Scriptwriter essentially writes and develops either an original idea or adapts an existing one, for film or TV drama. They could be freelancers, writing screenplays meant to be sold. Alternatively, they could be commissioned by a studio or production company. While scriptwriting offers creative satisfaction, it is a very lucrative career too!
So, are you planning to pursue scriptwriting? If your answer is in the affirmative, observe yourself. Do you love narrating an account by way of your writing? Or meticulously observe the lines and movements of the actors while watching a show or a movie through YouTube mp4? If you have ticked the above boxes too, then scriptwriting may be your path.
Let us create a checklist of the qualities you must possess before you write your first screenplay:
1. Dedication:
While you need to be dedicated to achieving all your life goals as Scriptwriter, this holds true for becoming a future scriptwriter too. Since scriptwriting involves more activities than what meets the eye, you need to study and appreciate the art.
2. Perseverance:
You need to be patient to fight all the odds that will stare you in your eyes during the scriptwriting journey. These could be roadblocks such as writer’s block, lack of encouragement from others, and ever-changing genres and concepts.
Do not let the obstacles slow you down. Continue to follow your dream. Also, cultivate the resilience to cope with rejection and having to rewrite scripts. Always remember:
“Do not grow tired in the planting season. You are what you manifest.”
― Germany Kent
3. Read, Read, and Read:
Reading is closely connected with writing is a strong indicator that you need to read as much as you can. By reading scripts, you learn the language, different aspects, and forms of writing. So, plunge yourself into scriptwriting workshops, seminars, read books, listen to podcasts and watch videos. Every exposure is valuable and would surely come in handy in the future.
4. Keep Writing:
Never let a roadblock make you walk away from your writing drill. While all writers struggle with it, it doesn’t mean you should stop being Scriptwriter. We as writers are always creating drafts that are reconstructed and re-written. But some tips that can avoid you from burning out are:
When you are stuck with a particular scene, move on to the next and come back to the incomplete ones later.
Goal setting helps! Earmark the certain number of pages that need to be mandatorily written per day.
A tea/coffee or simple break helps you to relax and rejuvenate before you get back to your desk.
So, the next time you hit a roadblock, do not quit. Continue to write!
5. Be Consistent:
Remember that all your tasks will come with a deadline. This essentially means that you need to be consistent to ensure you get everything done on time. While you will find several time management and organizational skills, learn to implement them when a deadline is approaching.
Also, since reputation travels faster than you, get yourself branded for your consistency. Hence, practice getting ahead of deadlines to become future-ready.
6. Be Flexible:
Other than your writing challenges, you are likely to face external hurdles too. These could be budgetary constraints, change of directors, and changes in studio management which will lead to script issues.
However, you have to be consistently producing quality content. If you can take criticism, be patient, motivated, and believe in your work, you will emerge out of it successfully.
7. Keep Networking for Promoting Your Work:
The above attributes will help you write a quality script. However, it requires strong networking to place yourself amongst the agent, studio executive, producer, and who’s who in the industry.
Participate in networking events where you can meet more like-minded souls from your art. These forums are great places to market yourself and your product. Be confident and you might just come across the person who is ready to offer you a career break!
Online writing classes for beginners are a blessing during these times of social distancing. To be a good writer you need to be disciplined, a meticulous observer, possess a strong vocabulary, and be a voracious reader. So if you have it in you, try to utilize your current time by reading books and nurturing your writing skills.
However, if you are looking for expert guidance, Unluclass has just the right person for you. “Learn writing online with Ruskin Bond” in his underclass and learn from him first-hand the art of writing. Bond is a renowned Indian author of British descent and has been a recipient of Padma Shri (1999) and the Padma Bhushan (2014). The “Learn writing online with Ruskin Bond” class takes you through his journey and Bond shares valuable lessons in this course. Subscribe and learn writing online now!
