The process of bringing a drama to the screen involves different skills and jobs. Being a scriptwriter is the most obvious one, but it is only one of many opportunities for writers in television.
The following is a list of the various parts one or more writers may play in the creation and production of a television drama.
- Creator
- Storyliner
- Scriptwriter
- Script Editor
- Show Runner
Creator
The creator, as the name suggests is the person who has the original idea for a drama. In series, serials, soap operas and sitcoms, that idea is called, and sold as, a “format”. The format consists of the setting for the story, descriptions of the main characters – fully fleshed out and described – together with the initial stories or storylines. A creator of a show may sell the format and then stand back from the production of the show, taking no further part in it. Most creators, however like to take a more active role and involvement in the production of scripts.
Storyliner (also Known as Story Editor, Story Executive)
After the format has been created, the next job is the writing of storylines. Storylines are produced in discussion and agreement with producers, by the storyliner or story editor. Stories can take two forms, general story development across many episodes in a serial (presented as synopses), and detailed scene-by-scene breakdowns of episodes. In soap opera several storyliners may work together, sharing the development of stories, and breakdowns of episodes.
Scriptwriter
Once the storylines and breakdown of an episode has been agreed with the producer, a script is commissioned.
In soap operas, the scriptwriters may have no involvement with the process of storylining. They will receive one or more breakdown of episodes and be asked to write the scripts straight from them.
In serial and series drama, the writers of the scripts will normally have been involved in storylining their own episodes.
Script Editor
Once scripts have been written, they will normally be submitted to a script editor. In serials and series, one of the most important elements of the script editor’s job is ensuring continuity of writing style. There is always the risk that different writers will introduce different character “voices” or traits. The script editor must ensure that different writers adhere to the “house style” and that the audience is never aware of a change of style or tone with each different writer.
Script editors will also provide advice on imporvements which can be made to scripts by cutting, adding, or re-writing.
Show Runner
A show runner is more commonly found in North America. It is a job which evolved out of the desire in many shows' creators to have more creative control over their series or serial. Normally a show runner, (or showrunner) is the creator or co-creator of a series or serial. The show runner's position is above the director and on a par with producers. The show runner will have the final say on story development, scripts, casting, crew, and day-to-day management of the production.
Find out more about the basics of writing for stage and screen here.
Janice Hally - Janice Hally has written more than 300 broadcast hours of prime-time TV drama in the UK, as well as fiction and non-fiction books.
