Content Creator

Content creators, or screenwriters, create ideas and bring stories to life in scripts for feature films, TV comedy and drama, animation, and children's programmes.

They develop their own original ideas and sell ('pitch') them to producers.

Alternatively, producers may commission them to create a screenplay from an idea or true story, or to adapt an existing piece such as a novel, play or comic book.

A screenwriter's activities include: coming up with themes and ideas; researching background material ; developing believable plots and characters; laying out the screenplay to an agreed format; preparing short summaries of your ideas and 'pitching' them to producers or development executives; submitting the ‘first draft’ of your work ; getting feedback about your work from producers or script editors; rewriting the script if necessary (they may need to do this several times before arriving at the final agreed version).

They also spend time networking with agents and producers, and handling their own tax and accounts.

They often combine writing with other work such as teaching, lecturing or editing.

Freelance writers negotiate and agree a set fee for each piece of work. The Writers' Guild negotiates minimum rates for TV, radio, film and some theatre. See the Guild's website for details.

You may need to supplement your income with other work, as only a small percentage of writers make a living from writing

To be a screenwriter, you will need imagination, writing talent and creativity rather than formal qualifications.

However, when starting out you may find it useful to take a course that helps you develop your skills and understand dramatic structure. Courses in creative writing and scriptwriting for all levels from beginners to advanced are widely available at colleges, adult education centres and universities.

Some screenwriters have degrees or postgraduate qualifications in creative writing, English or journalism, but this is not essential. You may have an advantage if you have writing and storytelling experience from another field such as journalism, advertising copywriting or acting.

You would normally start by coming up with your own screenplays and ideas ‘on spec’, and trying to sell them to agents and producers. Once you have had some work accepted and started to build a professional reputation, producers might then commission you to produce scripts for them.

As a new writer, you could get yourself noticed by entering screenwriting competitions, which broadcasters and regional screen agencies often hold to discover new talent. Contact Skillset Careers for more information. You can also find advice about submitting your work to the BBC at the BBC Writersroom website.