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Approved and verified accurate by the Digital Film Chair of the College of Arts and Media on July 14, 2025.
A screenwriter can begin developing the essential skills for the career during a degree program and then continue refining them as they gain experience writing scripts.
Some of the most important skills and qualities for a screenwriter include:2,4
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies screenwriters as a type of writer,6 though it doesn’t track employment data for screenwriters specifically. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $72,270 as of May 2024.5
If you’re passionate about media, entertainment and the power of the written word, you may be curious about how to become a screenwriter. First, however, you should take a closer look at the answers to questions such as, What do screenwriters do? and Which skills are important in this career field?
Estimated job growth for writers and authors from 2023 to 2033.7
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There are no strict education requirements for screenwriters. However, it’s typical for aspiring screenwriters to earn a degree related to film studies, preferably one that focuses on screenwriting specifically.2
Aspiring screenwriters should also have plenty of experience reading sample scripts by established screenwriters, as well as watching their corresponding movies or shows. Future screenwriters may read trade magazines, evaluate industry trends and, above all, practice writing frequently. Writing practice is essential not only for building a writing portfolio but also for improving your writing skills and developing your storytelling techniques.3
Some aspiring screenwriters may wish to join a writing group. This can allow individuals to receive feedback about their work so they can figure out how to improve it. Professional networking, such as attending industry-related events, can help future screenwriters build the connections necessary to launch a career.3
It’s typical for a screenwriter to work on spec. This means they write a screenplay without having a contract for it and then receive payment if it sells.3
Alternatively, screenwriters may sometimes sell an option on their script, which means a producer pays to retain the rights for a set period of time. Once the option expires, the producer may purchase the script, extend the option or let it expire. Other screenwriters who work on TV shows are hired in-house by the show, receiving a salary and a bonus for each episode they work on.3
It can take persistence and patience to break into the industry as a screenwriter.
A screenwriter’s ultimate goal is to tell a compelling story that entertains, sends a message and/or informs. They want to hook the audience with a believable plot, compelling premise and characters that the audience can empathize with.
A screenwriter might develop their own original story that they pitch to film and TV executives. Alternatively, they might adapt a story from a book or create a reboot — a script based on a previously released movie or show.
Some of the typical responsibilities of a screenwriter can include:2
Median annual wage for writers and authors.5
At Grand Canyon University, you can explore the world of film by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting degree. You’ll examine all of the essential elements of screenwriting, and you’ll gain hands-on experience during your screenwriting capstone course. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor at GCU today.
Usually, a screenwriter works in a home office. Here, they can typically set their own hours and determine their own workflow. After selling a screenplay, however, a screenwriter will need to be available to make revisions to the script whenever the producers require it.1
Some known work areas for screenwriters include:
Pursue Your Passion for Film
Examine the essential elements of screenwriting and film production.
A screenwriter is a professional writer who creates screenplays or scripts, which are intended to be used to create a film, short film or television show. Some screenwriters create the scripts for video games, animated cartoons or commercials.
In essence, a screenwriter is a content creator who specializes in visual mediums. This means they need to pay attention not only to plot, character development and dialogue, but also to visual elements like character movements and actions, as well as the look of the scenes. They are responsible for telling a story in a compelling, cinematic way, following a dramatic structure and creating compelling and realistic characters.
A screenwriter is part of an economic powerhouse: the U.S. film and TV industry. This industry employs individuals in every U.S. state with various trades and skills, from makeup artists to set builders and beyond.1 This huge industry pays out an average of more than $229 billion in wages each year, according to the Motion Picture Association (MPA).1
There are multiple careers related to screenwriting. Some aspiring screenwriters might start as script readers, who are responsible for assessing and summarizing scripts. Later, after working as a screenwriter for a while, a professional might decide to transition into a script editor role. Alternatively, screenwriters who have built a solid professional reputation may become script doctors, who are rewrite specialists who fix problems with scripts written by other people.8
Still another possibility is that of script supervisor, who works on set to ensure each detail of the script is brought to life during the shooting of the movie or show.8
The BLS predicts that the job growth rate for all types of writers and authors will be 5%, as fast as average, from 2023 to 2033. At this rate of growth, there is expected to be an increase of 7,700 new jobs for all types of writers and authors during this time frame.7
Screenwriters may come to this career field from a variety of backgrounds. Although a degree isn’t a strict requirement to become a screenwriter, it may be helpful to earn one to examine techniques in film and story development.4 Universities may offer bachelor’s degrees in film studies, for example, which can allow you to examine various film genres and the history of film and TV.4
Although you could earn a general film studies degree, an ideal choice may be a film studies degree that offers a concentration in screenwriting.
For example, consider the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting degree at GCU, which examines elements of storytelling that may guide you in working toward a career as a writer, such as:
