Career Counselling

Screen Writer

Description

A screenwriter is somebody who writes the script of a film. They create the dialogue, the characters and the story line of a movie. Thus, the screenwriter is often the most ­essential person in film production because no movie can start ­without a script. Like television writers, ­screenwriters often ­specialise in a particular genre such as comedy, drama, and science fiction etc.

Requirements

While no academic qualifications are necessary, an aspiring screenwriter must focus on learning the craft of the screenplay. Watching great films, studying their scripts closely, experimenting with different styles of telling stories, reading good literature (including ancient narratives like myths) and above all, observing human behavior with deep interest are useful habits. 

Job Prospects

A new writer can expect anywhere between Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh for a well-written full script. That increases with every release you have. Top-end writers in India receive upwards of Rs. 1 crore per script. It’s self-employment, so there are no medical, pension or other benefits. 

Pros & Cons

One has to be prepared for uncertainty and frustration if one’s work is not accepted. The rewards for creative professionals who work hard and can be deeply gratifying