Travel Writing and Screenwriting Career Research Report
OUTLINE:
Introduction
Nature of the work
Working Conditions
Job Outlook
Education, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Earnings
Benefits/Challenges
Personal Input/Conclusion
Sources of Additional Information
Introduction
Writing as a career can be divided into a numerous amount of fields pertaining to the profession. This report is assembled with respect to the two career choices, travel writing and screenwriting, which have been dependently and independently researched. Travel writing can be seen today as a career choice that inspires many journalists, novelists, and many other types of writers that enjoy new experiences. Screenwriting can be assessed as a more difficult sub-genre of writing as it must be written in print as well as become portrayed on the big screen.
Nature of the work Travel writers describe tourist destinations and various types of publications through the use of their own personal experiences and knowledge. These writings can be in the form of blurbs, articles, documentaries or travel guides. They generally accompany their writings with photographs of the places they visit. While many would consider a job as a travel writer to be a constant exotic vacation, the reality of it for many experienced veterans is that it can prove quite strenuous. Writers must choose topics and locations not for the sake of pleasure, but rather for the purpose of creating something marketable.
Screenwriters differ from travel writers in a sense that screenwriters develop scripts derived from their own ideas or other existing ideas or work. When writing scripts, screenwriters are responsible for describing the stories in detail, including physical environments and the moods of the characters. Films and televisions shows require the use of these scripts. Prior to production of a film or show, screenwriters might produce a synopsis and several scenes of a story. A shooting script is then prepared. The shooting script entails camera, lighting and shot instructions.
Working Conditions Working conditions for a travel writer can vary. The travel writers, whom are self-employed freelancers, are based out of a home office. They do not travel as often, and spend more time on their publications at home. Others may be employed under a company and would be more susceptive to different conditions through travelling more often. The hours are usually determined within each job contract. These contracts establish and outline appropriate duration of assignments and deadline. In general, hours rely on the writer’s pace of completion. Screenwriters work in many different locations. Staff writers (writers who work for a particular company) work in writing rooms where they brainstorm ideas. Spec writers (don’t work for company but sell their work through an agent) usually work in their own private residence or any location they choose. As a home-based freelance writer you would arrange your own working hours. If you were part of a studio-based writing team, you would be more likely to work standard office hours. In either case you would often have strict deadlines to meet. As well as working from your home or office base, you would also need to attend occasional meetings with agents, script editors and producers.
Job Outlook
In 2012, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted slow job growth of 3% through 2022 for travel writers, and it noted that professionals who adapt to digital means and online media will have the best employment prospects. Although decreased demand won’t generate many new jobs, openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation, retire, or die. While travel writers tend to leave the profession at a lower rate than members of most other occupations, replacement needs will always be needed.
Employment of screenwriters is expected to grow about as fast as average for all professions,
