screenwork

Screenwork refers to the labor, design, and production activities involved in creating content and interfaces for digital displays. It covers traditional media professions such as film, television, and video, as well as interactive media including video games, apps, and web interfaces. The term emphasizes the role of the screen as the primary medium for communication and interaction.

Practices commonly described as screenwork span multiple disciplines: screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design in film and TV; game design, user experience (UX) design, interaction design, and front-end development for software; motion graphics, VFX, and animation; and content production for social media and streaming platforms.

Workflows typically proceed from concept development and preproduction through production and post-production, often involving collaborative teams and iterative review. Tools include script-writing, storyboarding, digital editing, 3D modeling, compositing, project management software, and version control. Accessibility and inclusive design are increasingly integral to screenwork.

Labor considerations include project-based employment, subcontracting, and the use of contractors in regional hubs. Screenwork raises questions about work conditions, fair compensation, and the distribution of royalties or revenue. Ethical concerns also encompass data privacy, representation, and content moderation in user-facing platforms.

The concept originated in relation to film and television production and has broadened with computing to include digital interfaces and interactive media. As technology evolves, screenwork continues to adapt with AI-assisted creation, remote collaboration, and cross-disciplinary teams shaping future screen-based labor and practice.