Role of the writer.

The role of the writer is very important and it is very hard work to do. Writers always have to do a lot of things such as;

Script editing - they have freedom to write as they go along which makes their work a bit easier.

Director or producer involvement - they have to work very close with directors and producers. They have to work as a team to make the film better.

Their work is organic process, however not all writers get freedom to write as they go along or to do as they want with the script.

Some writers are allowed to change scripts on last minute. In some cases it is very good because some people get ideas as they go along but for those writers who can't do that, they have to keep their ideas to themselves.

For example; for 'Lord of the Rings' writer got freedom to write as they go along or even change the whole thing in last minute which allowed them to put more ideas into it and make it even better. Writers had to work very closely with directors and producers because they all three together can make it better than one of them working on their own. They were able to share with ideas and think about it together. At the begining 'Lord of the Rings' was supposed to be just two films, but because they kept changing everything in last minute and they re-write script every week, they got more ideas so they got longer script and at the end they got three films instead of two.

How do you get a script commissioned?

*How proposals get accepted?

All proposals for TV and online content ideas must be submitted online though e-Commissioning for BBC network content; however proposals will not be accepted through email.

*There are three things that you need to think about before you make a proposal – diversity, disability discrimination act and health and safety.

*Diversity: Your proposal should include a paragraph telling how the programme would fulfil our diversity commitment to reflect fully the licence fee paying public (on or off-screen.)

*Disability Discrimination Act: You should also explain how you will meet your obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

*Health and safety: You must know and tell about all necessary health and safety measures required during the course of any project. If any health and safety issues or concerns have occurred on previous projects commissioned by the BBC from your company, you will be required to include details of how such issues or concerns have been addressed, as part of any subsequent programme proposal submitted by your company.  

*Another thing you have to think about is cross-genre. Not all programme ideas fit under just one genre and some may fit under two or more genres, but that is not a problem because they welcome all cross-genre ideas and fully understands that their structure has to deal with a complex multi-genre multi-media world. You should select genre that you think is most appropriate. However if you do submit the idea to more than one genre then you must indicate this on each submission.

*To provide clarity as to whether an idea should be targeted at Factual or Entertainment try to define it by which of the following criteria it fits the most: subject matter or approach.

*Before you submit your idea, don’t forget to read through BBC code of practice and commissioning guidelines which will tell you more details about how you should write your proposal.

*Process of what they will do with your script. 
-The process to responding to proposal are set out in BBC Code of Practice. 
-After submission, all proposals receive an acknowledgement of proposal within one week of receipt. 
-within six weeks, Commissioning Editor will wither reject or progress the proposal further. 
-The final decision will be no later than 20 weeks from receipt of the proposal. A successful proposal will be given approval by the relevant Commissioning Editor.
-Some projects may be held over in exceptional circumstances but only with the formal agreement of the supplier. 

* Ideas from the public
- If you are a normal member of public and you are willing to submit your script to BBC, first thing you will need is work with an independent production company or a BBC production department to get ideas to the screen. 
-It would be also helpful if you would have understanding of the television process. 
-The best way of getting in touch with an interdependent production company is to do some research upon about the companies who produce the type of programmes that you have an idea for (it would be a good idea to see some programmes on TV that are similar in your story).
- Only place in BBC that accepts scripts from public is BBC production department, so if you don't have an independent production company that works with you, then your best choice would be BBC production department. 
- you should also contact your business affairs manager for any HD advice on specific titles. 
-The tariffs cover any direct costs that are from time to time agreed and incurred by the BBC such as insurance and development (which are recharged to the production).

The Commissioning Process

From 3 given BBC channels I chose comedy.

Summary of the type of content and overview for each channel and what it expects and how does it differ depending on that channel.
*BBC I is trying to look for gold-standard talent, top-drawer writing and the highest production values. They are making sure that they have right people on and off the screen that could deliver audience the content they want.
(For example: Mrs Brown's Boys & Citizen Khan)
*BBC II has comedy from the UK's most established and celebrated writers and performers. For the last 18months BBC II has created a home for a range of high calibre single camera shows, sketch shows and scripted comedy entertainment.
(For example: Rev & Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle)
*BBC III are bristling with experimental ambitions and creative confidence/ They like to take risks with new talent on and off screen. They are looking for inventive and dazzlingly funny projects.
(For example: Bad Education & Him & Her)
*BBC IV's comedy is a valued part of the channel's ambitions to be a lively energetic channel where the audience is stimulated, challenged and entertained.
(For example: Getting On)

The audience type for each channel of my chosen genre.
*BBC I appeals to mainstream audience. Their audience can see their own experiences reflected and celebrated in BBC I's comedy mix.
*BBC II is aimed at people age 20-30. They are looking for people who deeply appreciate comedy.
*BBC III has audience that responds to shows with a real energy and plenty of humour, that present the world from relatable point of view.
*BBC IV audience appreciates smart and informed comedy, often with a real world edge.

[source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/briefs/tv/browse-by-genre/comedy/]