Contents
Background material (for
concept/ideas generation)
Primary sources for own
screenplay idea
Secondary sources for own
screenplay idea
What are the advantages
and disadvantages of primary and secondary sources?
What material /
information has been the most useful for you and your script idea?
Submission of
work
Within the UK, there are several competitions that young
writers can enter their script into, some are free to enter, whereas others
cost money. Jessica Davisdon has a blog which she updates monthly, where she
talks about ongoing competitions and how much they cost to enter.
The BBC Writer’s Room is open to UK residents, where young writers can submit
their script to The Script Room. They have submissions in two windows, either
drama or comedy scripts. Instead of accepting scripts all year round, they have
a distinct submission window for entries, the next opportunity is from the 9th
of November to the 7th of December 2022.
·
The script must be a minimum of 30 pages,
excluding the title/character pages,
·
It must be sent in a PDF format,
·
You cannot include your name as they will be
read blind until after the full-read stage,
·
They do not accept submissions by email or post,
·
They do not accept resubmissions, even after
they have been re-written,
·
Only one submission at a time,
·
You must be over the age of 18 to submit a
script,
When applying you must also submit the
following:
The prize for winning this competition is being offered various opportunities for the shortlisted group of writers, these include the BBC Drama Room and Voices development group which the BBC runs. The BBC Writersroom’s Drama Room is a 1-year writer development scheme, they usually meet once for a month for 6 months and receive targeted training and development including workshops, masterclasses, introductions and networking events as well as writing briefs with the opportunity to pitch. Following this they receive the support of a Script Editor for a further 6 months to develop their original spec' script.
An example of a winner from this competition Georgia Affonso. She speaks about her experience winning the competition and how it has helped her. She states how she was paid to pitch with The Dumping Ground, Waterloo Road and BBC Radio 3’s The Verb.
Another example of a UK based competition is 4Screenwriting,
hosted by Channel 4. Some of their recent competitions include the 2023 Cohort (Applications
now closed).
There are several things that are expected when applying.
These are:
·
Write an original one-hour drama series or
serial pilot episode,
·
2-3 page outline/pitch for the series,
The prize for the competition is being assigned a script
editor, which currently works within the industry to guide them through the
process. They will meet at least twice a week. There is also a 2-weekend
development opportunity. The first weekend includes talks from writers,
directors, producers and script editors in the industry, as well as an hour
session for the writers to discuss their ideas with their script editor. The 2nd
weekend is split between reading a section of each script by actors on the
first day and a discussion and analysis of these scripts on the second day. The
weekend then finishes with a screening or workshop and an overview of the
course.
These two weekends are then followed by a networking event in London and the
successful writers are then invited to a briefing session in the Channel 4
headquarters in London.
There are several guidelines when submitting a script.
There are also several places you can send your script
unsolicited, when competitions are not happening. UnsolicitedScripts.com show a
list of commissioning bodies where you can send these scripts too.
Another example is genlockfilms.
·
Must have a fully written project,
·
You must be the direct owner of all the rights,
If they do like your script, then they can help fund your
production equipment as may even give you some. They also help with transport
and catering as well as insurance, accommodation and security.
Background material (for
concept/ideas generation)
Screenplays need to be displayed in a specific way. These
are:
·
Size 12 font,
·
Written in font Courier,
·
Slug lines, (Written in all uppercase, begins
with INT or EXT, short for internal or external, sets the scene)
·
Scenes,
·
Scene direction, (written in present tense,
contains descriptions of the characters actions and events),
·
Character cur, (name of the character who
speaks),
·
Actor direction (brackets under the
character’s name, used to describe the way they speak),
·
Dialogue (what the character says),
There are several ways a writer can get inspiration when producing a screenplay or script. One way writers can get inspiration is from real life events, for example the Titanic
The event was hevily
researched in order to be portrayed correctly. However, some of the film isnt
correct, leading to family members of the victims showing their anger. Website
Chasing the frog states that “Based on witness testimony, historians are
fairly certain that an officer did commit suicide, but it can't be said with
absolute certainty that it was First Officer Murdoch. Also, there is no
evidence to suggest that Murdoch ever took a bribe.” This misleading
information angered historians and family members. As an apology, the studio
donated money to his memorial fund.
Writing prompts are another good way to be inspired when creating a script. Websites and social media platforms are available online where prompts can be found. An exmaple is writing.prompt.s on Instagram, who posts daily writing prompts.
Own life events is also a
good way to be inspired for screenplays. An exmaple of this is Rocketman.
Dreams are another good way
to be inspired for a script, as they are always unique. One director, James
Cameron says his dreams inspie his films, like Avatar and Terminator.
Research
Primary Sources
One way of obtaining information that is specific to your
script is by talking to people who have experienced what you are writing about.
By talking to someone, you can ask specific questions that relate to your
script and find details that relate. They can also give an insight into
something you may have forgotten or may not have much information on. By
talking to someone you can also ensure that people will not be offended by any
misinformation.
Similarly, questionnaires are a good way of getting a wide
range of data relating to your script. By asking specific questions, you will
get the information needed that is specific to your script as well as having a
wide range of data, where you can see common themes and any anomalies.
Diaries and photographs are a good primary source when
writing about a past historic event. They are helpful as they give a direct
insight into how it was exactly at the time, rather than someone assuming what
it was like, written at a later date. Photographs are good for a similar
reason, as they can show facts like what they were wearing or doing at a
certain time, which can be helpful when writing a script. For example, the
Titanic. As previously mentioned, it was meticulously researched, with diaries
and photographs being an aid when scriptwriting.
Parts of the story would have been over-dramatized or made
up in order to make the film more appealing, which would have impacted the
script. For example, historically, there was no discrimination with the
lifeboats, all the gates for every class were opened at once to allow everyone
to escape, this would have been added to the script for some drama.
Primary sources for own screenplay idea
When researching my idea for a script, I asked several
people in a group what they thought of my idea, as well as being inspired by
things that they had mentioned and spoke. Within the group, someone mentioned a
murder, which made the idea come to me. I will also be using a survey or
questionnaire when the script is finished to get a further idea to see if this
is something that is viable to create or if it something that people do not
want.
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This is an example of a questionnaire. Questionnaires allow
you to find out information, such as facts, attitudes and opinions. They are a
simple way to gather short responses and are easily kept anonymous. However, it
can be difficult to gain in depth responses as they are not as flexible as
interviews. This was for my screenplay project. A questionnaire was very
helpful when looking at primary research, as it gave me an in-depth idea of
what people liked about my screenplay and what they did not like.
Secondary sources
There are several ways a writer can gather specific
secondary information for their script. One example is other people’s shows or
films. If their screenplay was successful, then the writer will know this is
something that a similar audience wants. Screenplays can also inspire new and
similar ideas. For example, there is a lot of proof that the idea of Twilight
came from Harry Potter, as they have very similar links.
Another way of obtaining specific information that a writer
can use is reading other people’s scripts. By doing this, they can see what was
used in the final film too, what was scrapped and what was successful. They can
also gather inspiration from scripts too.
Books are another secondary source that can be used to
gather specific information when writing a script. If the script is based on a
historical event, then this could be from a book written at that date or by
someone who was in the historical event. Books can also inspire ideas for a script.
One example is Twilight being inspired by a My Chemical Romance fanfiction.
Secondary sources for own screenplay idea
When generating my own screenplay idea, I watched several programmes that had a similar theme.
One programme I watched was BBC’s Ghosts. The programme is about a couple called Allison Cooper and Mike Cooper move into a house, which is haunted. After an accident that led her close to death, Alison can see the ghosts, but her husband cannot. The series explores all the ghosts’ deaths and their relationships with each other and the couple.
Another TV show I watched was the original 1970’s series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). The plot for the series is Hopkirk is murdered during an investigation but returns as a ghost. Randall is the only main character able to see or hear him. Together, they solve crimes. This was the main inspiration for the first idea of my script.
Another secondary research I used was reading books. A book
that inspired my was a childhood favourite of mine Vicky Angel. The book
explores Jade’s grief when her best friend, Vicky was murdered by a speeding driver.
Vicky returns as a ghost and torments her friend for still being alive. But
eventually finds peace and moves on.
All my research helped me solidify my idea and inspired my
script, as it made me think about costumes, lighting and how the story itself
would come to an end. Originally, I was going to have the story end with the
two main characters implying another story, however the book Vickey Angel ends
with the ghost drifting away, which I liked so much I changed my story to a
similar ending.
Prepare material
Advantages and disadvantages of primary and
secondary sources
Primary and Secondary Research are equally as important, but
both do have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, Primary Research
guarantees that the information collected is up-to-date and relevant. this
means that secondary research is often outdated and may no longer be accurate
for the market the researcher is trying to target.
However, there are some disadvantages, such as the price.
Conducting primary research can be very costly, whereas Secondary research can
often be collected without cost. Primary research can also be time consuming to
carry out. Plus, when doing primary research such as a survey, the responder
may be biased based on their own previous experiences or may not fully
understand a question, leading to misleading or inaccurate responses.
During my research, I conducted a questionnaire, this however, was free to make
and send around. It only took a little time. However, it was only answered by a
small number of people with a young age group, which means the result is a
little biased in that direction.
Both primary and secondary research are as useful and
purposeful as each other. They each have their disadvantages and advantages,
meaning that one is not better than the other. Depending on what data is
needed, depends on whether primary or secondary research is more useful.
What material / information has been the most
useful
The most useful information I gathered when researching for my script was watching TV shows and Films. I found this the most helpful as it helped me authenticate my idea, as well as inspire new ideas. I am also a very visual person, so by seeing someone else’s idea, it meant that I could imagine how my film could look, and helped with further ideas past my script, such as costumes, music and lighting.
As previously mentioned, I used several primary and secondary sources when researching my script idea. I made a questionnaire as a primary source to see if my script ideas were something that was wanted. I found the questionnaire to be the most helpful as it showed me people’s thoughts on my specific idea, whereas secondary sources only showed people’s opinions, viewing figures of feelings from similar programmes, which do have their differences to my script idea. That being said, I also looked at lots of secondary information to see if similar ideas had been successful, if they made money and if people liked them. If a similar idea succeeded, then it means that most likely, mine will too, as the target audience would already be there.
Disregarded information
I looked at many sources when researching, both primary and
secondary. I discarded very little information when researching, as my research
was very specific to my idea. However, I did come across some information and
sources that I disregard, for example, people who said they did not like
certain specifics of shows, (for example an episode) I was researching, as this
was not relevant to my idea. Some of the target audiences from the similar TV
shows I was looking at where different, for example, Vera has a slightly
younger audience, which I chose to disregard as it was different to mine and
every other secondary source I was using.
I decided not to also use some of the information from my questionnaire, as
people did not answer the questions correctly or gave information that was not
helpful.
These helped shape my screenplay as it made me think about
any differences and things an audience may not like, which gave me a chance to
change my script so that it wouldn’t arise.
Organising Storage and Files
I am documenting all my information and
references using a reference table, so that I can see where I got the
information from, when it was published and who by.
I am also saving all my files on an organised folder on a
one drive and copied onto a computer as a backup too, with all files
appropriately named.
Bibliography
4Screenwriting. (n.d.).
Retrieved from careers.channel4:
https://careers.channel4.com/4skills/talent-schemes/4screenwriting
Affonso, G.
(2022, May 27th). The Latest from Drama Room 2021/22. Retrieved from
writersroom:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/entries/729f93c5-3903-400c-bba4-c10aaa073059
CenturyFilms. (n.d.).
Retrieved from Contact: http://www.centuryfilmsltd.com/contact/
Channel 4 |
4Screenwriting. (2017, November 20th). Retrieved from YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LQ7GGcw3-M
Channel 4
Screenwriting Course. (n.d.). Retrieved from script-consultant: https://script-consultant.co.uk/channel-4-screenwriting-course/
Companies
Accepting Unsolicited Scripts in 2022. (2022). Retrieved from
Unsolicitedscripts:
https://unsolicitedscripts.com/companies-accepting-unsolicited-scripts/
Davidson, J.
(2022, October 2nd). Screenwriting Competitions for Scripts and Stage
Plays 2022. Retrieved from jesdavidson.wordpress:
https://jesdavidson.wordpress.com/2021/01/02/screenwriting-competitions-scripts-stage-plays/
Elton John Was
Stunned by Taron Egerton in ‘Rocketman’: ‘I Was Looking at Me’. (n.d.).
Retrieved from indiewire:
https://www.indiewire.com/2019/10/elton-john-stunned-taron-egertons-rocketman-performance-1202182435/
Ghosts (2019
British TV series). (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_(2019_British_TV_series)
hogwartsprofessor. (2009, January
6th). Retrieved from The Harry Potter-Twilight Connection:
https://www.hogwartsprofessor.com/the-harry-potter-twilight-connection/
How to submit a
script to us. (n.d.). Retrieved from BBC Writers Room:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/send-a-script
Ke, J. (2022,
January 6th). 10 WAYS TO CREATE ONE-OF-A-KIND SCRIPT IDEAS. Retrieved
from wescreenplay: https://www.wescreenplay.com/blog/10-ways-to-create-one-of-a-kind-script-ideas/
Midnight Mass. (n.d.).
Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10574558/
Primary Research
Methods Explained. (2022). Retrieved from smartsurvey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/articles/primary-research-methods#:~:text=Secondary%20research%20is%20often%20outdated,accurate%20trends%20to%20be%20revealed.
Production
Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://genlockfilms.com/production-services
PTI. (2017,
August 16th). Avatar director James Cameron’s dreams inspire his films.
Retrieved from indianexpress:
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/avatar-director-james-cameron-dreams-inspire-his-films-4799269/
reddit -
r/MyChemicalRomance. (n.d.). Retrieved from reddit - r/MyChemicalRomance:
https://www.reddit.com/r/MyChemicalRomance/comments/pt3zzk/was_twilight_originally_a_fanfic_of_mcr/
Rocketman. (n.d.).
Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2066051/
THE BLOG. (n.d.).
Retrieved from genlockfilms: http://genlockfilms.com/new-movie-scripts
Titanic - Event. (n.d.).
Retrieved from Titanic - Event: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic
TITANIC (1997). (n.d.).
Retrieved from chasingthefrog:
https://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/titanic.php
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved
from Titanic (1997 film): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(1997_film)
Wilson, J.
(2000). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicky_Angel. United Kingdom:
Doubleday.
writing.prompts.s. (n.d.).
Retrieved from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.prompt.s/
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