Script editor

What does a script editor do?

Script editors liaise between the writer of a drama and the TV production company, commissioner or development producer to ensure that the script is as good as possible.

They might come on board at any point in the script writing process. Sometimes script editors start before the writer. The executive or development producer might want a new drama for 18 to 25-year-olds, set in a nightclub, for example. The script editor might be asked to research ideas or come up with concepts for episodes.

Meanwhile the development producer or editorial head, identifies the right writer for the job. Once the writer is in place, the script editor’s role is to support the writer and get the script ready for production. They need to understand how the writer works and appreciate the writer’s voice. They might help the writer to develop a storyline or introduce a new character.  They are the ones that need to have tactful and creative conversations about budget. They might need to explain there isn’t enough money for quite that number of buildings to be blown up, for example.

Typically, there will be several people with comments to make on a script, such as the commissioner, the producer or the director.  The script editor gathers these notes and takes them to the writer in a respectful and considerate way. They also ensure there’s continuity between scenes and between episodes and that the script is running to time.

Script editors might work on high-end TV programmes, continuing drama and comedies. They either work freelance or in-house.

Watch and read

• A day in the life of a senior script editor - ITV Studios
• Script editor Jonathan Lewsley: what does a script editor do?
• STORYTELLING – Script Editor Interview
• What do script editors do? – Interview with script development consultant Jessica Jones
• Matt Telfer’s top tips on becoming a script editor

What’s a script editor good at?

• Knowledge of screenwriting: understand all the features of a great screenplay, know how to improve and amend one
• Communication: be able to form a good relationship with a writer and the rest of the production team, know how to explain notes sensitively and tactfully enabling the writer to do their best work
• Knowledge of production: appreciate all the factors involved in turning a screenplay into a TV drama, be aware of the practical and logistical considerations in bringing the script to the screen
• Knowledge of the industry: have extensive knowledge of and a passion for film or TV drama, be aware of other dramas, what’s worked and what’s new
• Arts knowledge: have a deep and wide knowledge of all genres of art, so as to be able to assess ideas from a range of sources and understand the cultural context

Who does a script editor work with?

Development producer (TV)

Development producers are employed by broadcasters, production companies and screen agencies to look out for new projects and writing talent. See separate profile: development producer

Screenwriter or scriptwriter

Screenwriters write scripts. They might also work improving the scripts of other writers. See separate profile: screenwriter

Storyliner (TV)

Script editors sometimes oversee storyliners who develop story strands for long-running TV series. They may be responsible for a number of different storylines or for a number of episodes. They take ideas from the script editor to create a document outlining what happens in that storyline or episode. This is used to commission writers and becomes their brief to write from.

Script reader

Script readers mainly work for publicly-funded organisations like regional screen agencies. They read screenplays and write reports (coverage reports) on their potential for development. A typical reader's report is 4-8 pages long, including a breakdown of the story and an assessment of its suitability. This typically contains a logline, premise, synopsis, tone and genre analysis, at least two pages of comments on strengths and weakness, and the summary and verdict.

Researcher

Researchers support story and script personnel, ensuring stories and scripts reflect accurate research and the source material and setting, whether from fiction, historical or otherwise, from the beginning. They are sometimes called an assistant script editor.