Script Writers!

Script Writers – What’s your bucket?

The terminology “Script Writer” places all the writers on the same bucket. In reality, writers are differentiated based on their unique writing style, pattern, type, and method. Thus, they belong to different categories and traits. The scriptwriter who is good at the action genre may struggle developing scripts in other genres. Writer’s block happens when the scriptwriter does not know under which bucket, they fit. Before getting into the writing, writers need to evaluate themselves based on the parameters given below;

Plotter or Pantser – The turnaround time of the plotters is high compared to that of the Pantsers. Plotters build a repository of content on the genre that they are familiar with. Pantsers start working on the assignment only after they receive it.

Introvert or Extrovert – Most of the Pantser writers are introverted people, and Plotters are extroverts. A good writer needs to practice as an ambivert. Writers need to do research as an introvert and deliver the work as an extrovert.

Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic – The Plotter, and Pantser writers can be divided into three more categories.

The visual writer describes the scene with aesthetics, colours, placement, structures, etc. They are good at writing Mythological, Fantasy, and Horror scripts.

The auditory writer is unable to convert their imagination into the words in the script. But they are good at remembering scenes as words, and dialogues. They are good at writing Comedy, Epic, Drama related scripts.

Kinesthetic writers are good at emotions, moods, and feelings. They are unable to visualize the scene poetically but they are good at creating emotions in the mind of the audience. They are good at writing Family and Courtroom drama, Mystery, and Action scripts.

Ego Types – Parent, Adult, Child

Parental Ego – Writers with this type of ego traits are stubborn, Critical, Rude and Deadline oriented. They can be both Visual and Auditory style of people.

Adult Ego – A matured writer with the quality of understanding the requirement, flexibility to adapt to new circumstances, willingness to learn new things, and deliver results on time. They are mostly auditory but less of visual traits.

Child Ego – These types of writers are Kinesthetic, and are adamant in nature. They don’t listen to the need of the market but they deliver based on their own understanding.

The best combination of the writer to succeed in any circumstances is plotter, ambivert, auditory, and adult ego. They will be able to adapt themselves in new conditions, keep themselves updated on new skills, and create change in the industry. They are bucket-less writers because they will be able to move from one combination to the other based on the need.

Sai Vijendhiran

Associate Professor, Saveetha University