Scriptwriter Job Role

Scriptwriter

A scriptwriter is someone who writes the script for a film, TV show, video game, comic, radio programme, etc.

Scriptwriters are self-employed. In order to make money from one of their ideas they must pitch the script to a number of studios who then make the decision whether or not to purchase the rights to produce it. When the studio decides they are interested the script becomes known as an ‘open assignment’. Open assignments are a lot more competitive, and usually the professional script writers will win the race to get produced over an amateur. Well known scriptwriters can also be asked personally by the studio to come up with an idea, rather than creating something then entering a kind of lottery in the hope their idea will get picked up.

Once a script has been completed, they work closely with a studio representative – a director, producer, entertainment executive, entertainment lawyer or a literary agent. These partnerships then pitch the script in the hope to further the project. Scriptwriter rights are then agreed with the purchaser.

Scriptwriters aren’t involved with the actual development of the filming, although they can be offered positions as an advisor, and, depending on their experience, a producer or director too.

By having your script bought by a studio doesn’t necessarily mean that the project will go ahead, though. This could be for many reasons, the main two being the fact that they are many, many more scripts than there are directors as well as the simple fact that the studio’s interest in the project may fade.

Script writers genearlly take a 2-5% cut of the movies budget. So if a film makes £50 million then the script writer could earn between £1 million and £2.5 million. Obviously if you are a new comer working on an 'indie' film then the movie is going to cost much less thus meaning the script writer earns less. An indie film on average costs about $400,000 - giving the script writer a £8,000 or £20,000 wage slip.