Profession screenwriter: where to study, the pros and cons of work

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The profession of screenwriter is associated with cinema for many people, and for some also with 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 screenwriter's duty is to write each character's lines, locations and other details. In the future, the original story under the influence of the director may undergo changes. However, the screenwriter is the basis.

Where does he work?

Profession screenwriter is quite in demand. Its representatives can be involved not only in the creation of films and TV shows. Their services are also required for scripting for:

• computer games;
• entertainment activities;
• TV show;
• popular quests.

Profession screenwriter will not leave you without work. Vacancies for these specialists exist in various companies, including:

• film studios and theaters;
• advertising and holiday agencies;
• IT companies producing 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 main duties that screenwriters perform.

• Create concepts for films, theatrical productions, entertainment events, etc.
• Development of the necessary content. Depending on the task facing the specialist, these can be characters' dialogues, tasks for participants, etc.
• Developing video scripts.
• Writing advertisements and press releases.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the screenwriter 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 screenwriter-playwright must comply with.

• Higher education.
• Creative thinking, which will certainly come in handy when drawing up various scenarios.
• Correct speech, both spoken and written.
• PC knowledge. Hardly now you can find handwritten scripts,therefore, a professional must be able to use the technique.
• Knowledge and experience in the chosen field. For example, cinema, theater or entertainment.
• Persistence. Scenarios vary in scope. Some have to work on 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 above profession, but also has talent. Such a person will constantly learn new stories, watch how they are embodied in cinema or on the theater stage, etc. All this allows you to gain experience, achieve better results in your own work and become more popular and, accordingly, a sought-after specialist.

Training

Profession screenwriter always accepts new members. Despite the fact that a higher education is on the list of requirements, you can do without it. Sometimes punchy people have enough talent and luck to become a screenwriter, even without a diploma confirming the presence of higher education. However, the relevant document on philological or theatrical education greatly simplifies and speeds up the career path for talented beginners.

Where to study?

Applicants need to decide in advance where to go. The profession of screenwriter can be mastered in a theater or cinematography university. For example, VGIK, GITIS, as well as some other educational institutions will open their doors to future specialists.

Now youknow where to study as a 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 still does not have a high value in the labor market. It is important for a screenwriter to continue or start compiling 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 a portfolio during the training period. This will allow you to quickly find a job after graduation.

Pros of work

Let's find out why the screenwriting profession attracts potential applicants and those who have not yet decided on the direction of activity.

• Constant demand. Scripts 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 remuneration.
• Creative profession. The whole workflow of a screenwriter is actually an ongoing creative process.
• Implementation of your own ideas. Through film and theater arts, a screenwriter can convey his own ideas to any audience.

Cons of work

Probably, there are no ideal professions. Screenwriters are no exception. Let's talk about the shortcomings they have to face in the course of their activities.

• Not every scenario isin demand. It is not enough to develop an idea. We need to find a concept that will be interesting to the audience and directors.
• No days off. Screenwriters may not have a fixed schedule. Depending on the size of the project, sometimes you have to forgo days off in order to complete the project on time.
• Lack of popularity. The screenwriter creates the idea of any film, but usually he remains unknown to the audience. Since it is overshadowed by actors and directors.

Salary

The pros and cons of being a screenwriter are now known to you. However, the question of the income of such specialists is no less interesting.

In fact, it is incredibly difficult to give exact numbers. For the reason that in this industry there are actually no fixed rates. In addition, many screenwriters prefer to work alone, negotiating orders on their own. The fee and other conditions are discussed individually.

However, we can't leave readers completely in the dark about screenwriters' 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 developsthe concept of an advertising video, the remuneration can range from seven to twenty thousand rubles.

The script is to some extent a special genre of literary work, which is different from all others. That is why not everyone will choose this profession. It requires a certain amount of talent and constant improvement.