How to become A Scriptwriter

From theatre performances to films, TV shows and other visual media, watching stories unfold their magic entertains and mesmerises audiences of all ages worldwide. Scriptwriters are professionals who use their narrative skills, creativity and technical writing abilities to create a variety of captivating stories, bringing them to life through well-rounded characters and engaging dialogue.

• Screenwriter
• Screenplay Writer
• Scribe
• Scenarist
• Creative Writer

What do Scriptwriters do?

A Scriptwriter would typically need to:

• Develop and write content, which includes a story, setting, characters and plot, for feature films, television shows, documentaries, commercials, video games, music videos, websites, educational material and theatre productions
• Develop original ideas or adapt existing ones into scripts; conduct research to fully understand relevant theme(s) and ensure authenticity in the script
• Create storylines and plots that engage audiences; develop complex characters who matter to audiences and with whom they can identify, giving each character a distinct persona and backstory
• Write out the logline (summarising in one or two sentences the aim of the story, the goals the protagonist hopes to achieve and the stakes of goal achievement)
• Draft a “treatment” explaining the plot, themes, primary characters and tone in detail to guide the scriptwriting process
• Write the first draft, typically including dialogue, actions, coherent themes, well-crafted plots, dynamic characters and descriptions of the setting and characters; use language that can be translated audio-visually
• Free-write the dialogue in the first draft but edit it down to only that which moves the script and plot forward
• Keep track of progress and take the required steps to move forward if stuck due to writer’s block; for instance, refer to original notes and the logline or revisit the source of inspiration 
• Have the script looked over by trusted contacts, including friends, family, colleagues or other writers, or opt for paid script consultancy; use informal or professional feedback to refine the script and make it ready to pitch
• Meet with executives from production companies and studios to pitch spec scripts and ideas and secure funding for projects
• Work with the production team, directors and actors to convert the spec script into a shooting or production script, if the script is selected 
• Create an initial framework for production, weaving together visual elements with plots and dialogue
• Ensure the script follows the format and structure for the medium and abides by industry standards with respect to spacing, font and margins
• Effectively meet deadlines, ensuring that scripts are completed within the timeframe set by the production schedule
• Participate in an organised pre-production script reading session, called a table read or read-through, which brings the production team and actors together, facilitating casting decisions and script modifications
• Collaborate and meet regularly with producers, directors and actors throughout production to ensure the script meets the creative vision and production budget; make revisions, sometimes on the spot, based on the production team’s feedback while maintaining the integrity of the story
• Adhere to industry standards and regulations, including copyright legislation 
• Stay up to date with the latest relevant software to assist the scriptwriting process and the most recent industry trends and legislation

Scriptwriters often work on their own from home or in a private office. However, some projects may require you to collaborate with the production team and be physically present in the recording or filming studio or theatre. 

When working on a production, Scriptwriters may need to travel to filming locations or performance venues for extended periods.

Many Scriptwriters freelance, which allows them to work flexible hours, writing to the extent they wish. However, when one of their scripts is selected for production, they must typically remain available at any time to adjust or modify the script. Freelancers may also take on multiple projects simultaneously.

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Scriptwriters can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Scriptwriters are generally employed by:

• Small & Independent Filmmakers
• Large Production Companies
• Cable & Television Channels
• Theatre Production Companies
• Advertising Agencies
• Marketing Firms
• Public Relations Firms
• Game Development Companies
• Music Video Producers

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Screenwriters’ Association (ISA), are crucial for Scriptwriters interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Professional associations provide their members with various continuing education and networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Lack of personal time due to the need to travel to and spend extended periods on location for production
• Eye and back strain from writing on the computer for long stretches
• Frustration from multiple rejections of your work
• Stress from the intense competition that lowers the chances of landing jobs
• The impact of industry trends, such as the focus on stars and special effects, which may prove detrimental to scriptwriting

Some academic programs that potential Scriptwriters take up require a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Scriptwriters will benefit from tasks outside of the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it. One may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Scriptwriting internships, typically offered by large studios and networks or smaller production companies, are often reserved for students seeking to build academic credit. However, there are also opportunities for those seeking work experience once they are done studying. Regardless of your age or level of creativity, internships, part-time work at an entry-level position or short-term paid/voluntary work offer useful glimpses into the role of a Scriptwriter and how production companies and the visual media industry operate. The contacts you build can improve your prospects of securing assignments or a permanent job. Work experience opportunities typically teach you to properly read and analyse scripts, how to research and how to assist production companies and writers fulfil daily tasks.

Aspiring Scriptwriters can also gain experience by creating and revising different scripts, which helps them build a portfolio of work and refine their writing skills. You can also sign up for relevant workshops, join writers’ groups to share work and receive peer feedback and help revise the work of famous writers.

On-the-job training is another useful avenue to build experience. Working with more experienced writers and editors can help you learn the ins and outs of scriptwriting, as can studying successful work. 

Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work. Join some groups, try some hobbies or volunteer with an organisation of interest, so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career. For instance, debating helps you learn how to listen to others, consolidate your thoughts and express yourself while abiding by time allotments and other guidelines. 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow expert Scriptwriters to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

There are no strict educational requirements to become a Scriptwriter. However, a liberal arts education is useful as it exposes you to a wide choice of relevant subjects that you can opt for as your majors and minors.

A bachelor's degree in subjects such as journalism, English or communications is highly recommended to foster technical writing skills and creative techniques critical to scriptwriting. A degree in film studies allows you to delve into the world of filmmaking and study its history, theory and how the industry works. It helps to have a mentor who can show you how to create successful scripts and give you feedback on your work.

Some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in film studies as it provides you with a deeper understanding of filmmaking, which in turn helps you advance your career as a Scriptwriter.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

English, theatre and speech classes during high school will help you develop your research, writing and oral communication skills. You may also take courses in business, history or a foreign language.

Certification and licensing are typically not required to work as a professional Scriptwriter, but acquiring voluntary certification demonstrates your competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Some associations offer certifications relevant to writers, which will make you more attractive to employers. Check locally to find professional organisations that offer certifications. 

Depending on location, some employers may require Scriptwriters to be part of a guild or union before hiring them. Check with local associations and unions for membership requirements.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Scriptwriters may launch their careers by writing for small production companies, advertising firms and nonprofit enterprises and be able to sign their names to their work. However, advancement opportunities may be limited in the absence of regular employment. 

Another option for Scriptwriters to break into the field and come to be known by studios, producers and directors is working as Script Readers for small companies or taking on unpaid assignments with large production houses. With higher and relevant educational qualifications, you may undertake freelance script reading work, provide feedback to Scriptwriters or production companies, and help select scripts and concepts with potential for the screen or other purposes. Eventually, you can generate ideas of your own and begin scriptwriting.

Since most Scriptwriters freelance, they must constantly pitch their work to production companies to land paid assignments. Alternatively, many opt for agencies to represent them and help them sign contracts. Some regularly tie up with specific producers or directors. When a Scriptwriter has enough experience and fame, well-known production companies, directors or producers may directly approach them.

Scriptwriters may start their own research and scriptwriting agencies once they have developed their skills, acquired adequate experience and credentials, and built a network based on their quality of work and mutual trust.

Scriptwriters can also explore a career as Script Editors, supporting the entire script development process in liaison with the Scriptwriter and emphasising the production and market requirements.

Alternatively, with the appropriate skills and experience, Scriptwriters may explore a career as Producers. Your work would include seeking out potentially successful scripts and concepts and casting the right actors for the roles. Producers also generate and develop independent ideas and oversee a production's financial aspects.

Finally, Scriptwriters can advance into the role of Director. Directors are integral to productions and oversee the development of a show's diverse components. Scriptwriting experience is helpful as some Directors write their scripts, and others read and interpret scripts to develop their vision for the final product. With complete control over the creative process and direction of the piece, they may guide Scriptwriters and provide feedback to revise the script, or they may edit it alongside them.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Candidates with the ability to communicate new and exciting ideas effectively and creatively through the written word, whether based on original ideas or pre-existing source material, have the best job prospects. Proven ability to take constructive feedback and make repeated revisions to a script while meeting tight deadlines can boost your chances of landing an assignment.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Scriptwriter build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to continually upskill regardless of age, job, or level of knowledge.

Scriptwriters must continually research, study and keep up to date with industry trends. The best way to foster your skills is to read successfully produced scripts and analyse how famous Scriptwriters wrote them. Watching older and the most recent movies is also a significant way to learn about diverse styles and develop your own.

You can also join scriptwriting groups on social media or in local associations to read other scripts and exchange feedback with other writers. Whether or not you act upon the feedback you receive, you will develop the ability to critically analyse your scripts, which is essential to succeed in the field. You can also join online or in-person workshops and courses to advance your scriptwriting skills, such as creativity, vocabulary, plot construction and characterisation.

Types of Scriptwriters

• Original Scriptwriters create new stories with fresh plots, characters and dialogue without using pre-existing source material.
• Adaptation Scriptwriters create scripts based on existing stories or works of literature, adapting their format in a way that balances the original material with the capabilities and limitations of the chosen medium. They must ensure that they have the legal permission to use the source material.
• Script Doctors revise and refine scripts that have been written. They may be tasked with improving specific aspects, such as dialogue or character development.
• Television Writers write scripts for television shows. Collaborating with the show’s creator and showrunners, they ensure that their scripts for individual episodes facilitate the continuity of the show.
• Feature Writers specialise in scriptwriting for feature-length films. They work with both original stories and adaptations.
• Story Editors support the development of a script by providing feedback and counsel to Scriptwriters as they progress through the writing process.
• Showrunners supervise TV shows in totality, their writing, direction and production, and may also write and revise the scripts as needed.

Scriptwriter vs Screenwriter

Although frequently used interchangeably, the terms “Scriptwriter” and “Screenwriter” may point to the purpose for which the writer’s work is intended. Typically, screenplays are directed towards film and TV and theatre. Hence, while Screenwriters also write scripts, one may consider Scriptwriters as generating scripts intended not just for films, TV shows and theatre productions but also for commercials, corporate videos, video games, educational material and online content. They may also develop branching dialogue or non-playable character bios to facilitate narrative video game development.

Script vs Screenplay

In general, a script represents the preliminary framework for any production and while it includes dialogue, actions and other script-related components, it may not provide details to assist the production process. However, a screenplay is typically a refined version of a script that can facilitate or guide the production team as it moves ahead with the intended project.

Spec Script vs Shooting/Production Script

Although it abides by scriptwriting rules, a "spec script" is a speculative script, written with the hope or intention of selling it to a buyer. When it is bought, it changes into a shooting or production script, detailing technical instructions, such as film editing notes, shots and cuts. Scenes are numbered and script revisions colour coded to facilitate efficient scene ordering and resource usage. New Scriptwriters must resist the urge to include production instructions, such as camera angles, in a spec script unless they wish to become independent filmmakers. 

Some Elements of Scripts

• Scene Heading: A single-line description of the location and time of day as relevant to the scene
• Subheaders: Used to make a distinction in the action without using a new scene heading
• Action: A narrative description of events that occur in a scene and can be seen and heard; written using the present tense
• Character: The character’s name wirtten in uppercase within the action at the first introduction and listed in uppercase above the dialogue throughout the script; minor characters need not have a name
• Dialogue: Each character’s lines of speech
• Parenthetical: An attitude or action-oriented direction for the character; an element originating from plays but less used today as much is conveyed through dialogue and the director guides line delivery 
• Extension: An abbreviated technical note that follows a character’s name and is placed in parentheses; indicates the manner in which the character’s voice wll be heard 
• Transition: Film editing instructions for a shooting script but must be avoided in a spec script
• Shot: Indicates a change of the focal point within a scene, but rarely used in spec scripts since it is up to the director to direct the shots

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current jobs), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

While there is a constant need for high-quality scripts for various media and the demand for writers is expected to grow over the next few years till 2031, the competition to land an assignment is high as studios receive many manuscripts. Furthermore, the increasing importance given to star power and special effects is likely to impact scriptwriting, as is the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI).

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Scriptwriters have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, full-time Scriptwriters have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

A chief reason that Courier is the industry-standard movie script font is that it is monospaced, which allows it to stay true to the “one page equals one minute” rule, with margins correctly formatted.

Scriptwriters are professionals who weave riveting stories using story, plot, characters and dialogue. Their stories form the basis of diverse audiovisual productions. Hard work and perseverance are the hallmarks of a career in scriptwriting. However, your reward is to see your creative output in the form of a strong script come alive online, on the big screen or TV, on stage or in diverse other forms, engaging audiences worldwide and achieving intended purposes.

Tailor the plot structure to suit the story rather than vice versa. Write in a way that shows and not just tells. Remember, the script is a means to an end, not an end in itself. For instance, have your characters express their anger through words or actions than merely state or describe their emotions. Be concise by following the thumb rule for writing a scene - come in late and get out early. Most importantly, take feedback at every step to revise and rewrite.