Glossary of Screenwriting Terms
Agent
An agent is a licensed representative who solicits work and negotiates contracts on behalf of their clients in the entertainment industry, typically in exchange for a commission of around 10% of their earnings.
Beat Sheet
A beat sheet is a document outlining the key moments of a screenplay.
Comps
Comps are film or television shows that are comparable to a screenplay.
Concept
A concept is the central idea of a screenplay that captures its unique appeal.
Distribution
Distribution is the process of making a film, television or digital media project available to audiences through various platforms, including theatres, television networks and streaming services.
Entertainment Lawyer
An entertainment lawyer is a legal professional specialising in the entertainment industry, typically charging hourly rates or around 5% of a deal.
Financing
Financing is the process of securing funds to produce a film, television or digital media project.
General Meeting
A general meeting is an informal way for a producer or executive to get to know a writer.
Logline
A logline is the brief statement designed to capture a reader’s interest in a story.
Manager
A manager is a representative who guides the careers of their clients in the entertainment industry, typically in exchange for a commission of around 10% of their earnings.
Multi-cam
Multi-cam is a style of television production that uses multiple cameras simultaneously to capture scenes, often employed in sitcoms. Examples include CHEERS, SEINFELD and FRIENDS.
Option
An option is an agreement that grants a producer exclusive rights to purchase a screenplay from the writer during a specified time period, usually for an upfront fee.
Packaging
Packaging is the process of attaching a director, actors and a producer in order to create a compelling proposal that can attract financing and distribution.
Pitch
A pitch is a brief verbal presentation of a story intended to capture a listener’s interest and entice them to learn more.
Pitch Deck
A pitch deck is a visual representation outlining a story’s key elements to attract interest and support for its development.
Plot
A plot is the series of events that develop, escalate and resolve a story’s central conflict.
Premise
A premise is the brief statement that captures a story’s core elements, including the protagonist, their goal and the central conflict.
Script Coverage
Script coverage is a written evaluation of a screenplay that summarises the story and provides insights into its strengths and weaknesses.
Script Notes
Script notes are written feedback provided on a screenplay with suggestions for improvement and observations on various elements of the story.
Script Reader
A script reader is a professional who evaluates a screenplay and provides feedback, often working for production companies or script coverage and notes services.
Shopping Agreement
A shopping agreement grants a producer exclusive or non-exclusive rights to market a screenplay for a specified time period, usually without an upfront fee.
Single-cam
Single-cam is a style of television production that uses a single camera to capture scenes. Examples include THE OFFICE and MODERN FAMILY.
Tagline
A tagline is a memorable phrase that conveys the essence of a story to a broad audience.
Unsolicited Submission
An unsolicited submission is a screenplay sent to a company without being requested, generally lacking representation from a professional source, such as a manager or agent.
WGA
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a labour union in the United States that represents writers in film, television, radio and digital media.