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Documentary Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monks

Senior Writer

New York, NY · On-site

The second focuses on documentary-style content featuring small-business owners, using existing ... Write scripts, campaign messaging, headlines, taglines, social copy, and other supporting creative ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL · On-site

... writing, documentary, memoir, play-writing, TV and/or film writing, among others. The ideal candidate will be adept at clearly explaining concepts and techniques to students of varying ages ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL

... writing, documentary, memoir, play-writing, TV and/or film writing, among others. The ideal candidate will be adept at clearly explaining concepts and techniques to students of varying ages ...

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$37K

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How much do documentary writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary writer in the United States is $84,537.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a documentary writer do?

A Documentary Writer is responsible for researching, structuring, and writing the narrative framework for a documentary film or series. They develop scripts, voiceovers, and interview questions, ensuring the story is engaging and informative. Their work involves collaboration with directors, producers, and researchers to align the script with the documentary’s vision.

What does a typical workday look like for a documentary writer?

A typical day for a Documentary Writer involves conducting thorough research, interviewing subjects or experts, and drafting or revising scripts to tell compelling non-fiction stories. Writers may spend time collaborating with directors, producers, and editors to ensure the narrative aligns with the film's vision and factual accuracy. The workflow can vary depending on the project phase, alternating between solitary writing and collaborative meetings. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are crucial, as documentary production schedules are often dynamic and deadline-driven. This variety makes the role both challenging and rewarding, especially for those who thrive in a creative and fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary writer, and why are they important?

Documentary Writers need excellent research, storytelling, and scriptwriting skills, often supported by a background in journalism, communications, or film studies. Familiarity with screenwriting software such as Final Draft, as well as experience with archival research tools, is typically required. Strong collaboration, creativity, and adaptability help writers bring authentic stories to life while working closely with directors, producers, and researchers. These abilities ensure engaging, accurate narratives that resonate with audiences and meet production goals.

How to be a documentary writer?

A documentary writer researches and develops compelling stories based on real events or subjects, often working closely with filmmakers and researchers. Key skills include strong writing, storytelling, research abilities, and familiarity with industry tools like scriptwriting software; a background in journalism, media, or related fields can be beneficial.

Is being a documentary writer a good career?

Documentary writers create scripts and narratives for documentary films and programs, often requiring strong research, storytelling, and editing skills. The career can be competitive, with income varying based on experience, project scope, and industry connections, and many professionals work freelance or on a project basis. Success often depends on building a portfolio, networking, and staying current with industry tools and trends.
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Documentary Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,537 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Documentary Production Internships: ATL - Fall 2026

Warnerbros

Atlanta, GA

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are...

When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Documentary Production Internships: ATL - Fall 2026

Application Deadline:On or beforeFriday,August 21st*

*Pro Tip:Submityour application as soon as possible - applications could close earlier due to applicantvolume!*

Your New Role

Overview of the internships

We have multiple Documentary Production internship opportunities available. By applying to this posting, you will beconsidered formultiple internship opportunities within this general area.These internships willbe located inthe ATL area.The selected interns will be expected to join us in the office on a regularcadencebased on the internmanager'sin office schedule.

Example internship opportunities could include:

  • The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper Intern: ATL

Your Role Accountabilities

Duties could include:

  • Pitching story ideas to researching and developing a show, setting up shoots, and gathering editorial and video materials

  • Shadow and assist editorial staff.

  • Research, gathering media including archival footage, transcription, logging, organizing visual elements, and fact-checking.

  • Prepare pitches for shows, characters or experts

  • Screening documentary films, writing coverage, and giving feedback for documentary films.

  • Organizing and gathering relevant industry data and input.

  • Understanding and experiencing the art of a pitch

Qualifications & Experience

Essentials needed for the positions that are similar across the above roles (these do not all have to apply to every single role)

  • Candidates should be passionate about news and long-form/documentary storytelling

  • Self-motivated

  • Able to multitask

  • Have a good attitude

  • Be able to function well in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented

  • Strong oral and written communication skills

  • Passion for topical news and key issues of the moment, especially as related to popular culture.

  • Strong interest in documentaries.

  • Computer and analytical skills.

  • Must know how to use PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and similar spreadsheet platforms.

  • Willing to work both with a team and independently.

  • Must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university degree program for the full duration of the internship (proof of enrollmentrequired)

  • Must be a rising Junior or rising Senior undergrad student (18 years or older)

  • Must be in academic good standing (3.0 or above GPA)A transcriptwill berequiredto verify your GPA if an offer is extended.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery will only consider candidates who are presently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and who will not require work visa sponsorship from Warner Bros. Discovery now or in the futurein order toretaintheir authorization to work in the United States. Candidates currently on any student or exchange visa, including F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, J-1, M-1, etc., will not be eligible for the internship program.

What To Know Before Applying:

  • The duration of the program is 10 weeks

  • Program dates:

  • Start Date: October 12th

  • End Date: December 18th

  • Interns will be expected to work 16-24 hours per week in ahybrid capacity.

  • Our internships are paid opportunities with a competitive hourly wage. Credit is notrequired; however, we will provide the necessary documentation for school credit if desired. Relocation is not provided.

  • Interviewing will take place fromearlyAugustthroughmid-September. A WBD team member will contact you if your experiences and interests match an open internship position.Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to give individual status updates.

About Our Internship Program

WBD's Internship Program is designed to nurture students professionally and personally. We attract the country's boldest and brightest students forpaid,for-credit, real-world internship experiences in the entertainment, tech, sports,newsand media industries. We offer career-defining opportunities to learn valuable skills that will help you prepare for a successful future.


Ready to learn more?Here'swhat we offer:

  • Hands-on work with passionate, talented team members in your field

  • Mentorship from some of the industry's kindest and most passionate entertainment veterans

  • Engaging events including professional development seminars, panels with recruiters and former interns, intern-exclusive events, and so muchmore

  • Access to top-level executives and employees through our Speaker Series and Roundtables

  • Incredible networking opportunities with industry-leading professionals and a robust intern alumni network

  • A creative, collaborative, and inclusive company culture


What you can expect to take away from the semester:

  • Opportunities to develop professionally and uncover skills youdidn'tknow youhad

  • The insider scoop on the entertainment industry and what happens behind thescenes

  • Relationships that will go beyond your collegiatecareer

  • Real-life experiences that will provide you with the confidence to delve into your nextadventure

How We Get Things Done...

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

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