Writers craft the scripts that shape factual and entertainment TV, including documentaries, voiceovers, and presenter links for programmes and series.
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Working Life
Writers craft the scripts that shape factual and entertainment TV, including documentaries, voiceovers, and presenter links for programmes and series.
Without the Writer, there is no script—and often no programme or series. Whether it's a factual documentary driven entirely by voice-over or an entertainment show requiring witty presenter or voice-over links to connect scenes, it is the writer who provides the essential words.
For documentaries and fact-based programming led by a narrator, the writer may be asked to produce a detailed shooting script before production begins, depending on the director’s preferred working style.
In some cases, only an outline structure is required prior to filming. In these instances, the writer completes much of the script after filming, once the director has selected the key sequences—often including interviews—which may form substantial parts of the narrative. The linking voice-over must then be written to fit precise timings.
Writers must be attentive to the director’s ideas and vision, while also contributing their own creative concepts and expressing them effectively through the spoken word. They should have a strong understanding of various non-drama TV genres and a keen ear for the spoke word and for the often elusive quality of tone.
Deadlines can vary widely; in some cases, linking voice-over is written on the spot as the editor plays back a section, with a temporary voice artist reading the script directly into a ribbon microphone.
Writers are often required to act as rewriters and should be skilled in editing and improving existing scripts.
Works with
- Director
- Producer
- Production Manager
- Video Editor
Qualities - Writer (TV Non Fiction)
Is this role right for me?
To perform this role, you must:
Be an experienced writer for the visual medium, with a good understanding of the different factual and entertainment TV genres.
Adapt to the varying working styles of different directors during production preparation.
Be very familiar with the concept of tone and how this affects the written word.
Have the experience to know how to write to length, often under time pressure.
Enjoy working for long periods on your own, but also be able to work in a busy edit suite or production office.
Interests - Writer (TV Non Fiction)
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Entry / Progression - Writer (TV Non Fiction)
Education Route: While a formal qualification is not essential, a writer will often have completed a Master’s Degree in Creative or Screen Writing.
Career Path to Writer (TV Non Fiction): Writers will have already proven their ability to write for the visual medium, perhaps through experience in advertising or corporate production.
Career Path from Writer (TV Non Fiction): Senior Writer/Story Producer, Series Writer/Series Story Producer, Series Writer/Executive Producer.
