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This presentation will aim to explain the commissioning process for scripts written for TV, film and video. I will be exploring the roles and requirements a screenwriter needs to follow: basic, legal and ethical.
A screenwriter is someone who writes scripts for films, television, video and other mass medias. Script writing is the act of writing original scripts for a piece of film or TV show, in order to suit the characters and protagonists of the show/film/video. The role of the screenwriter entails creating a script to the utmost professional standard, in order for the audience to enjoy the film or programme. The script writer must have a certain level of creative flair in their work, and the ability to develop the characters and narrative of their script, alongside the creative department and actors.
There are two main kinds of scripts: the ones that are commissioned by a company, producers or a studio. Most of the avengers films by Marvel Studios, had commissioned scripts; Marvel hired screenwriters to write a script for their films. Whereas, a great example of a spec script would be Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman released by Paramount and Netflix, as a result of a deal struck between the two companies due to creative conflict between producers.
A commissioned writer is employed by a production company or studio to write a screenplay for a pitched TV show or video, with the aim to move the project into production as soon as possible. Production companies and networks such as BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are always seeking new talent in the media industry that is eye-catching, creative and imaginative.
A spec (speculation) script is a non-commissioned and unsolicited screenplay. Typically written by a screenwriter who wants to have his/her script optioned and purchased by a producer, production company or studio. The main purpose of writing a spec script is to prove his/her writing ability in order to receive recognition and representation from an agent, manager or production company; some examples include Good Will Hunting by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and American Beauty by Alan Bell.
While screenwriters need to have a high level of creativity, there are certain requirements that may be posed to the writer by the company, studio or producers. The most basic requirements often include an original script, as the writer may be terminated, if their work is found to be plagiarized or stolen; a creative and confident attitude and personal flair in the writing; the character, setting, themes, structure should be made clear in the first 10 pages; the script should be complete, and spell-checked and formatted correctly; the writing and plot should be exciting and captivating with several enigma and action codes; and the characters, themes, setting and plot should be considerate of ethical and legal restraints and issues set by OfCom and the hiring company. And the screen writer is not required to have any degree qualifications in writing.
A script must be commissioned for copyright, before it goes into production, in order to avoid legal issues, copyright allegations from any pre-existing work. Hence, screenwriters must be very careful when copyrighting their work. Each scriptwriter will receive certain requirements of the studio or company that is hiring them. The hiring party may want to steer clear of a certain degree of sex, violence, nudity and sexual and racial issue; these topics may be limited or prohibited by the producers/company commissioning the script. If a writer conforms to these requirements, the employer receives a positive message that screenwriter is professional and able to conform to outlines and requirements provided by the company, while remaining a good level of creative and artistic dignity with the script. There are several legal and ethical issues that can stem from screenwriters not properly copyrighting their work. These regulations include plagiarism, copyright disputes, media bias, misrepresentation of minority populations in the UK, including races, genders, sexualities and ethnicities, and the requirements of censorship according to the OfCom guidelines, and the Watershed outlines. Any violations of ethical guidelines, can result in the termination of the script from the commissioning company, and may also ruin the scriptwriter's career. Additionally, going against legal regulations when it concerning script writing, can also result in termination of the screenwriter, along with severe legal chargers that may be entail prison time and law suits. However, amateur writers are more likely to be victimized by theft of their original work by the the commissioning company, if their script was submitted and not approved by the company/studio/producers.
Plagiarism is the act of taking the work done by someone else and trying to pass it as one’s own. It is possible for someone to take legal actions against a screenwriter if they are found or alleged guilty of plagiarising or stealing someone else’s pre-existing work. This can be the case if script writers do not properly copyright their work. If a script writer is accused of theft of characters, fictional places or any major aspects of another work, they could be sued, or have to spend time in prison.
And while no one person can copyright an idea or concept, using it without permission or credit can be considered a form of theft. Therefore, screenwriters must ensure that their work is completely unique and original.
Another legal and ethical aspect that script writers must be aware of is the libel law, which has the potential to discredit a script writer entirely and end their career. Releasing a script with information in it that is based upon real people, places or events, can be seen libelous. Hence, if the script is based off of a real person, it must be made with care, taking into consideration the safety of that person, and their friends and family.
And while no one person can copyright an idea or concept, using it without permission or credit can be considered a form of theft. Therefore, screenwriters must ensure that their work is completely unique and original.
Another legal and ethical aspect that script writers must be aware of is the libel law, which has the potential to discredit a script writer entirely and end their career. Releasing a script with information in it that is based upon real people, places or events, can be seen libelous. Hence, if the script is based off of a real person, it must be made with care, taking into consideration the safety of that person, and their friends and family.
Bias is concept that the views and opinions on a particular topic, especially if it is political, social or controversial (immigration issues political standpoints and affairs, etc.), are prejudiced and unjustly presented. Thus, it is vital for the scriptwriter to present point of views on both sides of opposition. If the writer disregarded either side, then the script will be considered unethical and prejudiced. The script writer may chose to present certain moral messages and ideas in their work, or try to inform others of a certain issue; however, the screenwriter must convey this in an unbiased way through a negotiated reading of their work; because people don't like it when they have views forced upon them, they would rather look at the evidence and draw their own conclusions.
The (BBFC) British Board of Film Classification) is the primary regulator of everything that is released on Television in the UK, and (OfCom) Office of Communications monitors the communication industries in the UK; and the Watershed is part of what the company regulates. The BBFC regulates and sets the age ratings given to each piece of film released in cinemas and on TV in the UK; and script writers are expected to abide by the requirements for the age rating that has been assigned to their project by the hiring company or producers.
Censorship is "the suppression of film content which may be considered harmful to audiences. Film/TV programs often have guidelines which state what audiences the content is suitable for; it also protects people from seeing offensive content which may include sex, nudity, abusive language, violence, etc.
Watersheds are the point of time at which adult programs may be broadcast on TV in the UK. These progrmas may contain sex, nudity, swearing, graphic images, violence, etc, which are may not be suitable for family viewing. The watershed in the UK is after 9pm.
Censorship is "the suppression of film content which may be considered harmful to audiences. Film/TV programs often have guidelines which state what audiences the content is suitable for; it also protects people from seeing offensive content which may include sex, nudity, abusive language, violence, etc.
Watersheds are the point of time at which adult programs may be broadcast on TV in the UK. These progrmas may contain sex, nudity, swearing, graphic images, violence, etc, which are may not be suitable for family viewing. The watershed in the UK is after 9pm.
The BBFC is responsible for the age ratings applied to films and programs, and according to its classifications, a U rated film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over, although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. U films should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for pre-school children, this will be indicated in the BBFC insight. A good example of a U rated film is "Monsters University".
The next rung on the ladder is PG, which entails some general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children. An example of a PG rated film is "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe".
The next rung on the ladder is PG, which entails some general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children. An example of a PG rated film is "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe".
Next up, films classified 12A and 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide, we recommend that they check the Ratings info for that film in advance. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work, such as "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them". The 12 rating is followed by 15; no one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video work, for example "TED".
Lastly, no one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated video work. Adults should be free to choose their own entertainment, such as "Us and Them"
Films rated R18 fall into a special, legally restricted classification, reserved primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. These films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops; and they must not be supplied by mail order, for example, "Lolita"
Films rated R18 fall into a special, legally restricted classification, reserved primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. These films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops; and they must not be supplied by mail order, for example, "Lolita"
There is a team of people who are involved in the commissioning process. This helps ensure that the final product passes through all the legal and ethical requirements and is approved by the producers, director, actors, and all others involved in the production process. The commissioning of a script involves the screenwriter, director, producers, script editors and commissioning editors.
According to UKTV and BBC, there are 7 basic steps to the commissioning of a script:
- The screenwriter emails the company their script as a pitch, explaining their ideas and concepts for it.
- After the pitch has been submitted, it will be put into paid development, which will entail working up a more extensive treatment with additional research, as well as budgeting and scheduling for a series/film. This may also involve casting tapes, and full-blown pilots.
- Next, the commissioning department and channel editorial team work together on making a decision, using a two-tick system, allowing for creative debate and ensures the decision being made is rigorous about the commissioning of the most exciting ideas. This decides whether the project will be green-lit or not.
- Then, the screenwriter will either receive a confirmation or cancellation on their script and if it is approved, then the production department will work with the scriptwriter to finalize a budget and schedule for the project, working on the pre-production.
- Following this, the company will hold a pre-production meeting, where they will discuss, with the screenwriter, the project, and schedules, and the employment of different cast and crew.
- Succeeding this, the production will take place over the next months or even years, depending on the nature of the program/film.
- Finally, the project is edited and given finishing touches for its release on television on the channel it was pitched for.