Career Information > Media and Entertainment > Script Writer

Last Updated on :23/08/2016
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Script Writer

Aliases: Story-writer, Screen-writer

Industry/Sector(s): Media and Entertainment

JOB DESCRIPTION ¹

The tasks a Script Writer is expected to perform include:

Writing full length scripts for production

Preparing or co-writing the script/screenplay/dialogue/lyrics for a range of productions and genres

Writing at least the screenplay and dialogue in case of an Indian film industry

WORK ENVIRONMENT

It is a desk job

May need to handle a team

Travelling is a part of the job

Part-time work and contractual jobs maybe available

Work from home option maybe available

Working hours

Working hours are 8/9 hours everyday for 5/6 days a week. This may vary from company to company

Overtime is common

Being self-employed is also an option. In this case, the working hours and days will be flexible

Shift system is available

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?

Maybe

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING ²

Minimum – Graduation (preferably in Literature)

Certified training for Script-writer (programme aligned to MES/Q3002 released by Media & Entertainment Skills Council)

KEY COMPETENCIES ²

Knowledge of norms and practices of script-writing followed by different production houses

Well-versed with the fundamental principles of story-telling and character psychology

Knowledge of the principles of action and dialogue writing, and how to use timing, pacing and characterization effectively

Adept with script formats and their styles, including script components like scene headings, parenthesis, description, scene transitions, action, dialogue, light and sound

Well-versed with the different genres of scripts and the entertaining elements

Knowledge of the elements of the script including the story premise, theme, plot, character profiles, structure, scene design, dialogue and key turning points

Adept with the basics of dramaturgy that include the nature of conflict, how characters and plots drive each other, escalating confrontation and a resolution delivering dramatic satisfaction

Proficient in Indian storytelling traditions, including an awareness of the two Indian myths, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata

Adept with the ability and imagination to convert reality into storylines by drawing inferences from sources such as news reports, interviews, real life characters and events, existing fact-based information, observation and publications or as per client brief

Well-versed with the culture and literary capacity of the audience and how to design narratives that are meaningfully comprehensible to them

Knowledge of researching and tapping into the sources for procuring information/background material that will enhance the dramatic merit of the script

Proficient in working on word processing software and screenwriting, formatting software like Final Draft, Movie Magic, Screenwriter and Celtx and using computers and the internet efficiently

Proficient in typing in regional language using Unicode

Knowledge of the laws and roles relevant for screenwriters, like protecting copyrights, contractual protocols, maintaining membership to the respective writers’ union and adhering to the rules and protocols for writers’ protection

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES ¹

Training in Script-writing/Creative-writing

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING AND LEARNING INSTITUTES

Digital Academy-The Film School

R.K. Films & Media Academy

MdFa Films

Mindscreen Film institute

City Pulse Institute of Film & Television

Annapurna International School of Film & Media

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING SCHEMES/SCHOLARSHIPS

http://www.scholarshipsinindia.com/central_sector_scheme_of_scholarship_for_college_and_university_students.html

SAMPLE OF TRAINING AND LEARNING COURSES

http://www.igntu.ac.in/syllabus%5CBJMC_Syllabus.pdf

CAREER PROGRESSION PATH

Content Head

↑

Group Script Editor

↑

Assistant Script Editor

↑

Script Editor

↑

Script-writer

↑

Script Researcher

Transfer option

India: Yes

Abroad: Yes

(*This field to open the relevant job title when clicked)

EXPECTED EARNINGS ²

For freshers - ₹ 20,000 to ₹ 25,000 per month
For candidates with 2-5 years of experience or more - ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 30,000 per month

(*This field to open the relevant job title when clicked)

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum - 5+ years of work experience

PROBABLE EMPLOYERS ³

Self-employed

Publication houses across India

Media houses across India

Gaming companies across India

Animation companies across India

Production houses across India

KEYWORDS

Story-writer

Screen-writer

Content-writer

OCCUPATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS

Standard	Code	Description
NCO 2015	2641.0601	Script Writer
ISCO 2008	2641	Authors and Related Writers
NIC 2008	90004	Activities of individual writers, for all subjects including fictional writing, technical writing etc.
QP Reference	MES/ Q 3002	Script-writer
NSQF	NA	NA

REFERENCES

1	1 National Classification of Occupations Division 2
2	http://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Script_Writer/Salary
3	http://www.shine.com/job-search/simple/script-writer
4	4 ”Human Resource and Skill Requirements in the Media & Entertainment Industry Sector (2022) – A Report” released by NSDC
5	http://www.ibef.org/industry/media-entertainment-india.aspx

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