One of the most misunderstood opportunities for screenwriters is the Open Writing Assignment (OWA). When we talk about OWA, we are not talking about contracting tasks or work-for-hire contracts. Studios, streamers, networks and production companies provide a concept, and multiple writers market their versions through a process called “raffle pitching.”
Let’s dive into the topic of OWA so you understand industry expectations, pros, and cons.
What is an open-ended writing assignment?
An open writing assignment is essentially a job opening in the film or television industry where a studio, production company, or network is looking for a writer to develop a specific project.
Unlike spec scripts, where authors create their own original material with the intention of selling it, OWA involves projects that are already in some stage of development. Scripts may be based on pre-existing concepts, books, comics, or earlier scripts that require rewriting or polishing. The producer may also have an original concept that needs to be developed into a feature-length screenplay.
Read more: Every type of screenwriting contract explained
The origins of open-ended writing assignments
OWA has been a part of the screenwriting world primarily since the 2000s—at least by definition. During the writing boom of the 1980s and 1990s, early versions of OWA were used informally by studios, inviting writers to brainstorm ideas. Sometimes these writers are hired. Sometimes they are not.
The official OWA was born in the early 2000s, when the industry became increasingly risk-averse regarding potential legality issues. In short, they don’t want to be sued. So instead of consulting the writers at various meet-and-greet meetings, development executives and their lawyers had formal contracts for such discussions.
Before the 1980s, film studios were primarily owned by individuals rather than corporations. The old studio system would have dedicated writers working on various projects. A staff writer refers to a writer who has signed a contract with a studio to become a regular staff member. They will be paid an annual salary, much like a studio would have an actor sign a contract to play any role the studio wants them to play.
As the industry grew, the need for professional screenwriters for specific projects arose, primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, when a booming screenwriting market allowed studios to hire some of the hottest screenwriters in the industry.
This ultimately led to the concept of OWA, which allows studios and production companies to tap into a diverse pool of freelance writing talent.
The process of an open-ended writing assignment
The process of getting an open writing assignment usually starts with a studio or production company identifying a project that needs a writer. It might be a completely new idea, an adaptation of existing material, or a rewrite of a previous script. The next step is to find the right writer for the job.
Let’s analyze what happened.
development stage
The studio or production company outlines the project, including its genre, tone, target audience and any specific requirements or vision they have. Producers, development executives, and sometimes contract writers hired to write treatments complete the preliminary work.
Agents and management companies receive OWA
Agents and managers play a vital role in matching writers with OWA. They pitch clients to studios and production companies, emphasizing the writer’s previous work, strengths and suitability for the project.
Read more: How this writer used game feedback to find his future reps
meet and greet session
Once the studio or production company has a list of potential writers, they will hold a meeting to discuss the project in more detail. These sessions provide an opportunity for each writer or writing team to demonstrate their understanding of the material, their creative vision, and how they contribute to the project.
court
Editors asked the writers to provide more official pitches about their vision for the project, showcasing story ideas, character arcs and potential plot developments. A successful pitch demonstrates the writer’s mastery of the material and their ability to bring something unique to the table.
Read more: Ridley Scott has a simple tip for pitching to Hollywood
transfers and contracts
If a studio or production company likes a writer’s pitch, they’ll go ahead with the assignment. This includes negotiating the contract, outlining the terms of employment, scope of work, deadlines and payments.
Advantages and disadvantages of open-ended writing assignments
For screenwriters, OWA brings both benefits and challenges.
OWA Advantages
- Networking Opportunities: Working through OWA allows writers to develop relationships with industry professionals, including producers, directors and development executives. These connections can lead to future opportunities and collaborations.
- Diverse experience: OWA offers writers the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from adaptations to original concepts. This variety helps writers hone their skills and expand their creative horizons.
- Creative collaboration: OWA’s work involves working closely with other creative professionals. This can be a rewarding experience that allows writers to learn from others and contribute to a collective vision. Film is a collaborative medium.
OWA Disadvantages
- Creative Limitations: OWA has certain limitations in that authors must adhere to the predefined parameters of the project, which can sometimes inhibit creativity, especially when authors have different visions of the material. But that’s the essence all Screenwriting gig, so…
- competition: Competition for OWA is fierce, with many writers vying for the same assignment. Writers need to constantly prove their worth and stay ahead of the competition. Good is not good enough. Your pitch must be great.
- uncertain: There is no guarantee that the project will reach the script stage. If it doesn’t fit the script, you won’t be hired.
- OWA non-payment: You will not receive payment for creating and demonstrating promotions, including promotional materials such as introductions, promotional materials, outlines and treatments. All you do is try to get hired. In short, you are competing for a job.
—
Open writing assignments are a unique and valuable opportunity for screenwriters. They offer the opportunity to work on different projects, collaborate with industry professionals and gain stable employment.
They also present rewarding challenges, teaching writers how to balance creativity with practical constraints and navigate the competitive landscape. That’s the nature of the screenwriting profession.
Read more: 7 Ways Screenwriters Can Avoid Being Scammed
Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.
As a production writer, he participated in numerous studio meetings with companies such as Sony, DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, Disney, Warner Bros., and numerous production and management companies. He previously signed a development deal with Lionsgate and has had several writing assignments, including starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haley ·The miniseries “Blackout” starring Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric LaSalle and Bruce Bucklina. Follow Ken on Twitter @ken电影and Instagram @KenMovies76
