Emma Boucher​

SCRIPT WRITER

Software and Technology

While working as a production coordinator at Turner Broadcasting, I completed a part-time Masters in Screenwriting at Bournemouth University. I then approached the Creative Director for the UK at Turner, hoping to write a promo or something similar, and he gave me my first commission, which was to write the pilot script for live-action storytelling series Cartoonito Tales! The show went to series and I wrote all 20 episodes of series 1 and 2. I went on to develop My Petsaurus from Bumpybox Animation’s initial concept to series. It was commissioned by CBeebies in 2016, and I have recently finished lead writing on scripts for series 4 and 5. I have also written episodes for animated series Go Jetters, Love Monsterand Brave Bunnies, among others.

 

AM

As a freelancer, I am usually working for multiple clients, so each day is different, and I need to plan my time carefully.

Sometimes I might be at a writer’s room, attending meetings, or an industry event, like the Children’s Media Conference, but on a typical day, I start by checking my emails. If notes have come in from a producer on my outline or script, I might need to change what I plan to work on that day.

Typically, I might spend the morning writing an outline for an episode or writing the first draft of a script.

If I am working as a lead writer, I will be reading other writer’s episode ideas and discussing them with the producer to decide which ones to commission. I might also be reading writer’s outlines or scripts and giving feedback on their work.

PM

Once I’ve had lunch, I like to have a walk or a run if I have time to clear my head and refocus.

Then it’s back to my desk, where I might revise a script I have written after receiving notes from the producer, or if I’m working on series development I’ll be creating a pitch bible for a show.

On days where I don’t have tight deadlines, I try to make time for my own projects, and I’ll work on an idea for a new show or a picture book. If I’m not feeling particularly inspired, I’ll email new potential clients, update my accounts, or watch some new content.

Before I finish up, I schedule what I need to do the next day, so I’m ready to go first thing!

  1. Make your own introductions! Reach out to producers and other writers working on shows you like, ask to meet for a coffee, they might just say yes!
  2. Write, write, write! No work is ever wasted, as you will learn more from your mistakes than your successes. Remember time away from your desk is important too though!
  3. Don’t undervalue yourself or your work. If someone wants you to do something for free, think long and hard about it before agreeing. Sometimes it’s worth it, but often it’s not.

MY WORK

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