Commissioning Process

There are a lot of responsibilities in the production industry during the commissioning process, each role contains a different job which has to be completed for the commissioning process to continue with its progress.

The Script Department:
The screenplay provides a blueprint for the entire film making process. It begins with a Screenwriter creating a 'spec' (self-financed) screenplay for sale to a production company. They can also write a script alongside a producer which makes it easier for the producer as he does not have to look for a script and he may not have to pay him as much. Existing stories from books, cartoons and even video games could be used for a screenwriter to inspire them to create a screenplay, for example the Netflix original, The Witcher was inspired by a video game.

Even though blood sweat and tears may have been put in during the screenwriting process, this does not guarantee that the piece will be used. Developing a screenplay involves painstaking visualisation of every aspect of the finished film, without any certainty of the work being realised on screen.

Writer or Scriptwriter:
Screenwriters are responsible for researching the story, developing the narrative then writing and delivering the screenplay to Development Executives in the format that is expected in the professional industry. Therefore, the screenwriters have a massive influence over the creative direction of said project.

Script Readers:
Script Readers must have specific skills in analysing screenplays. They evaluate the screenwriters work and makes recommendations about the following steps into perfecting the work. This position is not always well paid, but it can be very satisfying and it is a useful entry route into Script Editing and Script Development.

The script readers mainly work for public funded bodies, such as the UK Film Council meaning that the public pays for their work. Most script readers are usually trusted readers or Script Editors whose opinions are highly respected by the Producers, if they were not trusted to give back honest feedback the whole movie if released could be devastating which may ruin the reputation of a well-known director and even actor.
The typical Reader's Report is 4-8 pages long but it can be longer, this includes a breakdown of the story and an assessment of the story's suitability for production. The report contains the following elements:
-Logline - a one line summary of the central proposition of the film
-Premise - an analysis of the originality and commercial potential of the central concept
-Synopsis - a one page breakdown of the story
-Tone and Genre - an analysis of whether the writing matches the intended tone and genre
-Comments - two or more pages of comments detailing the strengths and weaknesses of the Concept, Premise, Plot, Structure, Character, Dialogue, and Technical execution
-Summary and verdict

Script Editors:
They provide a critical overview of the screenwriting process and they liaise between the Producer or Development Executive and the Screenwriter. Script Editors do not offer solutions, they use their analytical skills to help the screenwriters identify problems and explain the potential consequences of the choice that he has made. This helps strengthen and develop screenplays.

Development Executives:
They have the primary responsibility for seeking out good and interesting screenwriters and stories, developing screenplays for production and managing their organisations development slate. They need deep knowledge of the international market of films and the monitoring the target audience worldwide. They discover projects with artistic and commercial potential, and use their contacts and skills to recruit teams of screenwriters, script editors and directors with both talent and experience. New people in the business may have good ideas in their proposals but they might have a few bad screenplays under their name which may change the mind of the Development Executive as their intention isnt to help them out but to help himself out with a good quality team.