The Screenwriter
A screenwriter (sometimes scriptwriter or scenarist) practices the art of producing scripts for mass media, often films, television or video games. The screenwriter must be disciplined in the development of plot, characters and narrative and delivering these in the required format to executives. By nature of the profession, the screenwriter often has great influence over the story, how it might be presented and maybe even the finished product.
As freelance profession, screenwriters earn their living in two ways. They can either develop and execute their own original ideas and then pitch these to executives, hoping they might get sold, or they can be commissioned by a producer to create a work based on an original concept or even an existing work, such as a novel or movie. Most screenwriters begin from the bottom, creating their own scripts and pitching their ideas to the executives hoping for the best. Since it is a freelance profession, much of the job requires being able to sell oneself and one's ideas to a company.
Another facet of the job involves script doctoring. This is when the screenwriter is asked by a producer to help mold an existing script to better suit their needs. For example, a character's motivations may be unclear or not persuasive, so the screenwriter would help to solve those problems and to better the script. Script doctoring is a major factor of screenwriting and can be very lucrative.
As freelance profession, screenwriters earn their living in two ways. They can either develop and execute their own original ideas and then pitch these to executives, hoping they might get sold, or they can be commissioned by a producer to create a work based on an original concept or even an existing work, such as a novel or movie. Most screenwriters begin from the bottom, creating their own scripts and pitching their ideas to the executives hoping for the best. Since it is a freelance profession, much of the job requires being able to sell oneself and one's ideas to a company.
Another facet of the job involves script doctoring. This is when the screenwriter is asked by a producer to help mold an existing script to better suit their needs. For example, a character's motivations may be unclear or not persuasive, so the screenwriter would help to solve those problems and to better the script. Script doctoring is a major factor of screenwriting and can be very lucrative.
Famous Screenwriters
Screenwriting has the potential to earn you infamy if your scripts are well received and well executed. Many famous screenwriters are so famous because they produce incredible work time and time again. Some of the most notable screenwriters include:
Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris, Annie Hall) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_Allen
Charles Chaplin (The Great Dictator, The Kid) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Chaplin
Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Brooks
Stanley Kubrick (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Kubrick
Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris, Annie Hall) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_Allen
Charles Chaplin (The Great Dictator, The Kid) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Chaplin
Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Brooks
Stanley Kubrick (The Shining, Full Metal Jacket) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Kubrick
Skills, Education & Salary
Screenwriting is a freelance profession, and as such there is no education required to become a screenwriter. I would argue, however, that it is important to understand the fundamentals of creative writing, such as character creation and plot development. Outside of this, all that is necessary to become a professional screenwriter is exceptional storytelling ability and a vivid imagination. Most screenwriters produce their works based on what is called speculation, hoping that it will be picked up by a studio. When a script is sold in this manner it is called a spec script. While all screenwriting is freelance, some professional screenwriters are represented by talent agencies. Screenwriting is a profession congested with people trying to break into the industry, both talented and mediocre. It is extraordinarily competitive, and it will take talent and determination to make a career from it.
A screenwriter's salary depends on both the writer's talent and the method of payment. The payments include Option, which is when money is exchanged for the right to produce and outright purchase a screenplay, Guarantee, the money the writer will receive no matter what and usually divided into payments based on drafts, and Bonus, which is usually paid out when the script enters production. Having said that, the screenwriter's payment for a script is entirely subject to the talent they possess and the studio they are working with. In 2005, Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilii were paid $5 million for the script of Deja Vu. In 1999 M. Night Shyamalan was paid $2.5 million for the script of The Sixth Sense. These figures are very high, some of the highest, in fact. But it goes to show that the possibilities for screenwriting profitability and near endless. More tangibly, a screenwriter's work could sell for about 5 to 6 figures, with bonuses not included.
A Day in the Life
A screenwriter's typical day is probably very open ended. He or she will be struck with an idea, and then, since they are working freelance, it is up to then to determine the execution. Unless a producer has determined a deadline beforehand, the screenwriter likely has as much time as they need to finish the work. Much like an author, the screenwriter's day involves sitting around brainstorming, hammering away at keyboard keys when inspiration strikes. Coffee is likely the lifeblood of a screenwriter just as it would be an author's. Screenwriter's most likely work from home, or from where ever they feel most inspired.
Job Search
In terms of finding a screenwriting job, it's not exactly something you can apply for. My internet searches yielded little useful information, and that is because screenwriting is a freelance profession, meaning that you would have to actually come up with an idea and pitch it to a studio in order to land a deal. This would only not be true if a studio went out of their way to commission you to do a piece for them, but that would require some clout in the profession, as the studio would have to know your name and have faith in your abilities to deliver an exceptional product. Screenwriting jobs aren't advertised the same way that other jobs might be, so the best way to find a job is to try your hand and produce a screenplay and see if anyone is interested.
Additional Reading
How to Write a Screenplay - http://www.screenwriting.info
So You Want My Job - http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/08/10/so-you-want-my-job-screenwriter/
Screenwriting as a Career - http://filmtvcareers.about.com/od/basics/p/CP_Screenwriter.htm
So You Want My Job - http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/08/10/so-you-want-my-job-screenwriter/
Screenwriting as a Career - http://filmtvcareers.about.com/od/basics/p/CP_Screenwriter.htm