Page "Screenwriter" Paragraph 3

Every screenplay and teleplay begins with an idea, and screenwriters use those ideas to write scripts, with the intention of selling them and having them produced.

The majority of the time, a film project gets initiated by a screenwriter and because they initiated the project, the writing assignment exclusively becomes his or hers.

These are referred to as " exclusive " assignments or " pitched " assignments.

Screenwriters who often pitch new projects, whether original or an adaptation, often do not have to worry about competing for assignments and are often more successful.

When word is put out about a project a film studio, production company, or producer wants done, these are referred to as " open " assignments.

Open assignments are more competitive.

In situations where screenwriters are competing for an open assignment, more established writers will usually win these assignments.

A screenwriter can also be approached and personally offered a writing assignment.