How to Become a Screenwriter

Every day, around the world, movies and television shows captivate the imaginations of millions of viewers. Long before those productions make their way to the big and small screens, they begin as stories written in the form of a script by a screenwriter or team of screenwriters.

Today, according to the Motion Picture Association, the film and television industry supports 2.74 million jobs, making a career in the industry as a screenwriter an attractive professional path for many.

What is Screenwriting?

Screenwriting is a critical early step in the development of a motion picture or television show that determines everything from the production’s storyline to its characters, said Patrick Kopka, a screenwriter with more than 25 years of experience in film and television.

Kopka, who is also an adjunct instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he teaches courses in screenwriting, said the script forms the foundation from which all other aspects of the production come to life.

“Screenwriting is telling a story through a script, specifically crafted for visual media like film and TV,” Kopka said. “It's a blueprint for creating characters, dialogue and a narrative that can be brought to life on screen.”

Throughout his career in screenwriting, Kopka has worked alongside such well-known industry icons as the Farrelly Brothers and Hugh Grant, and in 2021, his work earned a Writers Guild of America Award nomination for Best Adapted Long Form Television.

When teaching his SNHU students, he stresses the critical role a script plays in the success of any production.

“Without a script, there’s no story, no structure,” Kopka said. “Screenwriting sets the foundation for every other part of a production — from the director's vision to the actors' performances. A great script makes everything else possible.”

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Screenwriter?

One of the things that makes screenwriting such a unique profession, Kopka said, is that there’s no single, required path to entering the field like there are in other careers.

Although a college degree isn’t required to become a screenwriter, Kopka said, finding a program that will help develop and hone your skills can be a big help. For example, screenwriting is a concentration within SNHU's online bachelor's and master's degree in creative writing programs.

“No, you don’t need a degree to become a screenwriter,” he said. “But if you choose to get one, something in creative writing, film or media can help you develop the skills. Ultimately, though, writing a great script is what (can) open doors.”

In addition to earning your degree, Kopka said it’s important for screenwriters to draw upon all of their life experiences and perspectives to write scripts that are genuine and that connect with audiences.

“Degrees in writing or film can help, but what matters most is writing scripts that resonate,” he said. “Your background and life experience are equally important. To put a sharper point on it, the way you leverage your education and background to write a wholly unique script is how you use those qualifications to cut through all the noise in showbiz.”

How Do You Know if Screenwriting is a Good Fit for You?

There are a number of important skills and characteristics that can make someone a good fit for a career in screenwriting, Kopka said. Some of these include:

• A Unique Voice – It’s vital to find a writing voice that sets you apart from others.
• Adaptability – The ability to take input and adjust your scripts on the fly is crucial.
• Collaborative Abilities – You need to work well as part of a team.
• Creativity – You have to be able to generate interesting story ideas and characters.
• Resilience – Being able to handle feedback and revisions is a key part of the job.

“And you have to do all of this with a smile,” Kopka said.

Is It Hard to Become a Screenwriter?

There are many different ways that screenwriters can break into the television and film industries, Kopka said, but he also noted that it’s a highly competitive field that’s constantly evolving. He said being able to tell a story in a way that's unique and memorable is essential to standing out.

“Since the streaming era, this has become more and more true: the biggest way to break in is by writing something that has a distinct voice and tells a story that only you could tell,” he said. “Then you have to find someone who believes in your work who can get it to someone who matters. It’s as simple and difficult as that. But great scripts find their way.”

While screenwriters and aspiring screenwriters typically have their own creative processes, Kopka said there are some important best practices you should keep in mind if you’re interested in a career in screenwriting.

“Write. Keep writing and refining your voice," he said. "Start small — short films, spec scripts — and get feedback,” he said.

Read More: Must-Watch Movies: A Guide for Tomorrow's Filmmakers

What’s a Day in the Life of a Screenwriter Like? 

No two days are exactly the same when it comes to a career in screenwriting, but Kopka said a typical day for him consists of balancing writing and revising his scripts while working closely with other writers and fellow members of the production team.

“It’s a mix of writing, revising and sometimes dealing with feedback from producers, managers or directors,” he said. “A lot of it is spent refining the story and making sure it stays true to your vision while meeting the needs of a production.”

A key benefit of being a screenwriter is the flexibility of working from a wide range of locations and settings, essentially anywhere you have access to a computer, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

One of the most important duties in the life of a screenwriter is pitching ideas to production studios and others who ultimately decide whether to greenlight the project, Kopka said. When it comes to pitching, he said it’s about selling the core of your story from three standpoints:

• Why it’s unique
• Why it matters
• Why it will connect with an audience

“It’s important to capture the essence of your script in a short, compelling way,” Kopka said. “In the old days, they called it an elevator pitch, a pitch you could give on an elevator ride. You have to be able to land your idea quickly. But you’re not just selling your idea; you’re also selling yourself.”

Are Screenwriters in High Demand? 

The BLS reports that the job outlook for writers and authors is projected to grow 5% between 2023 and 2033.* And according to Verified Market Research, a global leader in research and consulting, the movies and entertainment market is expected to grow from $101 billion in 2024 to $176 billion in 2031.

Screenwriting is a competitive field, Kopka said, so if you're looking to pursue a career as a screenwriter you should understand the importance of setting yourself apart with your work.

“The demand is there, especially with all the new platforms needing content, but it’s tough to break in unless you have something unique to offer,” he said. “You have to always ask yourself, ‘Why do they need me?’ Your work should be the resounding answer to that question.”

In terms of income, Kopka said there’s a wide variance between what screenwriters at the top of the industry can earn compared to those who are just getting started. But he said it’s a field with great income potential for those who succeed.*

“Early on, most screenwriters aren’t making huge money,” he said. “The key is getting your foot in the door with a great script and, over time, the opportunities to make more grow."*

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Cary Jordan is an Iowa-based writer with more than 20 years of writing and editing experience on a wide range of issues related to higher education. Cary has held administrative and cabinet-level positions at multiple colleges and universities, and his writing has spanned topics related to undergraduate education as well as graduate education in the areas of business, law, medicine and engineering, among others.