Screenwriting: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What screenwriting is

A screenwriter develops a script for film or television, from outline and character work through to properly formatted drafts. Feedback rounds are built in along the way, so the story is shaped before the full script is written.

Signs you need it

  • You have a story idea for a film or series and need a script in standard screenplay format.
  • You have written a draft that reads like a story, but you are not sure it works as a script.
  • You need help with structure, character arcs or dialogue that does not sound like people talk.
  • You are preparing a script for a festival, a producer or a short film shoot.
  • Your draft has unclear scene order or scenes that repeat the same point.
  • You are adapting a book, article or true story into a script and do not know what to cut.

What the pro does

  • Reads your idea and any draft, and confirms the format, such as a feature, a short or a series episode.
  • Builds the outline with the main beats, characters and turning points, and agrees it with you before the script.
  • Writes character notes and a scene plan, so each scene has a clear purpose.
  • Drafts the script in standard screenplay format, with scene headings, action lines and dialogue.
  • Revises after each feedback round and checks the length against the usual range for the format.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Format and length, such as a feature, a short film or a series episode.
  • Whether you bring a finished outline or the writer builds it from your idea.
  • Number of feedback rounds, and whether a full rewrite is included.
  • Whether a logline, synopsis or pitch document is drafted as well.
  • Research needed for period, technical or location detail.
  • Number of characters and episodes if the work is a series.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The format, the length and the number of drafts included.
  • Whether an outline, character notes or a pitch document are included.
  • The number of feedback rounds, and what counts as a rewrite.
  • The deadline for each stage.
  • Who owns the script and the rights to use it, stated in writing before work starts.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you show a sample script or outline, with the format and length noted?
  • How do you build structure, and will we agree an outline before the full draft?
  • Will you change the story, or work on the story I have?
  • Who owns the script, and what happens if a producer wants changes?
  • Do you write in standard screenplay format, and what software do you use?
  • How many feedback rounds are included, and what is the schedule?

Red flags

  • Promises that the script will be bought, produced or sold.
  • Wants to take ownership of your idea without a written agreement.
  • Gives notes that rewrite your story without asking what you want it to do.
  • Cannot describe the screenplay format, or shows a script that ignores it.
  • Asks for a large payment up front with no outline or stages agreed.

What you can do yourself

You can write a one-page summary of your story, list the main characters and what each one wants, and read existing scripts in the format you plan to use. Hire a screenwriter when you want a finished script in standard format, when the story has many scenes or characters, or when you have a draft that needs structural help before you share it.

Licenses and permits

Screenwriting is not commonly licensed, so a license is usually not required for this work. Check with your state or local licensing agency about business rules that apply to you, and ask the writer for sample or produced scripts as proof of skill.

Screenwriting questions

Does my script need a particular format?

Yes. Film and television scripts use a standard screenplay format so readers can scan scene headings, action and dialogue quickly. Ask the writer to confirm the format before drafting.

Will a screenwriter help me sell the script?

Some do and some do not. Ask whether the agreement includes any pitching or introductions. Do not assume a script will sell, since that depends on the market and many other factors.

Who owns my story?

Ownership should be stated in the agreement before work starts. Confirm who holds the rights to the story and the script, and what happens if a producer wants to buy the project.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer screenwriting remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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