Importance of a Script Writer - Career Guide
- Divya Sharma
- Aug 26, 2020
- 3 min read
Script Writer or Screen Writer is a person who writes Scripts of the films. This function is so important that whatever this person writes almost everything will appear on the screen. Scripting is a part of the pre-production exercise of the film. The visuals are first decided on papers by a Scriptwriter.
Who is a Script Writer?
Scriptwriters are creative and skilled people who write the whole screenplay of a film. This includes deciding the unfolding of the narrative, sequencing, settings, movement, actions, expression, and dialogues of all the characters in the film. After writing the script a film gets shape and everyone has a fair idea of what the film would look like. Since this function forms the very basis of a film, a Scriptwriter plays a very important role during the making of the film.
How much does a Script Writer earn?
INR 25,000 - 100,000/-- For a Documentary Film
INR 1-5 Lakhs -- For a First Tie Film Screen Writer
INR 5-10 Lakhs -- For an experienced Writer with at least One feature Film behind
INR 10-25 Lakhs --- For a Writer with experience
INR 25 Lakhs and above --- For Seasoned Writers
Above are the minimum rates for a screen writer but if the script is unique and excellent then the remuneration can be higher.
What skills does it take to be a Script Writer?
A screenwriter should be highly creative to capture the essence of the film. It is the scriptwriter who creates magic on the papers before it goes in the hands of the director. The concept is the key. Before writing a script a Log Line and synopsis should be made which would allow the Producer-Director or others like Actors to have a gist of the film.
However some of the key factors are :
Knowing various screenwriting software
Originality
Creativity
Passion
A Story Teller
Ability to create drama
Consistency
Patience
Dedication
What does the job of a Script Writer entail?
The scriptwriter is the kind of person to gives birth to a film/series.He/she should know how to create an impact with their script. Scriptwriters are responsible for explaining the story in detail with the things happening around the character.
During the pre-production process, screenwriters must take into account the ideas of directors and producers they are working with. They should possess the ability to work and collaborate with others. Screenwriters may be asked to rewrite or make various versions of the scripts they are working on.
Screenwriters may come up with original material, write a script based on actual events, or adapt an existing work (such as a book, play, or film). For an adaptation, screenwriters rewrite and rework existing material with legal permission. For scripts based on actual events, screenwriters must research writing.
Desired Qualifications of a Script Writer?
Nowadays there are a lot of film schools where a person can study scriptwriting. But usually, there is no formal education for it. A person learns from his past experiences with the directors and writers. Creativity and talent are essential for anyone who wants to become a scriptwriter. However, a Screen Writer should be a well-read, well-educated person with a grip on events around him/her.
How do Script Writers create Film Projects?
Story ideas arrive without warning. A good Screenwriter must, therefore, be open to events around him, read literature, old and contemporary both, be interested in theater and generally everything happening around in the society. It starts with deciding the concept of the project. Then a synopsis is made according to the concept. Several scenes of the story are written down in a sequential manner. Weave together visual elements in scenes with plot and dialogue. Work with producers and directors to edit and adjust the script as needed. A shooting script is then prepared. The shooting script entails locations, camera, lighting, and shot instructions.
Some Notable Indian Screen Writers
Kaifi Azmi
Satyajit Ray
Javed Akhtar
Salim Khan
Gulzar
Bimal Roy
Ismat Chughtai
Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Nagesh Kukunoor
Sudhir Mishra
Honey Irani
M T Vasudevan Nair
Javed Siddiqui
Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Sachin Bhowmick
Juhi Chaturvedi
Shyam Benegal
Sriram Raghavan
Anjum Rajabali
Reema Kagti
Screenwriters Associations and Unions in India:
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