Script Researcher (1 years diploma)

Script Researcher click here

Brief Job Description: Individuals at this job need to provide research material to
the scriptwriter and carry out research/ develop story outlines to identify possible
scripts/ stories

Personal Attributes: This job requires the individual to research the script subject
(with its premise and other elements) as per the brief given by the scriptwriter
or the production house. The individual is required to gather information and
insights from a variety of sources for potential stories. The individual must

possess the ability to accord dramatic interpretations to real life events, so as to
formulate a fictional story outline consistent with reality. The individual should

be well-versed with script construction, to be able to gauge the audio-video
potential of the research material and its placement within the screenplay
structure.

Description
Budget Budget is an estimate of the total cost of production that may include a
break-up of cost components
Continuity Continuity represents the seamless transition from one shot to another
Copyright Laws A legal framework linked to intellectual property and the rights given to
creators of original products/ concepts

Screenplay Screenplay is the script coupled with key characteristics of the scene and
directions for acting
Script Script is a structured narrative of a story
Sector Sector is a conglomeration of different business operations having similar
businesses and interests. It may also be defined as a distinct subset of the
economy whose components share similar characteristics and interests.
Sub-sector Sub-sector is derived from a further breakdown based on the
characteristics and interests of its components

.
Target Audience Group of people at whom content/ adverting is aimed. A target audience
is typically defined by age, gender, economic classification, geography and
any other relevant parameters (e.g. Females, aged 25-40, average monthly
household income INR 25,000-50,000, from Hindi speaking
states in North India)

Vertical Vertical may exist within a sub-sector representing different domain areas
or the client industries served by the industry.
Occupation Occupation is a set of job roles, which perform similar/related set of
functions in an industry

Function Function is an activity necessary for achieving the key purpose of the
sector, occupation, or area of work, which can be carried out by a person
or a group of persons. Functions are identified through functional analysis
and form the basis of OS.

Sub-functions Sub-functions are sub-activities essential to fulfill the achieving the
objectives of the function.
Job role Job role defines a unique set of functions that together form a unique
employment opportunity in an organization.

Occupational
Standards (OS)
OS specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve when
carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the knowledge and
understanding they need to meet that standard consistently.
Occupational Standards are applicable both in the Indian
and global contexts.

Performance
Criteria
Performance Criteria are statements that together specify the standard
of performance required when carrying out a task
National Occupational
Standards (NOS)

NOS are Occupational Standards which apply uniquely in the Indian context.
Qualifications Pack
Code
Qualifications Pack Code is a unique reference code that identifies a
qualifications pack.
Qualifications
Pack(QP)

Qualifications Pack comprises the set of OS, together with the educational,
training and other criteria required to perform a job role. A Qualifications
Pack is assigned a unique qualification pack code.
Unit Code Unit Code is a unique identifier for an Occupational Standard, which is
denoted by an

Unit Title Unit Title gives a clear overall statement about what the incumbent
should be able to do.
Description Description gives a short summary of the unit content. This would be

Qualifications Pack For Script Researcher

helpful to anyone searching on a database to verify that this is the
appropriate OS they are looking for.
Scope Scope is the set of statements specifying the range of variables that an
individual may have to deal with in carrying out the function which have
a critical impact on the quality of performance required.

Knowledge and
Understanding
Knowledge and Understanding are statements which together specify the
technical, generic, professional and organizational specific knowledge
that an individual needs in order to perform to the required standard.

Organizational
Context
Organizational Context includes the way the organization is structured and
how it operates, including the extent of operative knowledge managers
have of their relevant areas of responsibility.

Technical Knowledge Technical Knowledge is the specific knowledge needed to accomplish
specific designated responsibilities.
Core Skills / Generic
Skills

Core Skills or Generic Skills are a group of skills that are key to learning and
working in today’s world. These skills are typically needed in any work
environment. In the context of the OS, these include communication
related skills that are applicable to most job roles.

Keywords /Terms Description
NOS National Occupational Standard(s)
QP Qualifications Pack
NSQF National Skill Qualifications Framework
NVEQF National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework
NVQF National Vocational Qualifications Framework

Understand and detail the concept
Description This OS unit is about understanding and detailing the concept
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
 Understanding the concept
 Detailing out the concept

Note:
 Concepts may be developed by the individual him/herself or communicated
by Directors/Producers, production houses, clients etc. Therefore,
understanding of the concept may be an internal or external process.
 Detailing out the concept is likely to be a requirement for Scriptwriters, but
may be an informal process/optional for Script Editors or Script Researchers

.
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Understanding the
concept
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. understand the artistic and communication goals of the concept, which may
be self-created, provided in a brief, or arrived at via discussions with relevant
personnel (Director, Executive Producer etc.)

PC2. be aware of the intended medium (eg: feature film, short film, serialized tv
series, miniseries, documentary), and evaluate how this affects viewer
engagement with the concept

PC3. be aware of the intended target audience, and evaluate how this affects the
concept (eg: language, pacing, maturity of themes etc.)
PC4. be aware of any relevant cultural, social or political issues that need to be
taken into account

PC5. identify, research and understand key elements of the concept, including:
 premise
 setting
 genre
 central themes
 primary mood/tone
 broad character arcs
 major narrative/plot points
 structure
 light and sound
Detailing out the
concept

PC6. outline key elements of the concept, along with additional notes, critiques
and development ideas in various formats, which may include:
 taglines
 loglines
 pitches
 one-page synopsis
 exposés

 running diary/annotations
 storyboards
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the objective/outcomes of the production (e.g. audience engagement with
commercial success in view for feature films, public service, information
dissemination and spreading awareness etc.)

B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. how to assess concepts and their artistic and communication goals
KB2. how to extract and interpret relevant information regarding the concept’s vision
from concept briefs

KB3. how to discuss and understand relevant information regarding the concept’s
vision from relevant personnel (Director, Executive Producer etc.)
KB4. the effect of different mediums (eg: feature film, short film, serialized tv series,
miniseries, documentary) on viewer engagement
KB5. the culture and literary capacity of the target audience and how the concept
intends to engage them

KB6. the basic principles of story-telling and character psychology
KB7. elements of the concept, including premise, setting, genre, central themes,
mood, tone, character arcs, narrative, structure etc.
KB8. the norms and practices of concepts and concept development followed by
different production houses

KB9. the basic principles of concept detailing, and how to use timing, pacing,
characterization and the teasing of compelling ideas effectively
KB10. how to specify details of a concept in various formats (eg: taglines, loglines,
pitches, synopsis, exposes etc.) and the different objectives of each
KB11. how to research and tap into the sources for procuring information/

background material that will enhance understanding of the concept
KB12. how to work on word processing software and scriptwriting, formatting
software like Final Draft, Movie Magic and Celtx
KB13. how to type in regional languages using Unicode
KB14. applicable copyright norms and intellectual property rights
Skills (S) (Optional)

A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. how to specify a concept using taglines, loglines, synopsis, exposes, storyboards
and understand the differing purposes for each

SA2. detail out concepts complying with norms and guidelines specific to the
industry/genre/region/language/culture
SA3. use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and phonetics for the language in
which the concept is being developed

Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA4. read and understand any concept briefs, notes or other materials with
information on the concept
SA5. research the profile and characteristics of the target audience, genre, region
and culture to better understand the concept’s objectives

SA6. research key elements of the concept to improve understanding, as appropriate
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA7. discuss the goals and creative vision of the concept with the Producer/ Director/
Client, as required

B. Professional Skills Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. ensure that understanding of the concept is at a sufficient level for further tasks,
and that this is achieved within timelines

Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB2. identify any problems with successful execution of the task and resolve them
in consultation with the producer and director

Undertake research for scripts
Description This OS unit is about researching material that can be used as inputs for script-writing
Scope This unit/task covers the following:

 Researching material that can be used as inputs for scriptwriting
• Productions could include animation, advertisements/commercials,
documentaries, feature films, short films, television series,theatre
• Genres could include action, children, comedy, crime, drama, family,
history, horror, romance, science fiction, teens, thriller
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Researching material
that can be used as
inputs for
scriptwriting

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. identify the research required by analyzing the concept, or by taking a clear
brief from relevant personnel (scriptwriter, script editor, Director, Producers)
PC2. understand the basics of scriptwriting, story structure, character creation to be
able to carry out appropriate research for the scriptwriting process

PC3. identify relevant sources of information, and conduct primary (interviews,
discussions) or secondary (reports, courses) research
PC4. liaise periodically with relevant personnel (scriptwriter, script editor, Director,
Producers) to provide updates on research and be made aware of
any other research requirements, as appropriate
Knowledge and Understanding (K)

A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the script-writer’s requirements about the nature and scope of research
KA2. the genre and timelines for story delivery and budget within which the script
would need to be delivered
B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. script-writing norms and guidelines including style, format, structure and length
applicable to different industries, audiences, genres, regions, language and
cultures

KB2. the context of the script with reference to other similar existing work
KB3. elements of the story outline including the story plot, structure, theme,
Setting, character profiles, key turning points in the story
KB4. basic research methodology
KB5. how to work on word processing software and screenwriting, formatting
software like Final Draft, Movie Magic and Celtx
KB6. how to type in regional language usingUnicode
KB7. narrative templates like the 3-act structure, plot point, blake Snyder’s beat
sheet (save the cat) and hero’s journey

KB8. applicable copyright norms and intellectual property rights
KB9. the sources for procuring information/ background material and research
KB10. applicable health and safety guidelines
Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. develop and draft appropriate research briefs to assist in the script writing
process
SA2. use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and phonetics for the language in
which the script is being developed
Reading Skills

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. conduct extensive research across a variety of print and media resources to
develop a range of possibilities for the script
SA4. research the profile and characteristics of the target audience, industry, genre,
region and culture

SA5. research and confirm factual information used for the storyline to ensure it is
accurate and supports the concept
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA6. understand the overall production concept and story concept from the Director
and Producer

SA7. present, discuss and solicit feedback on the story outlines from the Director and
Producer
B. Professional Skills Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. plan and prioritize work according to the requirements and agreed timelines
Problem Solving

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB2. identify any problems with successful execution of the task and resolve them
in consultation with the producer and director
Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. envision the impact of the script on the production budget, requirements and
process

Assist in drafting scripts
Description This OS unit is about assisting in the drafting of scripts, checking materials for accuracy
and suggesting amendments if appropriate
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
 Writing drafts and checking the accuracy of final materials for accuracy

Note:
 This task is context-dependent and elements of it may be performed by the
Script Editor or Scriptwriter him/herself
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Writing drafts and
checking the accuracy
of final materials for
accuracy

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. liaise with the scriptwriter to understand requirements in the script drafting
process
PC2. prepare a story outline covering aspects such as story plot, structure, theme,
setting, character profiles and key turning points, as appropriate
PC3. ensure that written contributions and drafts are factually accurate and employ
the correct language

PC4. understand and explain clearly potential issues (legal, ethical or regulatory) that
can arise in the written form, and how to develop scripts that avoid those
errors
PC5. offer information and advice constructively, and in enough time to allow any
changes to the script within deadlines

Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the scriptwriter’s requirements about the nature, goals and scope of the script
KA2. the genre and timelines for story delivery and budget within which the script
would need to be delivered
KA3. common legal, ethical and regulatory considerations
KA4. regulations and policies of the organization relating to script writing

B. Technician Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. how to construct a story and develop a script for different types of productions
KB2. the essentials of scriptwriting including characters, characterization, plotting,
structure and dramaturgy
KB3. script-writing norms and guidelines including style, format, structure and length
applicable to different industries, audiences, genres, regions, language and
cultures

KB4. the context of the script with reference to other similar existing work
KB5. elements of the story outline including the story plot, structure, theme

setting, character profiles, key turning points in the story
KB6. how to work on word processing software and screenwriting, formatting
software like Final Draft, Movie Magic and Celtx
KB7. how to type in regional language usingUnicode

KB8. narrative templates like the 3-act structure, plot point, blake Snyder’s beat
sheet (save the cat) and hero’s journey
KB9. applicable copyright norms and intellectual property rights
KB10. the sources for procuring information/ background material and research
KB11. applicable health and safety guidelines
Skills (S) (Optional)

A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. develop and draft story outlines complying with norms and guidelines specific
to the industry/genre/region/language/culture
SA2. use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and phonetics for the language in
which the script is being developed
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. confirm factual information used for the storyline to ensure it is accurate and
supports the concept

Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA4. understand the overall production concept and story concept from the concept
brief, Scriptwriter, or Producer
SA5. present, discuss and solicit feedback on the story outlines from the Scriptwriter
or Script Editor

B. Professional Skills Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. plan and prioritize work according to the requirements and agreed timelines
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB2. identify any problems with successful execution of the task and resolve them
in consultation with the producer and director
Analytical Thinking

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. envision the impact of the script on the production budget, requirements and
process

Maintain workplace health and safety
Description This OS unit is about contributing towards maintaining a healthy, safe and secure
working environment
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
 understanding the health, safety and security risks prevalent at the workplace
 knowing the people responsible for health and safety and the resources available
 identifying and reporting risks

 complying with procedures in the event of an emergency
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Understanding the
health, safety and
security risks
prevalent in the
workplace
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. maintain one’s posture and position to minimize fatigue and any risk of injury
PC2. maintain first aid kit and keep oneself updated on the first aid procedures
PC3. identify and document potential risks like sitting postures while using

computer, eye fatigues and other hazards at the workplace
PC4. accurately maintain accident reports
PC5. report health and safety risks/ hazards to the concerned personnel
PC6. participate in organization’s health and safety knowledge sessions and drills
Knowing the people
responsible for health
and safety and the
resources available

PC7. identify the people responsible for health and safety at the workplace,
including those to contact in case of an emergency
PC8. identify security signals e.g. fire alarms and places such as staircases, fire
warden stations, first aid and medical rooms
Identifying and
reporting risks

PC9. identify aspects of your workplace that could cause potential risk to own and
others health and safety
PC10. ensure own personal health and safety, and that of others at the workplace
through precautionary measures

PC11. identify and recommend opportunities for improving health, safety, and
security to the designated person
PC12. report any hazards outside the individual’s authority to the relevant person in
line with organisational procedures and warn other people who may be
affected

Complying with
procedures in the
event of an emergency
PC13. follow organisation’s emergency procedures for accidents, fires or any other
natural calamity in case of a hazard

PC14. identify and correct risks like illness, accidents, fires or any other natural
calamity; safely and within the limits of individual’s authority
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of
the company /
organization
and its
processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. organisation’s norms and policies relating to health and safety
KA2. government norms and policies regarding health and safety and related
emergency procedures

KA3. limits of authority while dealing with risks/ hazards
KA4. the importance of maintaining high standards of health and safety at a
workplace

B. Technical Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. the different types of health and safety hazards at a workplace
KB2. safe working practices for own job role
KB3. evacuation procedures and other arrangements for handling risks
KB4. names and contact numbers of people responsible for health and safety at a
workplace

KB5. how to summon medical assistance and the emergency services, where
necessary
KB6. vendors’ or manufacturers’ instructions for maintaining health and safety while
using equipments, systems and/or machines

Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/ Generic
Skills
Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. write and provide feedback regarding health and safety to the concerned
people
SA2. write and highlight potential risks or report a hazard to the concerned people
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. read instructions, policies, procedures and norms relating to health and safety

Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)

Maintain workplace health and safety MES/N0104

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA4. highlight potential risks and report hazards to the designated people
SA5. listen and communicate information with all concerned or affected
B. Professional Skills Decision making

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. make decisions on a suitable course of action or plan
Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB2. plan and organize people and resources to deal with risks/ hazards that lie within
the scope of one’s individual authority

Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. build and maintain positive and effective relationships with colleagues and
customers
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. apply problem solving approaches in different situations
Analytical Thinking

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB5. analyze data and activities
Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. understand hazards that fall within the scope of individual authority and report all
hazards that may supersede one’s authority
SB7. apply balanced judgements in different situations