Degree Subject

Degree Level

Featured Schools

Feedback!?

Please give us feedback on our new site design! Your thoughts, ideas and comments are very valuable to us.

How to Become a Scriptwriter

Scripts are an essential part for a variety of television, film, and theater productions. Scriptwriters are highly skilled writing professionals that create scripts for many different purposes.

What does a scriptwriter do?

Scriptwriters are creative and skilled writers that develop scripts for a variety of productions such as commercials, television shows, movies, and on stage performances. They develop ideas and create compelling stories and believable characters. They use a variety of writing styles to meet the needs of the production. They determine the specific needs and write scripts to capture the attention of the target audience. They also tailor their scripts to the time of day or year the production appears. Some scriptwriters create advertising scripts, previews of upcoming movies and shows, and announcements. Scriptwriters often work with a variety of other professionals to create sets that match their scripts. Many scriptwriters focus on a particular type of genre such as comedies, dramas, or soap operas.

What kind of training does a scriptwriter need?

Scriptwriters need at least a high school diploma, but most employers prefer candidates with a college degree. Many scriptwriters have a college degree in English, journalism, drama, or other related field. They often spend a great deal of time consistently writing to perfect their skills. Many aspiring scriptwriters complete internships to gain practical experience in the field. Some scriptwriters begin their careers as assistants to scriptwriters or other related positions and move on to become scriptwriters once they gain the necessary skills and experience. Many scriptwriters become members of the Writer’s Guild Association (WGA) to remain competitive in the field. Scriptwriters often complete continuing education throughout their careers to keep their skills up to date and stay abreast with advancements in the field. They often participate in scriptwriting workshops and seminars.

What are the prospects for a career as a scriptwriter?

Employment of scriptwriters is expected to grow about as fast as average for all professions, increasing 8% from 2008 to 2018 (1). The growing population and expansion of the entertainment and theater industries will drive job growth.

Job prospects should be good with keen competition. Scriptwriters with extensive experience will have the best job opportunities.

How much do scriptwriters make?

As of February 2010, scriptwriters with 1 to 4 years experience earn average annual salaries between $33,057 and $42,596. Those with 5 to 9 years experience earn average annual salaries between $32,796 and $66,129 (2).

A career as a scriptwriter is a great choice for individuals with a strong interest in writing a variety of scripts for many different purposes. Scriptwriters must have a solid understanding of the concepts and formats related to scriptwriting. Patience, detail orientation, determination, and good problem solving skills are necessary characteristics. Scriptwriters must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a variety of other people. They must also be able to work under stress and pressure to meet specific deadlines.

Now what? The next step is easy!

Take the first step today and request free information from our selected top online arts and design schools, or simply use the form below to find the program that is right for you!

(1) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition.
(2) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey Report