How to Become a Screenwriter: From the Job to Your First Script

If you want to become a screenwriter but don't know where to start, it helps to first understand what the job actually involves. This post covers what a screenwriter does, the commonly known paths to becoming one, and the preparation you can start right now. Income and contract terms vary widely depending on the project and the type of deal, so they aren't covered here.

---

What a screenwriter does

A screenwriter turns a story into a script that can be made into film or video. Format and length vary by field: film, TV drama, web drama, animation, and so on. The work generally moves through these stages:

• Development — shaping an idea into a logline
• Outlining — building the story's backbone with a synopsis and a treatment
• Writing — writing action and dialogue scene by scene
• Revision — rewriting several times based on notes from the director, producers, and production company

What sets this job apart is that you spend as much time hearing notes and revising as you do writing alone. That's because a screenplay isn't a finished product in itself; it's the blueprint for a film or show that many people make together.

---

Paths to becoming a writer

There is no single set path. These are the commonly known routes:

1. Enter contests

There are many screenwriting contests for film and TV drama. Winning can get your work noticed and open doors to meeting people in production. We cover how to prepare in how to prepare for a screenwriting contest.

2. Learn in a training program

Many places offer programs that teach screenwriting systematically. A big advantage is meeting peers on the same path and getting group feedback on your work. Programs differ in content and cost, though, so look closely at the curriculum and reviews before choosing.

3. Build experience on the job

In broadcast TV drama, many writers build experience by working as assistant writers. You get to learn how the work is done up close, but hiring practices and terms vary by production company and over time.

4. Write it yourself and put it out there

If you have a finished script, you can send it through a production company's open call or submission channel. Have a logline and a one- or two-page synopsis ready along with the finished screenplay.

---

Preparation you can start right now

1. Read a lot. Get hold of scripts for films or shows you love and study how the scenes are written.
2. Learn the format. Learn the basics of screenplay format and scene headings. If the terminology is unfamiliar, see our screenplay terms glossary.
3. Finish short pieces first. Completing one short from start to finish is the best lesson there is. You can find premises in short film ideas.
4. Rewrite. A first draft is only the beginning. Build the habit of stepping back, rereading, and revising.
5. Get feedback. Hear from readers or groups you trust, and decide for yourself whether their notes help the story.
6. Build a portfolio. Keep your finished scripts and loglines in one place so they're ready when you enter a contest or submit to a production company.

---

Final thoughts

There's no single right way to become a screenwriter, but whichever path you take, you need a finished script to get started. The smallest thing you can do today is write one scene.