Behind the story

A screenwriter is the soul of a film. He writes dialogues, creates characters and the plot. Most screenwriters specialise in a particular genre such as comedy, drama, horror, musical, war and art films.

A screenwriter is the soul of a film. He writes dialogues, creates characters and the plot. Most screenwriters specialise in a particular genre such as comedy, drama, horror, musical, war and art films.

HT Image

Like all other creative professions, screenwriting too has to be driven by passion. Most films succeed or fail because of the quality of the script that serves as a ­blueprint for the director. Hence, the screenwriter has to have the ability to visualise the entire film on paper.

While no academic ­qualifications are necessary, an aspiring screenwriter should be able to master the art and craft of wrting a screenplay. Watching great films, going through scripts, experimenting with different styles of narrating stories, observing human behaviour and mannerisms can turn you into a scriptwriter who is in demand..

Creative input
A film is a medium that communicates an experience to the viewer. A screenwriter therefore has to have the power of observation to convey that emotional
moment through his script

Rs. I take home
A new writer can expect anywhere between Rs. 5 and Rs. 10 lakh for a well-written full script. Since most of them are self employed, there are no medical, pension or other benefits

Expert gyan
A script serves as a blueprint for the director to take the film forward. A screenwriter must possess the ability to visualise an entire film on paper