Script editor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A script editor — a position sometimes known as story editor — is a member of the production team of scripted television programmes, usually dramas and comedies. The script editor's main job is to work with the writers of the programme to ensure that the scripts are suitable for production — the script editor, unlike the writers, will usually be a full-time member of the production team, working closely with the producer.

The seniority and influence of a script editor can vary — from the 1960s to the 1980s it was a powerful position, with the script editor selecting which writers to use, and controlling much of the overall storyline direction of a series. However, with the advent of more powerful writers and producers, the position has lost much of its importance, becoming more of a technical than an artistic job, ensuring that suitable scripts are available and helping to tailor them to the programme's format.

It was also previously common for the script editor to re-write scripts that needed adjustment. Currently, however, the script editor is likelier to suggest revisions to the writer and work with them in adjusting their own scripts.