U2 L4 Playwrights, Screenwriter and Directors

Question 1

What is the difference between Script writers and Playwrights?

Answer 1

P- write for theater

S- write for film

Question 2

What other roles do Playwrights sometimes also take up?

Answer 2

director or actor

Question 3

What is a dramaturge?

Answer 3

• assists/works with playwrights

- professional theatrical editors who help with structure of play

Question 4

What is the narrative arc that a dramaturge focusses on for optimal effect?

Answer 4

One, Two, or Three Act work

Question 5

What do editors of Playwrights focus on when a final draft of a play is written?

Answer 5

• writing style
• grammar
• spelling

Question 6

What training/education does a Playwright need?

Answer 6

• 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!!!!!

Question 7

What is The Dramatists Guild of America (DG)?

Answer 7

• organization for prof playwrights, lyricists and composers
• protects interests, copyrights and rights
• improve working conditions
• promote work
• networking

Question 8

What is the primary benefit of becoming a member in the Dramatists Guild of America?

Answer 8

networking opportunities

Question 9

Are there standard contracts for selling stage scripts?

Answer 9

no

Question 10

What types of qualities does a screenwriter need to have?

Answer 10

• persistent
• productive
• flexible
• able to write synopsis

Question 11

What is a script doctor?

Answer 11

• screen writer
• makes screenplay better without acknowledgment
• alters scripts to reflect tone, pacing, etc.

Question 12

What do script doctors work as?

Answer 12

freelance wirters

Question 13

Do script doctors receive official credit in the final film?

Answer 13

no

Question 14

How do script doctors continue to get work?

Answer 14

by referral

Question 15

What does a person do when a script changes during filming? And who does this?

Answer 15

• note changes
• create dialogue
• screenwriter, script editor or doctor

Question 16

What training/education does a Screenwriter need?

Answer 16

• B degree in drama or film production

- MFA in in creative writing focused on screenwriting

Question 17

Who do screenwriters seek help from to sell their screenplays?

Answer 17

seek agents

Question 18

What do The Writers Guild of America in the East and West provide?

Answer 18

• networking, education opportunities

- engage with film companies as signatories

Question 19

What are signatories?

Answer 19

company that signed an agreement to follow particular guidelines to hire members of the organization

Question 20

What is the most important skill to develop when pursuing screenwriting as a career?

Answer 20

versatility

Question 21

What is the difference between Dramatists Guild of America and Writers Guild of America East and West?

Answer 21

ability to contract with production companies

Question 22

What are the skills and education you need to have to be a Director?

Answer 22

• creative
• able to get along with others
• 4 year BA or BFA in one of the performing arts

Question 23

What do most directors start out as?

Answer 23

actors, screenwriters or cinematographers

Question 24

What is the difference in wages between a Director in the film and theater?

Answer 24

film earns higher wages than those in theater

Question 25

What does the Directors Guild of America provide?

Answer 25

• agreements with signatory producers

- standard minimum compensation for specific types of directors and film

Question 26

What is the key to a career as a director?

Answer 26

networking

Question 27

What is the difference in power structures in theater and film?

Answer 27

T- playwright has top ranking job

F- screenwriter has lower rank

Question 28

What is the primary interpersonal skill directors must develop?

Answer 28

collaboration