U2 L4 Playwrights, Screenwriter and Directors Flashcards
What is the difference between Script writers and Playwrights?
P- write for theater
S- write for film
What other roles do Playwrights sometimes also take up?
director or actor
What is a dramaturge?
- assists/works with playwrights
- professional theatrical editors who help with structure of play
What is the narrative arc that a dramaturge focusses on for optimal effect?
One, Two, or Three Act work
What do editors of Playwrights focus on when a final draft of a play is written?
- writing style
- grammar
- spelling
What training/education does a Playwright need?
- BA or BFA in theater with emphasis in writing and performance
- or BA in English with minor in performing arts
BUT THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN WRITERS THAT DID NOT HAVE DEGREES!!!!!
What is The Dramatists Guild of America (DG)?
- organization for prof playwrights, lyricists and composers
- protects interests, copyrights and rights
- improve working conditions
- promote work
- networking
What is the primary benefit of becoming a member in the Dramatists Guild of America?
networking opportunities
Are there standard contracts for selling stage scripts?
no
What types of qualities does a screenwriter need to have?
- persistent
- productive
- flexible
- able to write synopsis
What is a script doctor?
- screen writer
- makes screenplay better without acknowledgment
- alters scripts to reflect tone, pacing, etc.
What do script doctors work as?
freelance wirters
Do script doctors receive official credit in the final film?
no
How do script doctors continue to get work?
by referral
What does a person do when a script changes during filming? And who does this?
- note changes
- create dialogue
- screenwriter, script editor or doctor
What training/education does a Screenwriter need?
- B degree in drama or film production
- MFA in in creative writing focused on screenwriting
Who do screenwriters seek help from to sell their screenplays?
seek agents
What do The Writers Guild of America in the East and West provide?
- networking, education opportunities
- engage with film companies as signatories
What are signatories?
company that signed an agreement to follow particular guidelines to hire members of the organization
What is the most important skill to develop when pursuing screenwriting as a career?
versatility
What is the difference between Dramatists Guild of America and Writers Guild of America East and West?
ability to contract with production companies
What are the skills and education you need to have to be a Director?
- creative
- able to get along with others
- 4 year BA or BFA in one of the performing arts
What do most directors start out as?
actors, screenwriters or cinematographers
What is the difference in wages between a Director in the film and theater?
film earns higher wages than those in theater
What does the Directors Guild of America provide?
- agreements with signatory producers
- standard minimum compensation for specific types of directors and film
What is the key to a career as a director?
networking
What is the difference in power structures in theater and film?
T- playwright has top ranking job
F- screenwriter has lower rank
What is the primary interpersonal skill directors must develop?
collaboration
