

  Use writing techniques depending on the type of media, the genre, and the story.

• Develop script bible

  Create a document, called the script or story bible, with all the information about the characters and settings of the story.

• Write storylines

  Write the plot of a novel, play, film, or other narrative form. Create and develop characters, their personalities, and relationships.

• Deliver a sales pitch

  Prepare and deliver an understandably constructed sales talk for a product or a service, identifying and using persuasive argumentation.

• Write dialogues

  Write conversations between characters.

• Consult with producer

  Consult with a motion picture producer about requirements, deadlines, budget, and other specifications.

• Study topics

  Carry out effective research on relevant topics to be able to produce summary information appropriate to different audiences. The research may involve looking at books, journals, the internet, and/or verbal discussions with knowledgeable persons.

• Develop creative ideas

  Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.

• Consult with production director

  Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.

• Create a shooting script

  Create a script including camera, lighting and shot instructions.

• Follow work schedule

  Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.

• Manage feedback

  Provide feedback to others. Evaluate and respond constructively and professionally to critical communication from colleagues and customers.

• Finish project within budget

  Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

• Consult information sources

  Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.

• Summarise stories

  Summarise stories briefly to give a broad idea of the creative concept, e.g. in order to secure a contract.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB