Before accepting a writing gig and spending hours of your time working on someone else's project, always remember: not all screenwriting jobs are worth doing.
There are many people who seem to think newbie writers are there to be taken advantage of. In other words, to write for them for free.
If someone promises payment "down the line," or that they've got "a big star attached to direct," proceed with extreme caution. This is not what we mean by great screenwriting jobs.
Always remember: if it seems to be good to be true, it probably is.
The truth is, there is no one, easy, quick-fix way to get screenwriting jobs. Answering an ad on one of these sites is highly unlikely to land you a gig writing the next Hollywood blockbuster. But, if you're lucky they can turn up some very interesting opportunities.
If nothing else, applying to screenwriting jobs on the sites listed below can be a great way to meet fellow writers and make connections. Some of which may bear fruit later on down the line. (The list is in alphabetical order. )
1. Craigslist screenwriting jobs.We get that this may seem a strange addition to the list, but it is possible to land some good writing gigs on this site.
The link will take you to Craigslist screenwriting jobs based in Los Angeles, but you can edit this to anywhere in the world, paid and unpaid.
Check out Craigslist >>
2. Entertainment Careers production jobs.Entertainment Careers have been operating for over twenty-two years and boast a very impressive roster of companies who advertize with them, including HBO, Lionsgate, Sony, etc.
Their focus is on production but follow the link below and you'll find a couple of pages of freelance screenwriting jobs and ones that require a knowledge of screenwriting.
Check out Entertainment Careers >>
3. Hubstaff writing jobs.Most ads on Hubstaff are in the copywriting/content writing sphere, but you can also browse freelance screenwriting jobs as well as screenwriting assistant jobs.
Getting one of these gigs could be a great little side-earner while you work on your screenplays.
Check out Hubstaff Talent >>
4. InkTip screenwriting jobs.Over 200 films have been made by producers from scripts and writers found on InkTip. In fact, they average thirty films produced each year, in addition to helping countless writers find representation or options on their script.
They also work with a mix of independent producers and larger companies including ABC, HBO Films, ICM and 20th Century Fox. Check out InkTip >>
5. ISA screenwriting jobs.Sign up for $10 per month at the ISA and you'll be free to explore the hundreds of ads seeking screenwriters for features, TV, web series, etc. as well as submit your resume and screenplay for consideration.
The ISA's Development Slate, for example, promotes the best writers among their network to managers, agents and producers.
Check out the ISA >>
6. Jooble entertainment jobs.Jooble's jobs listings are more "entertainment" focused, such as "Entertainment Writer," and "Entertainment Editor," rather than traditional screenwriting.
Might still be worth checking out, though, as they list many remote gigs and internships so you can potentially work from home while also writing your script.
Check out Jooble >>
7. LinkedIn.An obvious addition to this list is, of course, LinkedIn. Search for a wealth of screenwriting jobs and production jobs filtered by location, on-site/remote, date posted, etc. for free.
There's also the option to upgrade to their Premium subscription in which you can browse anonymously, DM recruiters and see who's viewed your profile.
Check out LinkedIn >>
8. ProductionHUB production jobs.This website is the place to go if you're also interested in working in production. They list countless jobs covering all areas behind the camera: Rigger, AV Technician, Animator, Production Designer, Producer, and so on.
It's free to join and also a great place to find the crew if you're shooting your own short film or feature.
Check out ProductionHUB >>
9. Simply Hired entertainment jobs.On this well-respected site, you'll find a long list of jobs covering every aspect of the film industry, from screenwriting jobs to lecturing vacancies and work in art departments and production.
The link below will take you to screenwriting jobs in Los Angeles but it's easy to get lost in the sheer volume of opportunities on offer. Check out Simply Hired >>
10. Screenwriting Staffing writing gigs.Screenwriting Staffing offers a free and paid premium membership. The free one provides you with screenwriting leads (script searches, jobs, collaboration, partnerships) in a weekly email.
The paid version is fairly pricey, but will connect you to their database of film and TV industry professionals who are actively looking to buy scripts.
Check out Screenwriting Staffing >>
11. ShowbizJobs writing jobs.This site contains a variety of paid screenwriting jobs as well as internships. Recent positions include writers for video games, screenwriting assistant jobs and for a product writer at Netflix.
You can search and apply for jobs for free, but a paid membership will get you custom saved searches, daily notifications and a heads-up on new listings.
Check out ShowbizJobs >>
12. Stage 32 screenwriting jobs.As well as containing hundreds of freelance screenwriting jobs, this site is probably the go-to place for writers looking to network online.
Be sure to also check out their "screenwriters' lounge" while you're there and start making real connections with real writers.
Check out Stage32 >>
13. Tracking Board writing jobs.Head on over to this comprehensive site and you'll find a ton of screenplay writer jobs as well as other industry jobs.
Companies such as Warner Bros. Netflix and Studio Canal look for assistants and interns on here, which can be a great way to get a foot in the door. Check out Tracking Board >>
14. Upwork writing gigs.It can also be a good idea to keep an eye on some of the more traditional job notice boards, such as Upwork, which has a pretty good selection of screenwriter, production and screenwriting assistant jobs too.
Check out Upwork >>
Q. Is screenwriting a realistic career?
A. Yes, of course. If you're willing to put in the work, that is. It's a myth to think that you need connections, or some kind of innate mystical talent in order to succeed. Put in the work to become the best screenwriter you can be and you stand a chance. Read our post 5 Proven Paths to a Screenwriter Career for more info.
Q. How do I get a screenwriting job?
A. Learn how to write a script. But not just any script, one that's unlike any other and will out from the rest. Then, learn how to become a screenwriter by getting hired or repped. These jobs sites are just a small part of that process. If something comes from one of them, great. But most of your energy should go into building portfolio and marketing your scripts yourself.
Q. What is the average salary of a screenwriter?
A. The truth is, there’s no such thing as a fixed salary for screenwriters. Whether a writer has zero credits or a hundred, they’re essentially in the same position: looking for the next paycheck. Established writers do have a distinct advantage in the form of a track record and being in the WGA, though. Read more about the WGA and writer salaries once you're in, here: Screenwriter Salary Average Earnings.
Q. What qualifications do you need to be a screenwriter?
A. None. That's the beauty of writing: you can become a screenwriter for free and without possessing a single formal qualification. Sure, many professional screenwriters did get into the business after graduating with a MFA, but it's far from required. If you're interested in screenwriting courses, though, you should check out this post: Best Screenwriting Courses in the USA and Beyond.
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Good luck in your research and please let us know in the comments section below if you think we've missed out any great websites for TV and movie script writing jobs.
You should also check out our screenwriting resources and our post on how to get a screenwriting agent which lays out step by step exactly how you can find the right people to represent you and nurture your career.
Before sending your script out, make sure it's in the best shape it can be and check out our script coverage services by clicking the image below.
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