For many people, writing an essay for class or doing a research paper means hours of (usually boring) work.
When it comes to creative writing, though, some of us are passionate and excited!
Scriptwriting is an art form of writing for a television show, movie, or film. It is the script that will be performed by actors and actresses and one in which will be translated into video media.
As a Communication major, this is a field you can pursue!
“How?” you ask?
In order to sell your script, you will need to be able to communicate with the people in power to read your work.
Watch as Michael Hauge, author or Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds, explains the process of becoming a successful scriptwriter!
There are a few key points worth discussing from the above video.
- Keep the pitch simple
- Don’t begin the pitch with a logline or title
- End the pitch with the question: “Do you have any questions about my story or would you like me to send you a copy?”
The first point will keep you from telling your entire story and will allow the listener to hear the important points, plot, and character descriptions. Withholding some details from the receiver will spark greater interest.
Beginning a pitch with a logline or title is too abrupt. You should begin by explaining how you came up with idea. This will display your creativity and more importantly, your originality. If you are to create more work in the future, you must be able to display the ability to create storylines.
Lastly, by ending the pitch with the question of “Do you have any questions about my story or would you like me to send you a copy,” you are creating a win-win situation. You are providing the person with two options that would both benefit you. It also shows your commitment to the project and your ability to close a deal.
Writing a script is no easy task, but we cannot underestimate the job of selling the script. By being a Communication major, you are able to effectively state your case for why your work is superior to others and ultimately, will be able to find success in your scriptwriting.
So what are you waiting for?!
Grab a pencil, pen, or computer and begin writing!
…CommSurvivors out!
Main Author: Daniel Janis
Contributing Authors/Editors: Alison Lewis, Linsey Morse, Kevin Mandeville
Great idea and great blog! I like the use of video. The one critique I have is the main picture could be a little clearer to make the blog look more professional. Keep up the good work
By: Eric Westcott on May 5, 2010
at 4:58 pm
Great idea for a post! When many people think of what they can do with a degree in Communication, I doubt many people immediately think of scriptwriting; so I think it was smart of you to devote a post to an unconventional career path in Communication. The paragraphs are broken up nicely for easy reading. The only critique I have is that I think it would have been good for you to connect this back to Bryant, such as does Bryant offer a course in this? Good work though, nonetheless!
By: Kayla Ferria on May 5, 2010
at 6:32 pm
I agree, this is a great post and inspirational in that it looks at communication in a nontraditional sense. The few sentences before the video were intriguing and made me want to watch the video. The synopsis of the main points at the end of the video was also very helpful. I also think that it would be helpful to link this back to Bryant, however overall it looks great!
By: Katie H on May 7, 2010
at 7:26 pm
I agree with most of the comments above. I like that the video was in it if I got tired of reading, but if I wasn’t able to watch the video for some reason you gave some great points from it. Very interesting idea of what someone could do with a Communication degree and definitely not an everyday career one would think of!
-Brittany Eagar
By: bryantspeakingup on May 11, 2010
at 2:34 am
As a comm minor I found this post extremely useful. I have a few courses left to fulfill my minor and I will definitely take away some of the advice posted here. This was a very well organized post with an interesting video clip to break up the lengthier paragraphs. Overall, I think it fit in well with the theme of the blog!
By: Courtney Mannix on May 11, 2010
at 2:51 am
As a communication major, I also find this blog to be extremely informative. I think, as you are Bryant students, it might better interest and collect your audience (also primarily Bryant students) to do an interest piece/post on a graduate Bryant student who is currently ‘surviving with a comm major’.
By: Melanie Schleeweis-Connor on May 11, 2010
at 4:37 am
Great post. I like anything that is related to careers in the Communication field. Sometimes people have a limited idea of what can be done after graduation with a Communication degree, so it is nice to know that your blog is educating the public.
By: Big Tone on May 12, 2010
at 12:43 am
I think this is a great post, and an overall great blog. I am a Comm minor and it never ceases to amaze me that there are some many different things you can do with a degree in communication. Having multiple internships, I believe communication is by far the most applicable area of study to the real world. This blog is great at informing students and will be really beneficial to anyone considering communication as a major or minor.
By: Wade Jubrey on May 12, 2010
at 1:26 pm
I like that you added to video to supplement the discussion then summarized the key points from the video. This information is informative and I enjoyed reading the blog. Good work.
By: Matt Tozzi on May 12, 2010
at 4:48 pm
I agree with most of the comments above. Great work! I especially liked how the video supplements the writing in the blog. As a comm minor myself, I found it very interesting to see some of these odd paths I could take. However, on suggestion would be to make the purpose of the blog clearer on the top of the page. At first i didnt really know what “surviving a comm major” entailed.
By: greg boudah on May 13, 2010
at 1:50 am
Hey Comm Survivors!
I really enjoyed this article because for the longest time I could never figure out the actual definition of a screen play as opposed to a movie. You offer great insight on how to produce a screen play as well. And, I think the video that you posted was a great supplement to the text. It really broke up what I was reading, and wasn’t too long.
Keep up the good work!
By: Arielle Katz on May 13, 2010
at 3:07 pm
Great idea for a topic. So many people stay away from the Comm major because they have no idea what to do with it. This shows the creative side of a Comm major. The video is a great tool too, I like how you introduced it and how it related to the topic of the post.
By: Victoria Ferruccio on May 14, 2010
at 8:23 am