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Job Description:
Job Description:
Screenwriters are creative writing professionals who create scripts for television and motion pictures. In most cases, screenwriters either adapt content for the screen from popular books or generate original content of their own. Screenwriters often work alongside directors and producers.
Salary:
Salary:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), writers and authors in the motion picture and video industries earned an average annual income of about $100,000 in 2011 , an updated wage was not provided in 2014. The BLS found that the average salary for all writers and authors was approximately $67,870 in 2014, so successful writers have higher earning potential in the film industry than in most other writing industries. However, even though you may have high earning potential, it is difficult to determine how much money you'll actually make. Many writers are given a lump sum for a script, so you may need to supplement your income from other jobs while you write a script.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), writers and authors in the motion picture and video industries earned an average annual income of about $100,000 in 2011 , an updated wage was not provided in 2014. The BLS found that the average salary for all writers and authors was approximately $67,870 in 2014, so successful writers have higher earning potential in the film industry than in most other writing industries. However, even though you may have high earning potential, it is difficult to determine how much money you'll actually make. Many writers are given a lump sum for a script, so you may need to supplement your income from other jobs while you write a script.
Occupational Outlook:
Occupational Outlook:
Screenwriters can anticipate stiff competition, since high-paying, glamorous jobs attract more applicants. Freelance positions are probably your best bet for breaking into the industry. You'll have to promote your work; otherwise, your screenwriting talent will likely go unnoticed. Jobs are always available in the film and television industry, but be prepared for some hard work and dedication if you want to land a job as a screenwriter.
Links to Learn More About This Career:
Links to Learn More About This Career:
Educational Requirements:
Educational Requirements:
There are no particular educational requirements for this field; however, you will need experience, self-motivation, the ability to take criticism, a strong portfolio of work and creative talent. You'll need to acquire an understanding of how a movie is made and be knowledgeable about film language. Earning at least an associate's degree or a bachelor's in English, theater or creative writing could be beneficial, but does not guarantee you a job.
Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:
Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:
In order to be a successful screenwriter, one must possess strong writing and research skills, along with creativity and talent. In addition, you will need the ability to market and promote yourself to win jobs.
Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:
Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:
Final Draft Pro
Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career
Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career
Pros (Positives to this Career)
Pros (Positives to this Career)
One of the highest paying writing specialties
Can work anywhere with access to a computer
Variety of genres to choose from (horror, drama, comedy
Cons (Negatives to this Career)
Cons (Negatives to this Career)
May be required to produce content based on a client's requirements, limiting creative freedom
Travel may be required for interviews and on-location meetings
Slower-than-average growth
Typical Working Conditions For This Career:
Typical Working Conditions For This Career:
Screenwriters are often independent contractors who work for themselves in a home office. They must be willing to consistently pitch their screenplays in order to get paid work. They must be able to handle the rejection and criticism that comes with the process.
Charlie Kaufman
Charlie Kaufman
Known For: Being John Malkovich (1999) Adaptation (2002) Confessions of A Dangerous Mind (2002) Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004) Synecdoche, New York (2008) Anomalisa (2015) Im Thinking Of Ending Things (2020)
Website: https://www.beingcharliekaufman.com
Aaron Sorkin
Aaron Sorkin
Known For: A Few Good Men (1992) Sports Night (1998-2000) The West Wing (1999-2006) Charlie Wilsons War (2007) The Social Network (2010) Moneyball (2011) The Newsroom (2012-2014) Steve Jobs (2015) The Trial Of The Chicago 7 (2020) Being The Ricardos (2021)
Website:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Sorkin
William goldman
William goldman
Known For: Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969) Marathon Man (1976) All The Presidents Men (1976) The Princess Bride (1987) Misery (1990) Chaplin (1992) Hearts In Atlantis (2001) Dreamcatcher (2003)
Career Researched By: (William Bentley)
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