Every screen production starts with a story. It might begin with an original idea, a true story or something adapted for the screen. But getting from that first idea to something that captivates audiences involves much more than a great script.

Stories need to be developed, financed, cast and shaped for the screen. Writers, producers, directors and other creative specialists work together to turn ideas into productions and guide them from page to screen.

Does this sound like you?

You might feel at home here if you enjoy developing ideas, solving creative and practical problems, working with people, and balancing big ideas with what it takes to make them happen.

Love

• Stories and storytelling
• Film, television and other screen content
• Developing and sharing ideas
• Working with creative people
• Seeing a project come together

Strengths

• Communication
• Creativity and imagination
• Organisation
• Problem-solving
• Seeing the bigger picture

What kind of job would suit me?

Taking a story from an idea to the screen involves many different roles. Here are just some of them. Which of these could you picture yourself doing?

Create and shape the story

• Screenwriter: develops ideas, characters and stories, writing scripts that set out the dialogue, action and other details needed to bring a story to the screen
• Script Editor: works with screenwriters to develop and strengthen scripts, helping refine story structure, pacing and how effectively the story works on screen

Bring the vision to life

• Director: leads the creative vision for a production, guiding performances and working across creative and technical departments to bring the story together on screen

Make the production happen

• Producer: helps turn an idea into a production, bringing together the funding, people and resources needed and overseeing the project from development through to completion
• Executive Producer: works at a high level to help get a production off the ground, often through financing, partnerships or major creative and business decisions
• Associate Producer: supports the producer in particular areas of the production, which might include creative, financial or organisational work

Find the right performers

• Casting Director: works with the director and producer to find and select performers for the roles in a production

Keep the story consistent

• Script Supervisor (Continuity): tracks dialogue, action and continuity during filming and keeps detailed records to help shots and scenes fit together in the edit

Script your learning journey

There are many ways to build the skills and knowledge you’ll need for a career in screen. Some courses offer broad experience across screen and media, while others have a more technical, creative or theoretical focus, and even courses with the same name can offer different experiences depending on where you study. No journey is the same: the best fit will depend on what interests you, how you like to learn and where you’d like your career to take you. Explore the training and education providers below to find the kind of learning that fits you.