Member-only story

The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television Writing

Art Mitchell

·11.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Essentials Of Screenwriting: The Art Craft And Business Of Film And Television Writing

6 min read

350 View Claps

40 Respond

Save

Listen

Film and television writing is a unique and challenging craft that combines elements of art, craft, and business. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of film and television writing, from the creative process to the business of getting your work produced.

Essentials of Screenwriting: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television Writing

by Richard Walter

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2008 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages

The Art of Film and Television Writing

Film and television writing is an art form that requires creativity, imagination, and a deep understanding of human nature. The best film and television writers are able to create characters that are both believable and relatable, and stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

There are many different elements that go into creating a successful film or television script. These include:

Character development: Creating characters that are believable, relatable, and complex is essential to writing a successful film or television script. Characters should have clear motivations and goals, and they should be able to change and grow over the course of the story.
Plot structure: The plot of a film or television script should be well-structured and engaging. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and it should keep the audience guessing what will happen next.
Dialogue: Dialogue is an essential part of film and television writing. It should be natural, believable, and revealing. Dialogue should also be used to advance the story and develop the characters.
Theme: Every film or television script has a theme. This is the central message or idea that the writer wants to convey to the audience. The theme should be woven into the story in a subtle way, and it should not be preachy or didactic.
Subtext: Subtext is what is left unsaid in a film or television script. It is the meaning that is implied by the words and actions of the characters. Subtext can be used to create tension, suspense, and irony.
Genre: The genre of a film or television script refers to its overall tone and style. There are many different genres of film and television, including comedy, drama, action, horror, and science fiction. The genre of a script will determine its target audience and the way it is marketed.
Format: The format of a film or television script is important for ensuring that it is readable and easy to understand. There are specific rules for formatting scripts, and these rules must be followed carefully.

The Craft of Film and Television Writing

In addition to the artistic elements of film and television writing, there is also a craft to it. This includes understanding the different stages of the writing process, as well as the business of getting your work produced.

The writing process for a film or television script typically involves the following steps:

Outlining: The first step in writing a film or television script is to create an outline. This is a brief overview of the story, including the main characters, the plot, and the ending. The outline will help you to stay organized and on track as you write the script.
First draft: Once you have an outline, you can begin writing the first draft of the script. This is where you will flesh out the characters, develop the plot, and write the dialogue. The first draft is not always perfect, but it is a good starting point.
Rewriting: After you have finished the first draft, you will need to rewrite it. This is where you will refine the story, fix any plot holes, and make sure that the dialogue is sharp and engaging. You may need to rewrite the script several times before it is ready.
Polishing: Once you are satisfied with the rewrite, you will need to polish the script. This is where you will check for typos, grammar errors, and formatting issues. You may also want to get feedback from other writers, producers, or directors to help you improve the script.

The Business of Film and Television Writing

Getting your film or television script produced is a business. This involves finding an agent, pitching your script, and working with producers and directors to bring your vision to life.

Here are some tips for getting your film or television script produced:

Get an agent: An agent can help you to get your script in front of producers and directors. Agents typically charge a commission on any deals that they make for you.
Pitch your script: When you have an agent, they will help you to pitch your script to producers and directors. A pitch is a short presentation that gives a brief overview of your script and why you think it would be a great film or television show.
Work with producers and directors: Once you have found a producer or director who is interested in your script, you will need to work with them to develop the project. This may involve rewriting the script, developing the characters, and securing financing.
Get your film or television show produced: Once you have developed the project with a producer or director, you will need to get it produced. This may involve finding financing, hiring a cast and crew, and shooting the film or television show.

Film and television writing is a challenging but rewarding career. It is a field that requires creativity, imagination, and a deep understanding of human nature. If you are passionate about storytelling and have a strong work ethic, then film and television writing may be the right career for you.

Essentials of Screenwriting: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television Writing

by Richard Walter

4.5 out of 5