Screenplay Writer is one of the professionals of the filmmaking unit who initiates the process of filmmaking by converting the textual form of the story into an enactable form.
India can boast of one of the biggest entertainment industries, comprising cinema and TV- in the world. With its self-claimed headquarters in Mumbai, it is also known as Mayanagri or Bollywood in Indian parlance. Although not as famous not far behind, we are having a similar film industry in south India too. Filmmaking which includes feature films, documentaries, newsreels, promotional films, TV commercials, music videos, etc. is one of its major aspects. All these creative works involve a lot of skilled professionals in their making like Producers, Directors, actors, Screen Play writers, Dialogue Writers, Dance directors, photographers, and a whole lot of technical and non-technical professionals.
All these play their role in creating a piece of art like a Feature film that helps to get name, fame, and money for this bunch of talented professionals. Although all professionals are equally important to make a successful film but a Screenplay Writer, also known as Screenwriter, is such a professional, on whose work, the entire project depends as he is the one who is responsible to convert the original story which the film is to be made, into such a format which is suitable for its presentation on the screen.
Thus a Screen Play Writer has the responsibility to start such a big project, which makes him an all-important professional in this industry. A little slackness on the part of the Screenplay Writer may make or mar a good theme. One has to be sincere, hardworking, and passionate about his work to be a successful Screenplay writer. He should have a high sense of imagination, foresightedness, and above all the flexibility to mold himself according to the demands of the director of the film so that he could work in a team without any kind of compromise with his professional work.
The profession of a Screenplay writer is full of pressure not only from his producer and Director but also from his actors/actresses. Thus he should be a responsible professional who is able to work in pressure cooker-like conditions. To achieve all these qualities along with sharpening their creative skill he has to undergo some short-term courses and has to attain a lot of experience before plunging into the Screenplay Writing profession.
Screenplay Writer Eligibility
Eligibility Conditions
Educational Qualification
- A graduate or postgraduate degree in literature with proficiency in creative writing is considered to be good for being a Screenplay Writer.
Age Limits
- No age bar is there to be a Screenplay Writer.
Screenplay Writer Required Skills
A Screenplay Writer has to be sincere, hardworking, and passionate about his work to be a successful Screenplay writer.
He should have a high sense of imagination, foresightedness, and above all the flexibility to mold himself according to the demands of the director of the film so that he could work in a team without any kind of compromise with his professional work.
How to become a Screenplay Writer?
To be a Screenplay Writer one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After getting the requisite qualification i.e., a graduate or better a postgraduate degree in literature one may go for various certificate and diploma courses offered by film institutes throughout the country providing basic knowledge of screenplay writing or creative writing along with various other aspects of screenplay writing. However, some reputed institutes with limited seats may take an aptitude test before granting admission to their institutions.
Duration of Carious Courses:
- The certificate course is of one year.
- Diploma and Post Graduate level courses are of two years.
Step 2
After the completion of his/her, basic training in the relevant field one can join some big film house or start as an assistant to some experienced Screenplay Writer in the project to get some on-the-job experience. After getting some live exposure one can take up his own assignment of Screen Play Writing in an effective way.
Institutes offering Courses for Screenplay Writers
- R.K. Films and Media Academy (RKFMA), New Delhi
- Annapurna International School of Film and Media (AISFM), Hyderabad
- Digital Academy, Mumbai
- Livewires- The Media Institute, Mumbai
Screenplay Writer Job Description
The screenplay Writer is responsible to convert the original story on which the film/program is to be made, into such a format that is suitable for its presentation on the screen.
He is responsible not only to maintain the originality of the story he is given but also for do necessary changes so as to fit the story in the presentable format.
Screenplay Writer Career Prospects
Screenplay writer has wide career opportunities after they gained name and fame. They can prove to be highly lucrative yet challenging, at the same time. The result of a film or a television program largely depends upon the way the screenplay is written. After pursuing a course in screenplay writing, they can develop a screenplay for stories from different genres, such as comedy, drama, science fiction, action, romance, etc.
Screenplay Writer Salary
Screenplay Writer can expect to get anywhere near Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000 per project as an assistant to a senior depending upon the project and the banner. After getting some exposure and working with some established film houses there is no counting of money one can earn in this profession. All this depends upon his creative skill and the amount of success he gets commercially with his work.
