When the film is available, the images, as a rule, are images of the premiere, from their corresponding red carpet, as well as actors and filmmakers who pose in front of photographers. Those who usually do not go through this are screenwriters. Although there is no film without them, although without their ideas, without their work and their talent, it would not be possible, which is usually an eternal forgotten.
For many years, the importance of the screenwriter has been constantly claimed thanks to institutions such as Lady (Audiovisual Media Rights) or Soulwriters Union. Both, together with the Associations of Audiovisual Scriptwriters (FAGA) and Fundación SGAE, conducted a study “The Profession of Scriptwriters in Spain”, prepared by the University Institute of Spanish Cinema at the University of Madrid Carlos III, under the leadership of the professor, the concept of Cascajos and offers a radio -scenario.
The data obtained as a result of more than 500 polls to the scriptwriters and 40 during an interview for active professionals leave data about the profession that suffers from a strange sector and a very lost gender gap. The study concludes that in a group of scriptwriters 67.1% are men compared to 32.1% of women. The only area of work that is close to parity is a series with 41% of women. In addition, 40% of the scriptwriters condemn the report, postponed the persecution situation, both from the floor and from labor.
This study also analyzed the remuneration of the authors surveyed, and as a result, most of them, six out of ten, only 30,000 euros per year are included, while 60,000 are higher than 18%. Comparing these figures with indicators of past studies, it has not been observed that the Spanish screenwriters have not improved their economic situation.
The irregular oscillation of income in the profession of the screenwriter was also first measured, having discovered that from 2019 to 2023, 82% experienced significant differences between different years, suffering from him for financial fines. The data also reflect a clear territorial imbalance, since 54.7% of the scriptwriters live in Madrid, while 19% in Barcelona, and the rest are distributed to other provinces of the Spanish territory.
One of the most repeated requirements in this sector is ITINERANCE, which causes irregular and intermittent income. This is done by the scriptwriters who are forced to do their job compatible with other activities. More than half (56%) also perform other professional tasks inside and outside the audiovisual sector. Thus, they consider the entry into force of the artist’s law, which guarantee that taxation corresponds to their rhythm of irregular income.
The examined writers also left their fears in the current context of the profession. One of its main requirements is the appearance of his work and work. In fact, only one third is considered well recognized by their employers. The contempt that is translated in a situation, such as without appearing in advertising material or is not invited to a press conference, holidays or award ceremony.
The arrival of stream platforms meant a push for the entire sector, including screenwriters who have since have more work. They express this when they ask about their perception. They positively value their positive impact on the employment and quality of Spanish production, but also at the request of video services are perceived as responsible for the smallest attractiveness of cinema rooms and loss of rights, especially because of the lack of transparency in relation to data viewing.
Another problem that is issued from the report is associated with generative artificial intelligence. Spanish screenwriters are very favorable for regulating their use, which corresponds to the statements of their colleagues in the United States, and they believe that, in some way, the work of screenwriters, one of those who can be at greater risk if the use of AI protects.
