1. Script Commissioning
Process

2. I will be looking into the commissioning process of scripts within
the media industry. I will be researching different companies
such as the writers guild Great of Britain and America, BBC
writers room and ITV. I will find out the ways in which a script
can be commissioned as well as the guidelines and rules set
out when doing so.

3. Script Commissioning
Commissioning a script involves creating a new and original piece of work and
sending it to a company that are looking for work to produce. Companies are
always seeking new talent in the media industry, networks such as the BBC, ITV
and Channel 4 will accept new scripts to look through and process. If a script
catches the right attention, it can then be taken further and maybe even brought
to life.
The media industry is a competitive sector, so all work needs to be eye catching, well
presented, creative and imaginative. Getting involved with the Writers Guild of
Great Britain and The Writers Guild Of America, West can help with this process as
they give writers the advice and support they need.

4. Networking
Commissioning a script can be a long process which requires hard work and patience. New and
original work needs to be created to be able to achieve this, as well as a passion for writing.
Networking pays a big part in the commissioning process.
“They say it’s not what you know but who you know, that certainly goes for the media
industry”
Ray Frensham
Talking and socialising with people within this industry helps build a working relationship and can
make a big impact when trying to get work. Making an impression on someone working in
the business makes it easier to break in, they can help build your profile, work with you or
put you in contact with someone who can hire you.

6. A writer needs to believe in their own work
and feel confident enough to promote and
sell it to others that already have a name in
the industry

7. Writers need to send in their work to different companies working within the industry.
Persistence is key when competing for jobs. Companies will receive 1000’s of scripts and
they will only take the ones that stand out.
“New writers who telephone or write are usually asked to send in an example of their
previous work. If it is interesting they will be asked to submit story ideas and/or write
half script (without fee)”
William Smethurst
Writers or are determined and constant with their work are more likely to be contacted by an
employer looking at their ideas. There ideas need to be appealing and attention-grabbing

9. New writers
especially need to
show persistence
and commitment to
the
industry, determinati
on is the only way to
make it in a tough
and competitive
trade.

10. The BBC writers room is an opportunity for new and inventive writers to send in their work.
“We look for the best new writers and best writers new to the BBC with the potential to be
developed and produced for BBC broadcast.”
BBC Writers Room
They look for original work and look for the best drafts that can be created. They look at different
kinds of scripts, these are: Film, TV drama, Radio drama, TV sitcom, Radio sitcom, Children's
drama, Children's sitcom. This is the type of material that the BBC will regularly read and
produce.
The BBC will look at scripts that sent to them as long as all the requirements are met. Amateur
screenwriters need to show professionalism when trying to get a script commissioned. The BBC
will only loom at these forms.
The way in which a script is presented is crucial, all scripts must be bind together and numbered
correctly, handwritten scripts will not be accepted and they must represent and mirror one of
the media standard.
After the script has been received the BBC will send an acknowledgment email and it will then be
looked at and if the BBC feel they have seen potential they will contact the writer.

11. The Writers Room is a great step for up and coming
writers, it gives an opportunity for new work to be seen by
rising talents.

12. ITV will commission scripts that are sent in to them, they will be processed and sorted
through to see the strongest candidates taking into account heir
creativity, originality and strength on fan idea. But unlike the BBC, ITV will only take
scripts from writers who are already established or have an agent.
“The Controllers select their strongest offers and bring them to a round of meetings
held usually twice a year in the spring and autumn”
ITV
ITV will look at the scripts they receive and will only take forward the work that has
the best potential.

13. The Writers Guild Of Great Britain look after writers who are trying to get work
“We campaign and lobby on behalf of all writers”
Writers Guild Of Great Britain
They are a trade union that will represent writers within all aspects of the media industry, areas
such as TV, film, radio, books, poetry and gaming are all included.
In a lot of fields the guild will recognise terms and practice agreements for the writers.
A membership is offered from the Guild, this has many benefits for writers, giving them ne
information and tip about event occurring that maybe of interest, as well as advice and
support from professional staff.

14. The Writers Guild Of America, West is a union or writers for TV movies, news
programs, documentaries, animation and Internet.
“The WGAW Registry is the world’s leading screenplay registration service”
Writers Guild of America, West
The WGAW register over 65,000 pieces of work every year, the main principle of registering is to
determine the completion date of an original work.
The guild aids writers with resources to help them with their original work, such as writing for
TV, agency lists
The WGAW can help protect a writers work and give it a recognition, writers can then know their
work is confined and sheltered.
The WGAW has experts from the industry waiting to help build the new talent, giving out advice
and support and answering any questions that writers may have to help start and build their
career.

15. Conclusion
The commission process for any writer can be tedious and very long, but diligence
can be key in this business. All the hard work will pay off once an employer sees
something they believe in and feel can be turned into something
appealing, worthy and will attract an audience.
An employer will see thousands of new pieces of work a year so standing out is
strategic and vital. If the work is unique and inspiring and something fresh to see
then they will pick it.