Screenwriters: The Storytellers Behind Everything You Enjoy
Screenwriting can be a dream job for many creatives.
This position is at the center of the entertainment industry.
Their job is to take a single story and turn it into a script that can send a clear message to the masses.
Screenwriting can be a fascinating career, full of adventure and fulfillment.
Screenwriters work behind the scenes in Hollywood and work with executive producers, actors, and directors to tell a compelling story that will sell out at the box office.
Screenwriters know how to catch an audience’s attention and make them feel like they are in the movie themselves.
Screenwriter Information Table
| Official Job Title | Screenwriter |
| Average Salary | $60,000 |
| Stress Level | High |
| Work/Life | Average |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | Above Average |
Screenwriter Job Description
What Is a Screenwriter?
Screenwriters are the storytellers behind every piece of media you consume.
Screenwriters work behind the scenes in the film industry.
Screenwriters put together screenplays, scripts, and copy for video games, commercials, TV shows, movies, and more.
There is never a dull moment in the life of a screenwriter.
Screenwriters are responsible for taking an idea or story and bringing it to life.
What Does A Screenwriter Do On A Daily Basis?
The day of a screenwriter can vary depending on what stage they are in the creative process.
In pre-production, a screenwriter will spend hours brainstorming, researching, and learning about a specific subject.
This research process could go on for months if that is what the project calls needs.
During the production stage, a screenwriter will be very hands-on in the filming of their script.
Screenwriters will work with executive producers, directors, and actors daily onset and will be in several creative meetings, from table reads to revising the writing.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Screenwriter
- Develop and research ideas for the film.
- Create an initial outline for the script that organizes the story.
- Write and convert a story into a script.
- Meet with film producers and pitch the screenplay.
- Incorporate visual elements into the screenplay to make it even better.
- Work with executive producers, actors, and directors to adjust/edit the script as needed.
- Provide creative direction to actors on set.
Screenwriter Salary
Average Salary
According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a screenwriter in the U.S. is $60,000.
Starting Salary
According to Payscale.com, the starting salary for a screenwriter in the U.S. is $36,000.
Senior Salary
According to Payscale.com, the senior salary for a screenwriter in the U.S. is $100,000.
How To Become A Screenwriter?
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
You do not need a degree to become a screenwriter.
However, it won’t hurt your chances of gaining employment either.
Screenwriters are storytellers and true creatives, meaning that the best entry-level tool you can have is a great portfolio.
Significant portfolios are only developed from years of experience and constantly challenging yourself personally and professionally.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
Screenwriters must be wordsmiths.
They have to have a good grasp of Language Arts and know how to tell a compelling, engaging, and relatable story.
Despite a large portion of the job being independent, screenwriters will work collaboratively with executive producers, directors, and actors.
Screenwriters need to be open-minded and flexible with their scripts which can be difficult if you spend years putting this body of work together.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Screenwriter?
You do not need a degree to be a screenwriter.
However, it can take years to develop the skills to become a successful screenwriter that makes a decent living from their work.
Becoming a screenwriter can take two to three years to go to a formal film school.
Some screenwriters also pursue a 4-year undergraduate degree in a related field, such as Film Studies or English.
Is It Hard To Become A Screenwriter?
Yes, but not in the way you might think.
Screenwriting requires you to be the very best.
Only top screenwriters can make a name for themselves and the industry because so many people want to tell their stories.
Your work needs to be exceptional, and your script must be creative and stand out from other scripts in the same genre.
Screenwriter Career Paths
The Screenwriting Roadmap
In the world of screenwriting, the earlier you start building and developing your portfolio, the better.
Screenwriters often go to film school, which can take 2-3 years.
Graduating from film school doesn’t guarantee you are going to make a living as a screenwriter.
Many screenwriters started out working in a completely different industry to make a living while developing their creative skills.
After creating an extensive portfolio, screenwriters can pitch to production companies and showcase their work on several innovative marketplaces that production companies use.
During this time, screenwriters may also look for job opportunities in entertainment cities such as Los Angeles or New York.
In those locations, they can network and build relationships with people within the industry.
Projections For Growth In Screenwriting Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), screenwriting jobs are projected to grow by 4% through 2031.
In Summary: Is Screenwriting A Good Career?
Screenwriting can be a fascinating and rewarding career for people who are true storytellers.
Screenwriting is a fun job that is creatively challenging.
It is a career that requires continuous growth and flexibility.
Top screenwriters can travel around the globe with production companies during filming, making their work an adventure.
This job can also pay incredibly well and provide a lifestyle most people could only dream of living.
Creatives looking to change the world with their words and stories – screenwriting is the perfect career.
This career gives you the best of both worlds and can provide you with the ability to tell your story to the masses.
Working Conditions
Can A Screenwriter Work Remotely From Home?
Yes and no.
Depending on where the screenwriter is in the creative process determines whether or not they can work from home.
For example, during pre-production, screenwriters can work anywhere they have access to a computer.
However, if a production company picks up your script and starts filming, the screenwriter is expected to be set every day.
Screenwriting gives you the best of both worlds.
How Many Hours Does A Screenwriter Work?
Screenwriters typically work as independent contractors meaning that they make their hours and can work as much or as little as they want.
Can A Screenwriter Work Part-Time?
It depends on the industry.
Also, most screenwriters work independently and make their hours, so they call the shots.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Screenwriter?
Due to most screenwriters being independent contractors, the number of vacation days can vary greatly.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Screenwriter
- Proposal Writer
- Video Game Writer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Film Editor
- Content Strategist
- Copy Editor
- Research Assistant
- Marketing Coordinator
- Content Marketing Manager
- Communications Director
- Grant Writer
Screenwriter Resume Tips
In this career, it is more appropriate to have a video resume and an online portfolio with several different projects you’ve worked on in the past.
Often, networking plays a significant role in the success of screenwriters.
You are only one contact away from a different life.
Screenwriter Interview Questions
Q1: Are you willing to relocate?
Why It Works: Hiring managers want to know if you’re flexible.
The entertainment industry has hubs all over the world in the U.S. It’s Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and New York City.
Screenwriting is a hands-on position, even though a large portion of your work is writing independently.
Q2: What type of scripts would you like to write throughout your career?
Why It Works: Hiring managers want to get a sense of whether or not you’re committed to the genre you’ve written.
Hiring managers want to hire someone who is a specialist, not a generalist.
Q3: What other scripts do you have?
Why It Works: Hiring managers want to see a variety of your work.
They want to get a sense of your writing style, your creativity, and your desire to grow and develop your skills by writing scripts on a variety of different subjects.
Jobs Related To Screenwriting
- Lead Scriptwriter
- Screenwriting Intern
- Literary Assistant
- Executive Producer
- Script Editor
- Copywriter
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring A Screenwriter
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Screenwriter
- Creativity:
- Screenwriting is a career meant for dreamers and storytellers.
- Screenwriters need to act as creative powerhouses to tell a compelling story.
- Screenwriting is a career meant for dreamers and storytellers.
- Organization:
- Screenwriting is a long, tedious process that requires editing, revising, and developing a storyline.
- Being organized can also help in making the creative process go by more quickly.
- Flexibility:
- Screenwriting is not just about telling a story.
- Screenwriters will need to work collaboratively and be open to new ideas and feedback from other content producers.
- They must also be committed to making the script better even after the production company has acquired their screenplay.
Minimum Level of Education & Experience
A screenwriter should have at the very least two years of relevant experience working in the entertainment industry.
Often, skills and lessons learned outside a classroom are what make screenwriters the most successful.