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The Art and Craft of Scriptwriting -- An Overview

© Carol Megrail

At parties, new acquaintances inevitably ask me what I "do" for a living. With the recognition that this is purely small talk for the most part, I proceed to give my "short answer" -- that I work as a creative account executive and scriptwriter for a video and multimedia production company.

For some reason, this usually generates a brief silence. Then, to my secret amusement, someone almost always will respond, "OOOh -- that must be interesting. Do you know a lot of TV stars? Like _____?"

It's tempting at that point to confirm my closeness to the named figure and to wax eloquent on his assorted peccadilloes and quirks. Unfortunately, unless I've had a lucky encounter at an airport or the local supermarket, it's sure to be someone whom I'm only likely to meet on "Rosie" or "Oprah."

Ahh, but instead, my conscience takes over. I continue smiling brightly, and swallowing my worst instincts, carefully explain the types of scripts I do are primarily the tool of businesses or organizations -- not Hollywood or New York. And that, although I occasionally work with celebrities or government figures, my scripting generally is not targeted towards broad based entertainment. If heartened by a smile from one of the group, I'll go on to descibe its varied media nature, how that features in production -- and the non-fictional character of its prose.

Pleased with the thorough nature of my discourse, I then enthusiastically affirm to my -- now -- glaze-eyed listeners that "Yes," it is indeed "interesting." Somehow, at this point, people tend to drift politely away.

If this situation sounds familiar -- or even if it doesn't, but strikes a sympathetic chord -- you're in the right forum. By entering this site, you indicate a willingness to participate in a "no holds barred" discussion of writing for an ever changing range of technology.

Perhaps you are a professional video or interactive media scriptwriter, who's bursting to contribute her own particular experience.

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Administrators of non-profit organizations may access this site looking for an inexpensive means of promotion. And corporate communicators are always worthy visitors for their interest and tips on trends and usage.

There's a good chance you could be an employee or volunteer, who's been told to write some TV spots, or a script for the first time. Guidelines are important.