We have the privilege of exercising an extraordinary profession: we write. We write stories for television, for cinema, for new media or for radio. We are commonly called screenwriters.
Our work essentially consists of creating universes that are sometimes close to certain realities, sometimes constructed from scratch. In these universes, characters and their stories evolve. Our stories. So we write, for days (often nights), for months (sometimes years), to bring these worlds, these characters, these stories to life. Synopsis, character bible, scene-to-scene, dialogue… There are numerous and long steps to finalizing a scenario.
Let’s be honest, if we write so actively, it is with the aim of one day seeing this work brought to the screen and presented to an audience who, we fervently hope, will experience through our words a special moment rich in emotions .
Obviously, the incarnation of a text into a film, series or documentary is done thanks to a sequence of talents and expertise: production, direction, technique, interpretation, distribution… And each contribution is precious and essential to a ” finished product” of quality.
There are hundreds of us in Quebec writing stories for our screens and different platforms.
However, too often, the names of screenwriters disappear from your reviews, columns, interviews, cultural suggestions. Too often, no mention is given to those who are the first owners of copyright and thanks to whom an entire artistic project unfolds for the greatest happiness of the public.
Our union is therefore keeping an eye on things and takes the liberty of contacting you when it becomes aware of someone forgetting to mention the merit due to a screenwriter. And, often, you agree to modify your texts and rectify this anomaly. We thank you.
However, it seems to us that, for the sake of discoverability and respect for creators, it is high time to systematize a simple and obvious practice which consists of mentioning the names of the authors of a story, as often that this work is mentioned.
Our screenplays, written in French, contribute to the richness and cultural vitality of Quebec and Canada.
Our cinema, our television and our radio must today, more than ever, shine to survive in a globalized environment whose main risk is to lose a certain form of cultural sovereignty.