1. Script Writing and the
Commissioning Process
By Ellie Rainford

2. For my secondary research I looked online and came across the BBC Writers Room.
They run schemes targeting talent from a range of sources. They promote writers
across all BBC departments, channels, and programmes. They also work in
partnerships with theatres, writer's organisations, screen agencies, and the wider
cultural industries. They also provide writing tips to help people with their scripts.

3. BBC Writers Room
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/
Accessed 24/11/11
BBC writers room
‘Are you only sending one script? We only accept one script at a time from a writer. You should also avoid
submitting the same script to other BBC departments and producers at the same time.
Is your script complete? We don't accept part of a script; finishing your work is a skill, and we want to see
your idea from start to finish.
Is your work over 30 pages/minutes? We read scripts that are over 30 pages or minutes long. 30 minutes is
a fair length of time to assess a writer's work – it's extremely hard to judge a writer's abilities if their work
is shorter than this.
Are all of your contact details included? We sometimes receive scripts without any contact details on them
– make sure that your contact details are clearly marked on your script. All work should be submitted with
a land address, as we aim to return all scripts that we do not develop further within the BBC.
Do you have a copy of your script? Don't send us the only script that you have – make sure that you send a
copy to us and keep the original for yourself.
Have you sent us this script before? We do not accept resubmissions of work that has already been
assessed, even following a rewrite – so make sure it is as good as you can make it before sending it in.
Have you included an SSAE? We try to return all scripts that we don't intend to take any further. You should
enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope with your submission, making sure that the envelope is large
enough to return your script to you’ (online)
This quote from the BBC writers room is useful because it is informing me all the key points I need to include
while writing my script. This says that any script has to be finished and if its not completed it will not be
accepted.

4. The Writers Guide is a web page full
of valuable information which helps
people to write a script. This
websites helps you develop your
script by having these useful sub
headings. It also tells us what script
writing is all about and what makes
a good interesting script.

5. The Writers Guide
http://www.filmscriptwriting.com/
‘Headings:
1. Master scene headings which include:
a) Camera location - EXT. (exterior or outside) or INT. (interior or inside)
b) Scene location (LOCAL RACE TRACK)
c) Time (DAY or NIGHT)
2. Secondary scene heading
3. “Special headings” for things such as montages, dream sequences, flashbacks, flash forwards, etc.
Narrative Description:
1. Action
2. Character and settings (visual)
3. Sounds
Dialogue:
1. The name of the person speaking appears at the top, in CAPS.
2. The actors direction (AKA parenthetical or wryly). Try to avoid these as much as possible. Both the
director and actor will appreciate it.
3. The speech.’
This quote is useful for me because it shoes me what needs to be included in my script and in what order.

6. The Role of a Script Writer is a
Website which gives information on
what skills you need to be a
successful script writer. This is a
useful website because it includes
different information about the
different types of scripts such
as, television, film, stage and video
games.

7. The Role of a Script Writer
http://www.ehow.com/about_6576863_role-script-writer.html
Accessed 24/11/11
‘A scriptwriter is a special kind of writer. Unlike other writers, the scriptwriter's work is meant to be read
aloud. Additionally, the scriptwriter must put enough in his script to tell the art department what kinds
of visuals a piece requires, helps actors understand character motivation and tells the director what
types of locations a film or television shoot requires.’
This is quote helps me know what a good script writer is and whats needed to make a good script. Its
informing me that they usually need good visual techniques in the art department and have to understand
actor’s needs and how to make their characters motivated. Also the script needs to include locations and
actions to help over all.

8. Scriptwriter Job Description is a website
which says what is important and what is
needed to be a script writer. This is
valuable because it also includes the
working conditions script writers work in,
this is more on the script writer them
selves more then how to write a script.

9. Scriptwriter Job Description
http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/135/Scriptwriter.html
Accessed 24/11/11
‘In all cases, scriptwriters must be able to imagine the effect of their words when they are spoken
in a production. It is not enough that the words look good on paper. They must work well when
one actor is speaking to another actor. Whereas a playwright usually includes only a few stage
directions, a movie or television scriptwriter may detail the visuals as well as the written
dialogue. These details are particularly important in movies, where a long and important
sequence may require no speaking parts at all.’
This quote is talking about the role of a scriptwriter. Saying what they must do to create a good script.

10. The Art and Science of Screen Writing
I also researched books about screen play and found
some valuable information. This part of the book
shows the different parts of being a screen writer
there is which shows that you have to be organised
or things in the script could go wrong. It also says
what could be included in a script.

11. The Art and Science of Screen Writing
From the same book on a different page there
was a lot some more valuable information, this
show s that it is important to plan your script
before writing it, this makes it easier to see if you
have missed anything. This also gives me
questions which by answering can help me plot
my script.

12. The Art and Science of Screen Writing
This is telling me that plotting is very important in script writing. It says that this
will help you develop your script. Without plotting this could make your script
boring and you could miss out vital parts.

13. The Art and Science of Screen Writing
Both pages here
explain the steps you
must go through
while writing your
script. Without doing
this your script would
not be in a order and
not make sense, this
keeps everything
organised and lets me
see where I'm up to
with writing my script
so i can also work
with the time iv got
left so I don't fall
behind.

14. conclusion
After looking and researching about script writing i have found out that you need to be very
organised and plan carefully before writing any kind of script or you could miss out vital parts
that need to be included in your script. I also now know that in all cases, scriptwriters must
be able to imagine the effect of their words when they are spoken in a production. It is not
enough that the words look good on paper. It is also important that you include directions in
your script so there is no mix up and so that it is easier to follow, this would be very
important for scripts that are for television, film and stage.