1. Script Developing, Commissioning
and the Writer’s role.
By Sam Hill

2. The BBC Writer’s Room Page 1
The BBC Writer’s Room is a web based submission site for script writers. The writers submit
they’re scripts the writer’s room . The scripts are assessed and if accepted later on would be used
in a BBC TV program. The BBC have a flow chart which tells the writers what happens to their
script . These are the following steps;
‘Step 1 - Send script to writers room’
‘Step 2 - Script logging’
‘Step 3 - Script sift’
‘Step 4 - Script read’
‘Step 5 - Invite Next / Second Read’
‘Step 6 - Meet / Develop’
The website’s guideline have to be followed so that the Script can be accepted. When the BBC
receive the script they ‘log’ it to their data base and the writer would receive an
‘Acknowledgement card’ to show that the script has been received safely. Next the script is
‘sifted’. This is where the first ten pages of a script is read to see if it is suitable. ‘If the script shows
potential, it will be given a full read’. After the reader would give a full assessment to see if it
needs improvements or changes. It is then returned to the writer. If when improved it shows real
potential, the reader asks for second opinion from someone more advanced. Then even more
improvements would be needed. When the script has found to be outstanding the readers and
developer would employ the writer to write scripts for TV dramas and other types of programs.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/writersroom_flow.shtml

3. The BBC Writer’s Room Page 2
The BBC are very strict when it comes to accepting scripts . They look for the ones with most
potential. The following is what BBC do and don’t accept...
‘What we 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.’
‘What we 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.’
The BBC stress that only serious script writers should submit their work so that time is not wasted.
Fresh, new, original work should be submitted for the script to be accepted. Scripts that are similar
to previous scripts wouldn’t be accepted either. In my opinion the script writers have to be very
careful and follow the guidelines accordingly so that they even have a chance of being accepted.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/submissions_writersroom.shtml

4. The BBC Writer’s Room Page 3
‘The copyright of all scripts sent to the BBC rests with the
writer – you do not need to formally copyright work before
you send it in to us. Writers are often anxious that their work
may be stolen or plagiarised’
The BBC make sure that all scripts are safe from copyright and
make sure the writer is told about the acceptance. The BBC
Writer’s room is a trusted website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/terms_and_conditions.shtml

5. The Writer’s Vault
‘Pitching your concepts to executives in the industry will also build relationships regardless of
whether or not your idea for a TV shows is purchased. It is creating and building those direct
relations that enable the creator of concepts to better understand how to pitch a TV show, as
well as what specifically the buyers are looking for. Most importantly, you will learn to refine
your ideas into a language that the executive can sell because they better understand its
potential.’
In this quote The Writer’s Vault talks about how a writer would submit a script to a group of
people or judges. When selling your script to the executives a relationship would grow and this
would show your ability to be confident, which shows you have passion about your writing. Talking
to the buyer one to one helps you show that your script has potential in detail.
‘The TV Writers Vault is currently used by over 300 leading television production companies,
networks, agencies and studios. To date, the TV Writers Vault has been responsible for providing
thousands of official reviews of writers works by leaders in the Industry, along with hundreds of
Writers making personal contact with Producers, resulting in numerous project sales to Network
Studios and Production Companies.’
Unlike the BBC Writer’s Room, The Writer’s Vault find scripts for production companies to use. The
BBC only use the scripts for themselves. This website can help new script writers to become well
known.
http://www.tvwritersvault.com/companyinfo/aboutus.asp

6. Screenwriting Pages 4-5
A producer would give the writer notes on how to
improve their script, this is so it is adapted for what the
producer wants. Many people involved in the pre-
production can have their input so that they can work
around it. When it is being shot the script would be
shaped so that the production could keep to it’s low
budget. Scenes would possibly be cut if the film, short
film or program is too long.

7. Screenwriting Pages 6-7 Part 1
When writing a script and then producing a film you
would have to consider what makes a film
entertaining for the viewer. You would have to
consider this through out the process . You would
have to consider how the audience can relate to the
characters and you would have to make sure that they
would understand the point you are trying to get
across.

8. Screenwriting Pages 6-7 Part 2
There is a very common way of writing a
script in which a character is introduced and
then this person encounters a problem.
They then try to solve or stop the problem.
Usually the character is relatable so that
audiences understand their characteristics.

9. Screenwriting Pages 204-205
This extract from ‘Screenwriting’
tells us how to tackle the writing of a
script. When writing a script you
would have to make sure that you
‘show, don’t tell’. The script must be
able to paint a picture in the readers
head. This is so when in production
the producer can create a film in
which the writer wanted.

10. Screenwriting Pages 238-239
This extract from ‘Screenwriting’ tells us about
copywriting your work. Ideas that are not
written down can be taken and you wouldn’t
be able to claim its your idea. Written work can
also be marked with ©. This means that the
piece of work can not be copied and it would
be against the law to take that idea. But not all
the time this would guarantee your work to be
safe. Copyright is usually a concern with most
writers.

11. Screenwriting Pages 262-263
When you meet up with the person you are going to
calibrate with, you would have to decide if this person
understands your way off thinking and is open to
discussion about your script, so that you can get the
full potential out of your work.
This extract talks about when the producer offers you money for your script or work. The
script writer has to consider if the money offered is appropriate for the script that has
been made. The writer would receive a large amount of money when the project has
started shooting and you would receive money when the project has been sold.

12. Screenwriting Pages 266-267
The book continues to tell us about how you would
market yourself and how to present your self as a
writer.
When writing a story you should know everything
about your subject. You should also know what is
going on in the news and around the world.

13. Screenwriting.info
‘What exactly is a script?’
Why would write a script? ‘Because film is a highly collaborative
medium and the director, cast, editor, and production crew will,
based on your "outline", interpret your story their way when it is
filmed.’ The script is basically the core of a film and everyone involved
in the project would work around it. Making your script clear and easy
to understand would help the production team create a film that is
exactly like your script.
‘So just write the pictures, sounds, and speeches, and leave the rest
for the filmmakers.’ This quote means that the script is different from
a story, the script tells the reader what is happening and doesn’t
describe it like books.
http://www.screenwriting.info/01.php

14. How to Write a Script - Story
Structure The problem is
resolved after
The first 30 minutes of the script The next hour reveals a problem tackling it in a
introduces the or an inconvenience in which the heroic way in the
character/characters. This 30 character has to solve. last 30 minutes.
minutes usually sets the scene as
well.
http://youtu.be/N0yqUmedyOM

15. Conclusion
Script writing, Development and commissioning is a very complicated process.
Script writing is not only a hard task, getting the work commissioned is even harder. From
my research I have learnt that when submitting a script to a writers room or presenting a
script the writer must follow very many guide lines and rules.
Writers must make sure that their script is unique and is at professional
standards. A basic script has a beginning, middle and end which introduces characters,
introduces a problem and then at the end the problem is resolved. The Script has to be
easy to understand and interpret, so that producers and directors can understand how to
produce the script as a film or television program. When submitting the script to a website
the script writer would have to follow the rules of the website such as; having the right
amount of pages and not copying work that has already been made. When pitching the
script, the writers must be confident and enthusiastic to keep the buyer interested.
When commissioned the script would under-go a few procedures that help the
readers assess the script in a way that is fair and accurate. The script is read and then read
again. If accepted the writer would be asked to have a meeting with the producer and the
would discuss how the writer could improve and how the producer could work around the
script. Then the script would go into production.
In my opinion this process would be stressful for a writer and takes a lot of time.
Many people use websites so that there name can known by producers and their scripts
could be used.