| 1.
I'M A DRAMATIC WRITER. HOW CAN SCRIPT HELP ME?
Workshops
- we run workshops throughout the year on a variety
of aspects of writing for stage, screen and radio.
Check each section for specific details.
Mentoring
and Script Development - these are offered
through the schemes that we run and are mostly
only available to writers who live, work or study
in the West Midlands region. Check the different
media sections of the website for news of our
latest schemes and how to apply - STAGE,
RADIO, TV
and FILM.
Some
of our schemes lead to production, showcasing
and performance opportunities. We also often work
with other organisations to deliver schemes e.g.
Birmingham Rep.
Script
Reading Service - this service is available
to all writers (not just regional). Visit the
RESOURCE section for
information on how to submit a script and what
you will receive.
Monthly
Newsletter - published on our website,
this contains news and opportunities from Script
as well as other organisations regionally and
nationally. Sign up to our MAILING
LIST to receive updates.
General
Advice - we are happy to answer queries
by email info@scriptonline.net
or telephone 0121 224 7415.
2.
DO I NEED AN AGENT AND HOW DO I GET ONE?
If you
are a theatre or a radio writer in the early stages
of your career then an agent is not essential.
They may be able to negotiate a slightly better
deal for you but this will probably be swallowed
up by their 10% cut.
If you
are a screenwriter or are becoming more established
as a theatre or radio writer, having an agent
will put you in a stronger position in many different
ways. Readers are more likely to look at your
script. Also, your professional interests will
be better protected in terms of getting the best
deal and coping with legal issues. A good agent
will put you up for projects, keep you informed
about the process and provide creative and career
advice.
To find
an agent. Start by purchasing a copy of The Writers'
and Artists' Yearbook, which has full listings
of agents and the kind of work they deal with.
There's also a list of agents at the subscription
based website www.writernet.org.uk
3.
HOW DO I LAYOUT MY STAGE/RADIO/SCREEN PLAY?
For
Stage: Go into a library or bookshop
and look at published plays. But the basic rules
are - use one side only of A4, double-spaced,
character names in capitals down the left and
stage directions in italics.
For
Radio: There are guidelines and sample
scripts on the BBC Writersroom website
www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom As with stage use
one side of A4, double-spaced, names should be
in capitals down the left but dialogue is usually
tabbed to appear about a third of the way across
the page and sound effects should be underlined.
For
Screen: Scripts shouls be typed in 12
point courier on one side of A4 .
Margins
should be approx. 3cm; text should be justified
to the left, with dialogue tabbed approx. 5cm
from left; and character names centered..
Character
names should be centered above dialogue and written
in capitals, except when they occur in the actual
dialogue. An alternative is the US method which
only puts the character name in CAPS when s/he
first appears.
Double
space stage directions from the dialogue, single-space
the lines of the stage directions themselves,
use a single return between the name of the character
speaking and the dialogue that follows.
Directions
should be written in CAPS (e.g. EXT. CAR PARK
- NIGHT)
Number
scenes on the left.
Again,
look at www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom.co.uk
for guidelines and sample scripts. They also have
free downloadable software which makes life easier
by setting up the formatting for you (Script Smart).
4.
HOW DO I COPYRIGHT MY SCRIPT?
Copyright
exists in all literary and artistic works, but
not in facts or ideas. Initially copyright belongs
to the author of the work, but it can be sold
or given away.
Sealing
your script in an envelope and posting it to yourself
is a frequently cited but flawed idea for ensuring
copyright. You could send the sealed script to
a solicitor who may keep it secure for a small
charge. But the most efficient method is script
registration with an acknowledged body.
For
more information visit
www.writersguild.org.uk
5.
HOW MUCH DO WRITERS GET PAID?
There
are minimum rates, negotiated by the Writers'
Guild, in TV, Radio, Film and some theatre. You
can find the details in the relevant sections
of their website www.writersguild.org.uk
Where there are no minimum agreements, payment
is a matter for negotiation as part of the contract.
6.
I WOULD LIKE TO ADAPT MY SHORT STORY/NOVEL/STAGE
PLAY FOR THE SCREEN. HOW DO I GO ABOUT THIS?
These
are the guidebooks that we recommend to get you
started on screenwriting:
'Story'
by Robert McKee (Methuen, 1999)
'Screenwriting'
by Lew Hunter (Hale, 1994)
'The
Art and Science of Screenwriting' by Phil Parker
(Intellect Books, 2000)
On the
specific issue of adaptation there's a great article
by Claire Ingham of Fat Cat Productions that originally
appeared in Scriptwriter Magazine. Follow this
link to Fat Cat's website to read it: www.fatcatproductions.org.uk
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