Script Development & the Commissioning Process By Nick McCabe
1.
2. STEPS-
‘BBC writers room is always on the lookout for fresh, new, talented writers for a
changing Britain. When we find them, we do everything we can to get their voice
heard and their work produced for BBC film, TV and radio – for drama, comedy, and
children’s programmes’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/
They take in scripts and analyse them to see certain skills from a writer, if they produce good
enough work, there scripts will get sent back to the writer with feedback on the sheet.
STEPS-
3. What They Accept And Don't Accept
‘Accept-Full unsolicited scripts (or episodes) for film, TV drama, radio drama, TV and radio sitcom. Also stage
plays, but only as a calling card for a writer's talent’
Don’t accept –‘Spec scripts for existing shows – we want to see your original work.
Script samples, short stories, novels, sketches, or ideas/treatments for programmes.
Scripts sent by email - we don't have the resources to print them or assess them on screen.
Scripts for short films. Adaptations of other people's work. Work sent in from overseas’ (online)
I found out that to send in a script, you have to abide by the rules, which include all the above.
Also you can NOT send copious amounts of scripts off to the BBC, only one will get analysed
and sent back with feedback.BBC writers room gives writers a chance to become a
professional and show there true writing skills.
4. What they look for....
‘We look for the best new writers and best writers new to the BBC with the potential to be developed
and produced for BBC broadcast.’
‘We look for what the script tells us about the writer. We see all scripts as a calling card of a writer’s
talent, ability, and voice. ‘
’We look for what a writer can deliver in script form rather than ideas to make.’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/terms_and_conditions.shtml
I found that there clearly passionate about who writes for them and what potential they can
see in a writer. Also rather then idea generating the focus is on what they can deliver...
5. Scripted Projects –
(TV Movies, Mini-Series, Drama Series, Sitcom)
‘When considering to pitch a script or idea for a TV show that
would be scripted (Sitcom, Movie, Drama Series, Mini-Series) its
important to understand the process that an executive or TV
Producer undertakes in getting a television show produced.
Knowing this process will help you bring the most valuable
elements within your ability and resources to any Producer that
would consider purchasing your screenplay or treatment
http://www.tvwritersvault.com/creating/creatingScripted.asp
Knowing how a producer creates these films , in order to get the
write written script, it’d help if the producer can relate to the
script and work with it , that’s when you’re in the spotlight for
writing and get the right “elements within your ability.
6. Loglines -
Loglines-
The Short Pitch! The one-liner that tells what your show is-
A "Logline" is a one or two sentence description that tells the basic
premise and purpose of a TV show idea’
‘Loglines for the sake of pitching a project are similar to a TV Guide
description of a show, but more specific in describing the concept of the
program. This is the catalyst for increasing the odds of selling a script or
idea for a television show.’
http://www.tvwritersvault.com/creating/creatingLoglines.asp
To make a script more interesting this piece of information is useful, and I
trembled along the fact that to make a script readable u need to pitch ure ideas
(exiting) (Not boring)for your scripts then the actual TV show/film its self will
enhance.
7. I've found that to keep your story/scripts intact
from the start, you need to have a
dilemma/situation that's interesting and readable ,
maybe exitment,a twist etc. Violence, conflict. Also
as well as the start, the ending needs to be as
good, for example at the end of tortured they find
that they have bin torturing the complete opposite
man witch creates a brilliant twist to the story.
Other techniques used for resolutions are cliff
hangers....witch are very effective for the script.
8. After reading about visual interest, it shows that its
not all about a good idea , you have to have an idea
that's creative , interesting and shows how the
‘story develops’ .Simple techniques like using
pictures instead of words, allot of movement to
keep the momentum and try not to set the
beginning in an office or a dull setting. Make sure
the setting is visually interesting and catches the
viewers eyes
9. Dramatic tension is
created in numerous
amounts of ways , one
main way is to get the
viewers involved in the
story and the
characters and a
technique for that as
quoted :”emotion-
happiness, shock,
tears. It is distressing
but people are
fascinated by other
peoples emotions. As a
stepping stone to have
a dramatic Script
humorous language
and gestures make
viewers feel
comfortable .
10. The key to plant an idea for a
character is developing
throughout, there are 4 main
key steps that helps :
Character assassination-
Character development-The
thought process-Character
names. If there's a situation in
the script and its looking dull,
boring etc. Have the
characters do something
unusual witch catches viewers
eyes and bring them into the
story easier and will “cause a
temporary sensation”
11. Within the research I found out allot about
script writing , it mostly involves around
keeping the viewers keen and imaginative
minds for characterization. Also if I were to
write a script now , allot more help and
techniques can be developed with doing
research and gathering information.
12. What I found out....
By looking at various research sites & books such as (BBC Writers Room, How to write for
television &TV writers vault) most views and information is from a professional
perspective and that script writing is taken as serious as any other development within
writing for television, films etc. To elaborate script writing takes allot of quality developing
and idea generation so that the script becomes to the best standard it can be. as well as
looking on the internet to gather information , books are also a source of quality
information and help you understand how everything is done within the industry of script
writing. By conducting this research I now have more knowledge and an understanding.