The profession of screenwriting is associated with cinema for many people, and for some people as a theater. It is curious that these specialists almost always remain behind the scenes, despite the fact that the development of events in the production actually depends on them.
What does he do?
The scriptwriter's responsibility is to make replicas of each character, indicate the places of action and other details. In the future, the original story under the influence of the director may undergo changes. However, the script is the basis.
Where does it work?
The profession of screenwriter is quite in demand. Its representatives can be involved not only in the creation of films and series. Their services are also required when writing scripts for:
- computer games;
- entertainment events;
- TV show
- quests are gaining popularity.
The profession of a screenwriter will not allow you to remain without work. Jobs for these specialists exist in various companies, including:
- film studios and theaters;
- advertising and holiday agencies;
- IT companies that produce computer games, etc.
Responsibilities
Like a representative of any other profession, a screenwriter must perform a range of activities. Their specific list will depend on the field of activity. We list only the basic responsibilities that scriptwriters perform.
- Creation of a concept for films, theatrical productions, entertainment events, etc.
- Development of the necessary content. Depending on the task facing the specialist, these may be character dialogs, tasks for participants, etc.
- Scripting for videos.
- Writing advertising announcements, as well as press releases.
In addition to the above duties, the scriptwriter may be assigned a number of additional actions related to participation in the filming.
Requirements
The standard list includes the following items that a representative of the profession of a screenwriter must play.
- Higher education.
- Creative thinking, which will certainly come in handy when compiling various scenarios.
- Correct speech, both spoken and written.
- PC knowledge. It is unlikely that one can now find handwritten scripts, so a professional should be able to use the technique.
- Knowledge and experience in the chosen field. For example, cinema, theater or entertainment.
- Perseverance. Scope of scenarios are different. Some have to work for weeks, giving up their own rest and sacrificing it in favor of creative work.
It’s good if the screenwriter not only meets the formal requirements for the aforementioned profession, but also has talent. Such a person will constantly learn new stories, observe how they are embodied in the cinema or on the stage, etc. All this allows you to gain experience, achieve better results in your own work and become more popular and, accordingly, a specialist in demand.
Training
The profession of screenwriter always accepts new representatives. Despite the fact that the list of requirements includes higher education, you can do without it. Sometimes punchy people have enough talent and luck to become a screenwriter, even without a diploma confirming the existence of a higher education. However, the corresponding document on philological or theatrical education significantly simplifies and accelerates the career path for talented beginners.
Where to study?
Applicants need to decide in advance where to go. The profession of a screenwriter can be mastered at a theater or cinematic university. For example, VGIK, GITIS, as well as some other educational institutions will open their doors to future specialists.
Now you know where to study for the profession of screenwriter. However, you need to understand that this area requires constant practice. That is why it is not enough to rely only on a diploma. After receiving it, the specialist does not yet have high value in the labor market. It’s important for a scriptwriter to continue or start building a portfolio. After all, employers are not interested in having a formal diploma, but in real practical skills.
It is advisable to be puzzled by the development of the portfolio during the training period. This will allow you to quickly find work after graduation.
Pros of work
Let's find out why the profession of screenwriter attracts potential applicants and those who have not yet decided on the direction of activity.
- Constant demand. Scenarios are always in demand, especially those that are popular with viewers.
- High income. A screenwriter can build an amazing career, and with it, significantly increase his own reward.
- Creative profession. The entire scriptwriter's workflow is virtually uninterrupted creativity.
- Realization of own ideas. Thanks to the cinema and theater art, the screenwriter can convey his own ideas to any audience.
Cons of work
There are probably no perfect professions. Scriptwriters are no exception. Let's talk about what shortcomings they have to face in the process of their activities.
- Not every scenario is in demand. It’s not enough to develop an idea. We need to find a concept that will be interesting to viewers and directors.
- No weekend. Scriptwriters may not have a normalized schedule. Depending on the volume of the project, sometimes you have to give up weekends to complete the project on time.
- Lack of popularity. The screenwriter creates the idea of any film, but usually it remains unknown to the audience. Since he is overshadowed by actors and directors.
Salary
The pros and cons of the profession of a screenwriter are now known to you. However, the issue of the income of such specialists is no less interesting.
In fact, giving exact numbers is incredibly difficult. For the reason that there are virtually no fixed rates in this industry. In addition, many screenwriters prefer to work alone, negotiating orders on their own. The fee and other conditions are discussed individually.
However, we cannot leave readers completely ignorant of the writers' salaries. If you believe the information published in current vacancies, the average income of such specialists is from fifteen to eighty thousand rubles a month.
As you can see, the lower bar is not so attractive and comparable to the average salary in some Russian regions.
You need to understand that screenwriters are in demand not only in the field of cinema. For example, developing a concept for an entertainment program can cost from four to ten thousand rubles.
If the screenwriter develops the concept of a commercial, the reward can be from seven to twenty thousand rubles.
The script is to some extent a special genre of literary work, which differs from all others. That is why not everyone will choose this profession. It requires a certain talent and continuous improvement.