If you have a passion for storytelling and a knack for translating words into visuals, there is a career if a screenwriter just waiting for you. By the end of this article, you will have a clear concept of screenwriting, job roles, salary, institutes offering screenwriting courses, and much more.
How to Become a Screenwriter?
How To Become A Screenwriter: What comes to your mind when you read the word screenwriting? Writing for the screen, right? But it is more complex than it sounds. Suppose you are watching a comedy movie where there are 10 artists in a single frame and all of them are doing goofy things to make you laugh. Do you think they are doing it on their own? No. They are given a specific set of instructions from the movie's director to perform the specific set of acts.
Now where do these specific acts come from? It comes, from SCREENWRITING.
So, now we come to our question again, What comes to your mind when you read the word screenwriting? Writing for the screen, right? Yes, screenwriting is, writing for the screen. It is about creating scenes, writing dialogues, writing screenplays, and yes, writing a specific set of instructions for the artists who will be performing these acts on the screen.
Q: Which institutes can I get via JET exam?
On clearing the Joint Entrance Test (JET), students can get admission into Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) as well as the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute of India (SRFTI). These two premiere institutes are the conducting body of FTII JET as well. Candidates who qualify in this exam will be eligibile to take up film making related courses in either of the two institutes.
Q: What if I have not completed graduation by the time of FTII JET? Can I still apply?
If candidate has not completed their graduation or if they are awaiting their graduation results by the time of FTII JET exam, they can still take the test. However, they will have to submit the proof of their graduation qualification during the document verification process. If they fail to do so, their candidature will be rejected, no matter if they qualify in the test.
Q: Can I apply for more than one course at FTII?
Yes, candidates can apply for more than one course from each of the three groups on the FTII JET application form. However, candidates will have to pay the application fee for like wise as the FTII JET application fee for one course is INR 2,000/-, for two courses it is INR 3,000/- (2000 + 1000) and for three courses it is INR 4,000/- (2000 + 1000 + 1000).
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In the heart of India's bustling film industry, where dreams are spun into cinematic tales, the role of a screenwriter stands as the cornerstone of storytelling. The job of a screenwriter includes crafting narratives that captivate the audience. In the complete filmmaking process, screenwriters are the unseen architects who evoke laughter, tears, and inspiration for us.
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They make us fall in love with the characters and by the end of the movie the series, we take back one character with us. This is a real win for a screenwriter. If you have a knack for creativity and want to pursue a career as a screenwriter, hold on for a few minutes and check this article on how to become a screenwriter. By the end of this article, you will have a clear concept of screenwriting, job roles, salary, institutes offering the screenwriting course, and much more.
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What is Screenwriting?
Screenwriting or writing for the screen is the art of writing scripts for films, television shows, and web series. It does not just involve writing the story, albeit it includes creating characters, giving depth to each character, creating a story arc, bringing in twists and turns in the story, infusing drama and action, creating curiosity, hype, attention, and suspense and often ending on a cliffhanger.
Q: How much to score to qualify the FTII entrance exam?
There is a cut off which is defined after the exam is conducted. The FTII JET cut off is defined based on various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, total number of applicants who appeared in the exam and the shifts under which the exam is conducted. Candidates who score equal to or more than the FTII JET cut off will qualify in the exam. As far as the minimum passing marks of FTII JET varies, the minimum final cut-off marks to qualify for admission in FTII for General Category is 50% for General category while that for OBC NCL category is 45%.
Q: What is the passing marks for FTII JET?
The minimum passing marks for the Film and Television Institute of India Joint Entrance Test varies, however, the minimum final cut-off marks to qualify for admission in FTII are: i) 50% for General category. ii) 45% for OBC NCL category. iii) 40% for SC/ST category.
Q: Can I get a scholarship to get into FTII?
According to FTII, Pune's website, there are several scholarships that the institute offers and several others that potential students can avail. The institute offers the following scholarships based on merit and performance credits during the students' time there.
- Entrance Exam Merit - Given to toppers in each of the film wing courses; INR 12,500 per year.
- 1st Semester Merit - Given to the first 3 toppers; Common Module (Editing, Sound Recording & Sound Design, Art Direction & Production Design and Screenplay Writing); 1st topper get INR 24,000, 2nd gets INR 21,500 and the 3rd gets INR 19,000 every year
- Given to acting topper; INR 24,000 / year
- Given to screenplay writing topper; INR 24,000 / year
- 2nd to 5th Semester Merit - Given to the 1st and 2nd topper of each course; INR 13,500 and INR 11,500 respectively.
Other scholarships include Kamalakar Scholarship, Phalake Memorial Honour, Baburao Patel Scholarship, etc. Check out the FTII website or simply Google FTII JET Scholarships for more info.
Q: What is the age limit for FTII JET?
To fill the application form of the Film and Television Institute of India Joint Entrance Test (FTII JET) examination. Candidates must be minimum 21 years of age. The minimum educational qualification required for candidates to apply for the FTII JET examination is graudation in any discipline. However, for candidates who want to apply for Art Direction and Production Design course they will have to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts, Architecture, Painting, Sculpture, Interior Design or related fields in Fine Arts.
Q: What is the reservation criteria in the FTII JET?
The reservation of seats in each course is decided as per government rules. The classification of seats for various reserve categories in the FTII Pune is as per the below table:
| Categories | Reservation (%) |
|---|---|
| Schedule Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Schedule Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| OBC-NCL (Non-creamy layer) | 27% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 3% |
During the screenwriting process, the writer has to create dialogues, craft characters, and develop plots that are both engaging and visually compelling. A screenwriter's script serves as a blueprint for directors, actors, and the entire production team to bring the story to life on screen. In short, we can say that a screenwriter is a person who conceptualizes the story for the very first time.
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What is the job of a screenwriter?
As we already know about the roles of a screenwriter, it is time to understand their work ethics and jobs. Apart from Concept Development, Plot Structuring, Writing, Collaboration, and Rewriting, the screenwriter has to do the following -
- Creating narratives that are structured for visual storytelling.
- Working closely with directors, producers, and other members of the production team.
- Ensuring that their scripts are translated effectively into the final visual product.
Salary of a Screenwriter in India
Would you believe me if I said that the sky is the limit for a screenwriter when it comes to salary? Yes. The salary of a screenwriter in India can vary widely based on experience, reputation, and the success of their projects. However, after one or two critically acclaimed projects the salary can be tenfold with some earning significantly more based on high-profile projects. To get an idea about the salary of a screenwriter, candidates can refer to the following table -
| Experience |
Salary (Per annum) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level |
INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 |
| Mid-Level |
INR 6,00,000 to INR 12,00,000 |
| Experienced/Famous Screenwriters |
INR 15,00,000 |
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How To Become A Screenwriter: Jobs and Career Prospects
In the past few years, the demand for compelling content has opened up numerous opportunities for screenwriters. Earlier, movies were limited to only the big screen however, with OTT platforms and YouTube, the scope has just broadened. Here are some potential career paths:
- Film Industry.
- Television
- Web Series
- Advertising
- Freelance Writing
Future in Screenwriting
The future for screenwriters is glorious thanks as there is no recession in the entertainment and creative screenwriters will always be in demand. Adding fire to the fuel is the digital revolution spurring a surge in content creation.
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Colleges Offering Screenwriting Courses
Below are some of the institutions in India that offer specialized courses in screenwriting:
- Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata
- Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
- Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT), Noida
- Zee Institute of Media Arts (ZIMA), Mumbai
Famous Screenwriters in India
- Salim-Javed
- Gulzar
- Vijayendra Prasad
- Juhi Chaturvedi
- Farhad-Samji
- Anurag Kashyap and more names.
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Bottomline
The proliferation of OTT platforms and the increasing appetite for diverse narratives offer promising opportunities for talented screenwriters. With the right skills and networking, the potential for growth and recognition in this field is substantial. For a start, I will suggest you get a pen and paper and start dotting down your thoughts. Create situations, characters, and scenarios. You have your script ready. Pitch it to the producers, or ask your friends to shoot a short movie based on it and upload it on YouTube. You have yourself your first release!!
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With over 7 years of experience in the digital content arena, Vikrant specializes in creating unique content specific to the Media, Journalism, Film and TV stream for Shiksha. He writes articles and news covering th... Read Full Bio
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 weeks ago
You might already know that you have to carry your admit card to the FTII JET exam centre. You can take two copies just to be safe. Also, carry a government issued photo ID like your Aadhaar Card, PAN Card or Driver's License. And you can only take the test with a blue/ black ball point pen, so carr
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, you can take FTII JET in Hindi. The questions that appear on FTII JET papers are presented in both Hindi and English. Examinees can pick either one. The institutes strictly asks the students not switch between the two while taking the test. Once you've answered a question in Hindi, you have to
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
There are several books out in the market for FTII JET preparation. Some good ones are -
- A Guidebook to Crack JET for Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) and Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) - Rakesh Biswas
- FTII JET Entrance Mock Test - Fawo Books
- Being FTII: Perspectives on th
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
The test papers do not mention a word limit for the answers of descriptive and subjective questions. However, the test paper has empty line space in which examinees have to write their answers. Also, while some descriptive questions are mandatory to attempt, some have choices. Examinees can pick and
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
No, candidates must produce a printout of the FTII JET admit card along with a valid photo ID. Those who fail to do so will not be allowed to take the exam.
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
FTII JET is conducted by the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata. The test paper for this annual entrance examination can be set by either of these institutes.
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
FTII JET is conducted annually or once a year in 28 cities across the country.
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
FTII JET is conducted offline (pen & paper based test).
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
The courses offered through FTII JET are listed below.
Film Wing -
- Three Year PG Diploma Course in Direction & Screenplay Writing
- Three Year PG Diploma Course in Cinematography
- Three Year PG Diploma Course in Editing
- Three Year PG Diploma Course in Sound Recordin? g & Sound Design
- Three Year PG Diploma
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Contributor-Level 8
What documents should I carry to FTII JET exam centre?