One of the most famous and well known organisations in the television industry is the BBC, they commission network television programmes from independent producers. It commissions programmes both from in-house producers and from independent producers. However, on the BBC’s commissioning webiste they state ‘ The BBC will have final editorial control over all BBC versions of programmes including all associated online and interactive elements commissioned from independent producers. All programmes including online and interactive elements commissioned by the BBC from independent producers will be subject to all relevant BBC guidelines and published compliance procedures including without limitation the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Fair Trading Guidelines.’ This means that the writer does not have full control over their script/programme that they are pitching to the BBC, if they are not happy with the final edit of the programme they have no right to change it, which is a risk taken when independent writers work with big cooperations such as the BBC. An example of an independent writer who had his script made by the BBC is Tony Grounds who wrote the drama series ‘Our Girl’.
ITV is also an organisation that commissions TV scripts, with a wider range of channels and options than the BBC the writers have more of a chance of getting their script commissioned, however it is more than likely if ITV decline a script that the BBC will also be inclined to commission the script either, as the BBC are seen as a more ‘high brow’ broadcaster. On ITV’s commissioning website it says ‘ ITV’s broadcasting business is made up of ITV, the largest commercial channel in the country, and the UK’s leading portfolio of digital channels – ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, CITV, ITV Encore, and ITVBe. Annually ITV invests around £1 billion in content for its broadcast channels and ITV.com.’ An example of an script/production produced by ITV but written independently is Downton Abbey, written by Julian Fellowes.
Writers working through the commissioning process of film and TV need to gather, collect and generate ideas from scratch or detailed and collective research in order produce a collection of brainstorms and planning for a new film or TV project. Once the Age, gender and targeted audience have been decided along with various other points like USP (unique selling point) of the product, and genre of the storyline. After all been determined then a rough draft of the script can be produce. After all that have been gathered, the writer will pitch their idea in front of commissioning directors who will then judge the script and if they like the idea, the script will then be put forward for editing. As the Script is being edited the writer or script editor may speak with the director and producer to exchange ideas and opinions about the script and how some areas could be changed. An example of a scriptwriter/screenwriter is Aline Brosh McKenna who wrote notable films such as ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Laws of Attraction.’
The commissioning editor’s role is to buy independent scripts and to advise the writers, the role of the script editor is to develop the storyline and to oversee the developments, also to see that the script is suitable for production. The script editor will work closely with the writer at each draft of their script, giving the writer feedback on the quality of their work, suggesting improvements that can be made whilst also ensuring that practical issues like show continuity and correct running time are adhered to. Unlike the writers, script editors will usually be full-time members of the production team, working closely with the producer.
The producer oversees the making of films, there is more than one type of producer: The line producer may manage a film’s budget and maintain a schedule. The Executive Producer oversees the filmmaking with regard to film financing. George Lucas is known for producing the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. The director controls the artistic and dramatic aspects of the film/programme. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of filmmaking. One of the most famous directors in the world is Steven Speilberg who directed films such as Jaws and Jurassic Park. Some filmdirectors started as screenwriters, film editors or actors such as Ralph Fiennes who directed and starred in his own film Coriolanus. The director must also be aware of the physical demands of a character. The physical appearance of the actor must for the character and must also be seen in relation to other characters.
chloetomkins1 