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{{Short description|Member of production teams of scripted programmes}}

A '''script editor''' - a position sometimes known as '''story editor''' in the [[1950s]] and [[1960s|60s]] - 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 [[television producer|producer]].

{{about|television terminology|Mac OS X software|AppleScript Editor}}

[[File:Screenplay example.svg|thumb|An example of a script.]]

A '''script editor''' is a member of the production team of scripted [[television]] and [[radio]] programs, usually dramas and comedies. The script editor has many responsibilities including finding new script writers, developing storyline and series ideas with writers, and ensuring that scripts <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Shumway |first=Kyler |date=2020 |title=Supercharge Your Presence: DIY Videos for Your Therapy Site or YouTube Channel [Presentation] |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/e501862020-001 |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=PsycEXTRA Dataset|doi=10.1037/e501862020-001 |s2cid=242605231 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> are suitable for production. The script editor will work closely with the [[Screenwriter|writer]] at each draft of the script, giving the writer feedback on the quality of the work, suggesting improvements that can be made whilst also ensuring that practical issues like show continuity and correct running time are adhered to. Unlike the writers, script editors will usually be full-time members of the production team, working closely with the [[television producer|producer]], if the script writer is not a producer.<ref>[http://www.skillset.org/film/jobs/script/article_4056_1.asp Script editor description], Skillset. Accessed January 2012</ref>

==See also==

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.

*[[Script doctor]]

*[[Story editor]]

*[[Showrunner]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

{{TV production}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Script Editor}}

[[Category:Mass media occupations]]

[[Category:Television terminology]]

[[Category:Editors by type]]

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