HOW TO BECOME A SCRIPT WRITER ?
What does a Scriptwriter do?
The job typically needs the power to perform the subsequent duties:
- They Develop and analyze ideas for original pic screenplays and create associate initial framework, or treatment, for screenplays as well as write or adapt a story into a script.
- They also meet with film executives to pitch screenplays and concepts and Weave visual components in scenes with plot and dialogue by working with producers and administrators to edit and regulate the script as required.
- Scriptwriters could return with original material, write a script supporting actual events, or adapt associate existing work (such as a book, play, or film). For associate adaptation, rewrite and process existing material with legal permission. For scripts supporting actual events, they do analysis before writing.
- Creating characters, crafting dialogue and writing a fascinating plot are all a part of a scriptwriter’s job.They are the improbable gifted those who write scripts for feature films, sitcoms, tv dramas, radio plays, cartoons, TV adverts, West End musicals.
- Scriptwriters work with administrators and producers to write down scripts for films or TV shows. Some could begin their careers as copywriters or writers for production firms. Screenwriters got to be ready to add a team and be besieged. Scriptwriters may be asked to rewrite or make various versions of the scripts in which they are working on.
Steps to follow to become a Script Writer
Some of the important steps required to follow to become a scriptwriter-It includes selecting correct career choice, colleges, preparation of entrances, Collection of details of top colleges etc.
Make a Decision
Before you begin following your career in scriptwriting, you need to check that you simply understand what are your interests, what subject combos one has to be compelled to absorb in your 12th, and what courses you’re eligible for so as to become a scriptwriter.
A career as a scriptwriter is usually hard-to-please and trying occasionally, you need to have the zeal and motivation to work for the film industries and companies even in hard conditions.
Making the right decision about the course you want to pursue creates a large impact in the upcoming future so decide wisely whether you want a diploma after 12th or pursuing a bachelor degree which provides an opportunity to get higher education in this field if you want.
Choose the correct Subjects
An academic degree is the most popular and usually the minimum education needed for a scriptwriter. However, several employers are currently searching for candidates with a degree, ideally in Scriptwriting. A candidate must have english and Hindi language as mandatory subjects along with good knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and comprehension. Since scriptwriting is a skill based field in which it does not matter that you have done 10+2 with science or not . The main focus in the course of scriptwriting is languages, it is advised to candidates that they should select other languages such as- urdu, bhojpuri, tamil, gujarati, marathi (for working comfortably in different parts of india) etc. language which provide them an extra edge in their career.
Prepare for College Entrance
After passing 10+2 one will appear for the entrance exam and solely when qualifying these entrances one would be able to begin with their script writing Courses from an honest school. When qualifying for the entrance examination, each student would attend a selected school through guidance wherever they will pursue college in scriptwriting. Some of the common entrance exams conducted by different universities for providing admission in their courses with details are FTII JET (Film and Tv institute joint entrance test for postgraduate courses in satyajit ray Film and Tv institute), Whistling Woods International Test, AAFT test( by Asian academy of Film and TV). On the basis of entrance score and personal interview scores a candidate gets selected in colleges.
Choose the Correct College
If you’re going to get admission within the best colleges then you may have to be compelled to score very high in entrance exams.Professionals say it’s forever higher to require admission in prime govt college as they need the simplest college, a lower course fee, and well developed labs.
- Go through a research of different colleges, their ranking, students review, Fees, placements opportunities which help to determine the status of college.
- Prepare all the documents required during the admission process and connect with alumni of the college for gaining experience.
- Many top-level script writing colleges learn language comprehension and creative writing. Aspirants should do correct analysis concerning rankings, placements, faculty, internships, coaching etc. There are international universities too that offer quality whole script writing courses.
After Qualify Entrance
- Colleges get allocated on the basis of marks scored by candidates. Appearing for entrance and taking admission within the best college is simply the start of the journey. This journey is 3-4 year long and must be completed with loads of dedication and patience.
- As per admission processes at most universities, candidates should 1st qualify entrance examination and candidates should meet the college’s cut-offs before going to the next level.
- The method is wrapped with cluster discussions and private interviews. For scriptwriting degree courses, a hunt proposal is additionally needed to be submitted.
- Gain experience with an internship in college. An internship can help to develop and enhance the experience and the skills needed for writing. To earn the trust of your directors and in increment of pay packages candidates will need to demonstrate their experience.
Types of Scriptwriter
There may be varieties of scriptwriters supporting the specialisation of genres like comedy, thriller, horror, romance and fantasy.
Comedy Script Writer
A comedy film writer writes for the genre comedy. His or her script includes punches at intervals and the dialogues for the laughter of the audiences. We are able to think about here Ritesh Deshmukh starrer Malamaal Weekly. Comedy writers conjointly work with skilled comedians, fictional and nonfictional prose book writers, and websites that post funny content on-line.
Comedic writers will concentrate on one comedy subfield, like humour, physical comedy, parody, or prop-based comedy or focus their add explicit writing genres, like romantic comedy films, tv sitcoms, and stand-up comedy. While some comedy writers are utilized full time, several of them work as freelancers. Therefore, this career path permits nice flexibility in hours, however conjointly ends up in insecure financial gain sources.
Horror Script Writer
A horror film or serial writer whose screenplays surround the story of ghosts and aimed to present goosebumps to the audience and scare them whereas observing the moving picture and skeletons and dead bodies could be a horror film writer. Horror script writers in addition to writing a story, show a horror motion-picture script and should additionally scare the audience and provide them the epinephrine rush they’ve come back to expect from the horror genre.
They create stories which feel scary and create a fear in the mind of the audience and for making it interesting they include some dangerous scripts related to blood, eating non-veg in such a brutal way which create horror impact somehow in the mind of audience.
Romance Script Writer
Romance screenwriter’s stories sometimes targeted the union of 2 characters who found themselves to be in a very romantic relationship. it should embody their journey from being strangers to far-famed and struggling to unite. Their scripts of romantic comedies are a number of the foremost common films of the last fifty years. Whether on a date night out or a girl’s night in, audiences have a soft spot for joyful movies with happy endings.
People watch rom-coms as a result of their requirement to look at 2 folks who are infatuated. Romance script writers include dialogue, scenes, and character arcs that are sweet and slightly immoderate in their scripts. It’s okay to write down a scene that wouldn’t really happen in reality if it makes for a compelling story.
Science Fiction Script Writer
A science-fiction film or program scriptwriter is additionally referred to as a sci-fi film writer. His or her story typically supported the inventions of the new scientific instrumentation that has the most character with an unprecedented power. We are able to think about Anil Kapoor and Sri Devi starrer adult male Asian countries as sci-fi moving pictures.
Sci-fi scriptwriter scripts of Science fiction examine core social and social problems and create troublesome and looking out questions on subjects that concern all folks – pollution, over-reliance on technology, globalization, recombinant DNA technology, personal knowledge, international pandemic, population, government police work – the list is endless, however it inform directly at a person or cluster, any explicit faith or country, any specific corporation or government.
How to Become a Scriptwriter in India?
Indian students have access to certificates, diplomas and regular degree programmes in whole scriptwriting. Students may enroll in an exceedingly connected specialisation like language grammar, comprehension etc.
School level Preparation
Students are needed to complete 10+2 by securing a minimum of 50% marks from any recognised board with english, Hindi language as mandatory subjects. people can, therefore, ought to study these subjects totally to possess a transparent understanding of the sector. Students should prepare for undergraduate entrances from class 11 in order to get high marks. Many institutes offer preparation and guidance for students who want to sit for these entrance exams. Some of the common entrance exam preparation students should start at their school level are DUET, JNUEE, BHU Entrance Exam etc.
Students should start general preparation of these entrances at 10+2 level which covers the syllabus very well and help in achieving good scores in exams. Solving mock tests and previous year papers help them to understand the basic structure of these tests and patterns as well.
How to become a Scriptwriter after 12th?
After completing school, students now take a brief term skilled course within the connected field Or full-time degree programmes which takes 2-4 years for its completion. Detailed below is the way to harden a PG and UG course.
Undergraduate Preparation
One must follow below-given steps for changing into a scriptwriter.
- Students once passing 12th category in any stream got to choose a Bachelor’s Degree in fine arts or mass communication from a recognised college/university. The admission to courses is given on the premise of entrance take a look at conducted on all India or state level basis. The period of this course is 3-4 years.
- In order to become a scriptwriter, you must, at minimum, have an academic degree in Fine arts or mass communication. Bachelor’s degrees are typically decent for script writing jobs, employment in film industries or firms typically needs the work aspirant to possess an academic degree in Fine arts.
Postgraduate Preparation
- For admission into postgraduate programmes, candidates must have at least 60% aggregate marks in undergraduate programmes offered by colleges.
- If you’ve always been needing to explore the domain of analysis and development, then choosing a Ph.D. after MA is the ideal path to follow. One could apply for an academic degree program in Asian countries furthermore as universities abroad.
- During post graduation one can prepare for the PhD entrance exam like CSIR-NET solved previous year mock tests to get an idea about the pattern of exam paper.
- Some colleges conduct their written test at university level as well as conduct personal interviews for evaluating the personality, general experience and skill set of candidates.
Courses to Become a Scriptwriter
BFA
BFA, or Bachelor of Fine Arts is a 4 year specialised UG course designed to teach students the various aspects of visual, performing arts and related fields.
BFA: Admission process
- Most faculties and institutes giving Bachelor of fine arts courses take admission to the students on the idea of the 10+2 level examination marks.
- Some institutes, however, do conduct entrance examinations to evaluate a candidate’s capability.
- After the result declaration of those Entrance Exams, faculties could conduct a private Interview of the qualified candidates.
BA Fine Arts
BA Fine Arts includes study of ideas of varied sorts of humanistic discipline together with painting, sculpture, design, music, and poetry that are a unit developed primarily for aesthetics or beauty instead of a commercial application.
BA Fine Arts: Admission Process
- Certain Colleges may additionally need the entrance examination marks for furthering the admission. The shortlisted candidates can attend the counselling session.
- The admissions are later processed on the basis of advantage list, the marks of that are calculated on the basis of score secured within the entrance check and qualifying examination.
- Students are required to transfer the appliance forms from the official web site of the college, the rules of which can be explicit on the web site.
- Students have to visit the website of colleges for online admission, fill a form with uploading of essential documents, pay the required fees and get confirmation pages.
MA English
MA in English extensively covers topics from English Literature that primarily focuses on Poetry, Drama and Linguistics. Considering the actual fact that Literature itself could be a huge subject, students are given the chance to pick electives and prefer a specialization of their alternative.
MA English: Admission Process
- Majority of the universities take admission on the basis of scores of entrance examinations conducted at university level.
- Students who are seeking admissions in MA in English, have to be compelled to sit for numerous entrance exams conducted by Universities and Colleges.
- There are many entrance exams that are conducted for enrolling students for MA in English courses, like JNUEE, DUET, IPU CET etc.
- Some college faculties conduct a private Interview or Written test to take a look at to further understand the candidate and his/her skills.
MA Fine Arts
MA Fine Arts is a 2-year PG full time course offering subjects like Applied Arts, Painting, arts, Sculpture, communication, artistic production, Ceramics, etc. It is designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in a specialised area.
MA Fine Arts: Admission Process
- The admission form may be collected from the school or may be applied on-line by getting to the various university’s official website.
- College Application forms for admission are out there each offline and on-line.
- Students must complete their bachelor of fine arts with an aggregate mark of 50% for taking admission in MA fine arts colleges.
- The admission into the MA Fine Arts course depends upon the entrances. Throughout the admission method, the candidate’s age and caste statuses are taken into thought.
How to Become a Scriptwriter Abroad?
Pursuing script writing courses from abroad is one of the most sought after professions, one does not have to worry much about the future if they become scriptwriter. The top countries to pursue courses abroad are Canada, USA, UK and Australia.
UK
UK, offers a range of various Master of fine arts programmes with a variety of specialisations available. It is generally longer than other masters degrees in all countries including the UK, Most masters programmes in UK universities are of two years duration.
Educational Requirement:
- Students should own a similar Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute and proof of English proficiency for taking admission in Masters courses in the UK.
- The international students should have achieved a TOEFL (internet) score of more than 72% or an associate IELTS score of 6.0 throughout COVID-19 time, extra tests (IELTS Indicator) will be accepted.
Other requirements:
Some of the documents required to take admission in UK are-
- Graded written paper
- Transcripts and School report
- Personal statement (up to 750 words)
- English take a look at scores (if candidates belongs to a non-native English speaking country)
- Mid-year faculty Report
Top Colleges in UK
| College | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| University of East Anglia UEA | INR 16.39 LPA |
| University of Birmingham | INR 20.35 LPA |
| Bath Spa University | INR 15.53 LPA |
| Goldsmiths, University of London | INR 20.26 LPA |
| University of Central Lancashire | INR 13.91 LPA |
| Middlesex University | INR 14,94 LPA |
| University of Essex | INr 19.38 LPA |
US
The USA is the world’s most well-liked destination for international students. Universities within the United States dominate the planet rankings and therefore the} country also offers a large type of exciting study locations. State university systems are partly sponsored by state governments, and will have several campuses around the state, with many thousands of scholars.
Educational Requirements:
- Graduate programs have extra necessities like a skilled resume, letters of advice, essays, portfolio, writing sample, inventive sample, etc.
- SAT/ ACT Scores for undergraduate programs, GRE score for choosing a graduate program.
- Official English Proficiency check Scores.The candidate can select any of the IELTS, TOEFL or PTE exams to appear for this.
- Masters in Fine Arts, you would like to simply have a 3-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline and not Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) particularly.
Other requirements:
- Official transcripts in original, from all establishments attended with certified English translation.
- School Report, middle school Counselor analysis, Teacher analysis, 1st Marking amount Grades and Mid-Year Report for various university candidates.
Top Colleges in US
| College | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Parsons School of Design at the New School | INR 25,20,000 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | INR 14,20,500 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | INR 30,28,500 |
| Pratt Institute | INR 20,40,300 |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago | INR 17,30,400 |
| Stanford University | INR 25,30,200 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | INR 18,40,500 |
| Art Center College of Design | INR 13,20,000 |
| California Institute of the Arts | INR 17,20,400 |
| School of Visual Arts | INR 8,32,350 |
Canada
Canada offers various courses for scriptwriting or master’s degree courses in canadian countries generally two to two.5 years. The program is mostly a regular residential (on-campus) course. The master’s degree programs are principally versatile and practice-based in nature that provide students to figure across multiple mediums.
Educational Requirements:
- ELP Scores: Students have to submit their English language proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or alternatively take a look at scores.
- Candidates should have a minimum bachelor degree of 3 years course in related discipline to pursue masters in canada with entrance scores for language proof.
Other requirements:
- CV/Resume: Define educational achievements and/or awards, publications, relevant work, and/or volunteer expertise.
- Official Transcript: Submit copies of an officer transcript from post-secondary establishments attended in PDF format.
- Personal Statement: A brief statement (approximately one page) that details the explanation for following graduate studies with this department and their analysis interests.
- Statement of Intent: Reasons or intentions for following studies during this program, together with an outline of previous expertise.
Top Colleges in Canada
| College | Course Fees in $ |
|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | 13,465 |
| University of Alberta | 14,480 |
| University of Waterloo | 27,000 |
| Simon Fraser University | 8,700 |
| University of Manitoba | 9,300 |
| University of Victoria | 16,700 |
| University of Saskatchewan | 10,300 |
| University of Guelph | 20,000 |
| Concordia University | 31,000 |
| University of Regina | 5,000 |
| Emily Carr University of Art and Design | 23,300 |
Australia
Australia is one of the most demanded places by students to take admission in various masters courses as it offers specialisation in various skills and degree courses in scriptwriting.
Admission Requirement:
- Students who don’t have English as their tongue, ought to give English check scores to prove English Proficiency. Australian institute accepts each IELTS and TOEFL scores for English proficiency.
- Students must have bachelor degrees (3-4 Year course) in related disciplines with aggregate of 60% marks to take admission in universities of australia.
- Students should require various education related documents like scoresheet, photographs, language proof, id proof, visa etc.
Other requirement:
- Passport and certificate for identity and citizenship proof.
- A three hundred word statement of purpose and intention of the study.
- Holds a short lived residency visa for study or eligible to use for an associate Australian student visa.
- Students should have a proof of degree holding from indian universities.
Top colleges in Australia
| College | Course Fees(INR $) |
|---|---|
| University of New South wales, Sydney | 24300 |
| University of Western Australia, Perth | 22800 |
| Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane | 21500 |
| James Cook University, Townsville | 24700 |
| University of south australia | 27600 |
| Flinders University | 37000 |
| University of newcastle | 21500 |
| RMIT University | 21500 |
| EDITH Cowan University | 22400 |
| Southern cross university | 18500 |
Benefits of Career as Scriptwriter
Below are some of the benefits of a career as a scriptwriter.
Higher financial gain Potential
Most of the candidates are attracted to the lucrative salary which ranges from INR 15-20 Lakh per annum in India, that the profession of scriptwriters offers. Salaries of scriptwriters are highly fluctuating in comparison to other professions all across the world.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for a scriptwriter within the arts and show biz is $28.50. But, most screenwriters are paid in installments, with the ultimate check typically not incoming till months when the ultimate script has been approved.
Better Job Prospects
It is not easy to experience the satisfaction of a scriptwriter job even if you have prior experience in the field. Since the population of bachelor degree holders in Fine arts increases day by day, it’s a highly competitive field.
The BLS predicts job growth for script writers to be comparatively flat between 2018 and 2028. This can be a lot slower growth than for all career fields. This slow growth is due partially as a result of robust competition for all script writing jobs, and since many of us square measure interested in this field.
As a script writer, you decide once to figure. If you’re employed on a show or are following a production schedule, you may have less flexibility. you wish to satisfy your deadlines in the end. Television networks and production company executives are perpetually checking out sensible scripts which provide better job prospects in scriptwriting.
Positive impact of the career
You have a lot of opportunities to discover new writing skills in the profession of Scriptwriter.They work in different film and media companies and handle different tasks which helps them to build their skill of decision making and problem solving.
Scriptwriting has its ups and downs like several alternative varieties of career. However, if you’ll be able to build it into the screenwriting business, there are several reasons why this profession is thus appreciated and wonderful. In addition to functioning from home, you’ll work with individuals from everywhere the globe. Screenplays may be submitted to corporations and studios. And, they’re sometimes sent over email or different secure strategies. So, you don’t need to sleep in one location to be a scriptwriter. Additionally, scriptwriter conferences will happen on Skype or Zoom from any place. Scriptwriting provides the facility to enhance development of skills like communication, creative, analytical etc.
Higher studies
- MA in Fine arts – This is often one in all the most effective choices for aspirants who need to pursue higher studies within the field. Usually, MA could be a 2-year long course. Once finishing MA you’ll be able to either apply for jobs or enter the analysis field (Ph.D.).
- Masters courses are offered by various international universities in different specialisations which offer skill enhancement and skills in scriptwriting.
- Ph.D. – After MA, you’ll be able to directly enroll in the Ph.D. program. This is often a superb alternative for college students who have an interest in analysis within the field. Usually, Ph.D. programs are a 5-year integrated course involving 2 years in fact and a minimum of 3 years of analysis work.
- College literature categories can offer students the possibility to scan books, stories, poems, etc., they’ll not have the chance to scan otherwise.
Progressive career
The career of a scriptwriter has no full-stop, completing the undergraduate is just the beginning. Along with an undergraduate degree, Candidates have to earn certifications and then they will be placed in some media corporations. After becoming a scriptwriter, they can also pursue post-graduation to increase pay packages.
As the increase of digitalisation and population dependency on netflix videos increases in the corona pandemic, it provides a lot of career opportunities in this field to the students.
Many shows are shot on location round the world, therefore travel is maybe within the cards conjointly. Any town, Chicago, and most larger cities within the USA (not considering opportunities abroad) are all locations that screenwriters will notice jobs. This way a career of scriptwriting provides a lot of opportunities to work in different countries which develops skill, enhances creativity and plays an important role in a progressive way.
Skills required to Become a scriptwriter
There are many necessities to become a scriptwriter and some of them are mentioned below.
Writing Skills: To become a scriptwriter, one should possess excellence in writing a story in a manner which will be established visually on screen. Scriptwriting involves describing the looks of the characters, their expressions, body postures and surroundings.
- Observational Skills: Scriptwriters should possess sturdy empiric skills. There are scriptwriters who plot dialogues, characters and surroundings supporting real-life events and experiences.
- Creativity: creative thinking is one in all the foremost crucial aspects of scriptwriting. Functioning on new ideas and visualising the ultimate output on the screen before creating it’s necessary for effectively coming up with, whereas writing the scenes and picture taking them.
- Interpersonal Skills: Scriptwriters ought to work with various inventive professionals within the trade like producers, administrators and alternative team members. it’s crucial to form changes to the story as per the demand of the play script. they’re needed to effectively pitch screenplays.
Salary of a scriptwriter in India
The earnings of a scriptwriter can’t be calculated on a monthly basis because it depends on the quantity of income one gets. Some writers get paid on an hourly basis whereas some get paid on a project basis. to induce inspiration, you’ll verify the subsequent table.
Average Annual Salary
Public sector staff in India earn 5% more than their non-public sector counterparts on the average across all sectors.
| Name of organisation | Average annual salary |
|---|---|
| Govt | INR 3.92 LPA |
| private | INR 3.72 LPA |
Specialization wise
The average salary of different specialisation of scriptwriters depend on the customer interest and the strength of content it varies as-
| Specialisation | Salary |
|---|---|
| Comedy scriptwriter | INR 6.8 LPA |
| Horror scriptwriter | INR 4.76 LPA |
| Romance scriptwriter | INR 7.2 LPA |
Gender wise
Male scriptwriter staff in India earn 9% more than their feminine counterparts on the average.
| Gender | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Male | INR 3.57 LPA |
| Female | INR 3.28 LPA |
Experience wise
Salaries of script writers vary according to the skills and experience of them in their respective fields.
| Category | Salary |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | INR 1.9 LPA |
| Maximum Salary | INR 10 LPA or above |
| Average Salary | INR 5.9 LPA |
