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Film Screenwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Screenwriting

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.8K - $6.1K/wk

The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop ...

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Film Screenwriter information

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$9

$24

$51

How much do film screenwriter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for film screenwriter in the United States is $24.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Film Screenwriter vs Film Script Editor?

AspectFilm ScreenwriterFilm Script Editor
Primary RoleCreates original scripts or rewrites existing scripts for filmsReviews, revises, and polishes scripts to improve clarity, structure, and dialogue
Required CredentialsWriting experience, storytelling skills, often film or writing degreesStrong editing background, script development experience, often related to writing or film studies
Work EnvironmentIndependent or collaborative, often in writers' rooms or studiosCollaborates with writers, directors, and producers during script development
Industry UsageEssential in the initial script creation phaseCritical during script revisions and post-writing stages

While both roles involve working with scripts, the film screenwriter focuses on creating original content or rewriting scripts, whereas the film script editor specializes in refining and improving existing scripts to enhance storytelling and dialogue quality.

What are some common challenges film screenwriters face when working with directors and producers during script development?

Film screenwriters often collaborate closely with directors and producers, which can involve incorporating creative feedback and making significant revisions to their scripts. One common challenge is balancing the writer’s original vision with the practical considerations and creative input from other stakeholders, such as budget constraints, casting preferences, or directorial style. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as screenwriters may need to adapt scenes or dialogue while maintaining the story’s integrity. Building strong professional relationships and being open to constructive feedback can help screenwriters navigate these challenges and contribute positively to the filmmaking process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a film screenwriter?

To thrive as a Film Screenwriter, you need strong storytelling abilities, a command of script structure, and often a relevant degree or coursework in screenwriting or film. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Final Draft and knowledge of screenplay formatting are typically required. Creativity, resilience, and effective collaboration skills help screenwriters stand out by enabling them to develop original ideas and work with directors, producers, and other creatives. These skills ensure that screenwriters can craft compelling scripts that meet industry expectations and resonate with audiences.

What does a film screenwriter do?

A film screenwriter is responsible for creating the script that forms the foundation of a movie. This includes developing the story, writing dialogue, structuring scenes, and crafting character arcs. Screenwriters often work closely with directors and producers to revise scripts based on feedback and production needs. Their work is essential for guiding the cast and crew in bringing the story to life on screen.
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What cities are hiring for Film Screenwriter jobs? Cities with the most Film Screenwriter job openings:
What job categories do people searching Film Screenwriter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Film Screenwriter jobs are:
Film Screenwriter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Film Screenwriter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,544 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Assistant or Associate Professor Film

College for Creative Studies (CCS)

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

STATUS:              Full Time             
DIVISION:           Academic Affairs
REPORTS TO:     Chair of Film, Photography and Interdisciplinary Art and Design               
SUPERVISES:      N/A
FLSA STATUS:    Exempt
 
Position Description:
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) invites applications for a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor of Film Production. 
The Film program at CCS emphasizes film/video production in an interdisciplinary art and design school context. The curriculum includes core courses in documentary, experimental, and narrative filmmaking, as well as foundational and elective courses in media history and theory; screenwriting and storytelling for time-based; visual effects production; audio production and sound post-production; screen performance; and business aspects of the media industries. The program includes extensive student mentoring, professional development guidance, and career preparation. Film majors collaborate with art and design students from across CCS, bringing innovation to their respective crafts. 
The successful candidate will be an experienced educator with a strong record of accomplishment as a filmmaker. They will possess knowledge of critical theory and issues in contemporary media art relevant to emerging filmmakers as well as practical, hands-on professional experience. They will be able to design and deliver learning centered experiences, motivating students to meet a wide range of industry and established program standards. And they will have experience mentoring a diverse population of students, employing an array of strategies that support each student in achieving their full potential. The Assistant or Associate Professor will have excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to collaborate positively with the Chair and the Film Program Manager to foster the academic quality and integrity of the program, enhancing its visibility and reputation nationally and internationally.
Position Accountabilities and Essential Functions:
The Professor of Film will teach 6 classes per academic year (three each semester) primarily in film production with the opportunity to teach in other disciplines related to their strengths. 
They will be responsible for:
  • Collaborating with the program Chair to develop relevant courses, curriculum and andragogy supporting established and emerging film language.
  • Mentoring students and Adjunct Faculty.
  • Utilizing the College’s Learning Management System (LMS) to support in-person instruction.
  • Developing online courses.
  • Active and engaged participation in departmental and college-wide service activities including attending Faculty Assembly and serving on college-wide committees; contributing to college assessment and accreditation processes, attending and participating in Review Week and Commencement Exercises; selecting and installing work for the Annual Student Exhibition. 
  • Active and engaged participation in College-wide admissions and recruitment and retention activities including prospective student information sessions, admissions open houses, national portfolio days, and other student recruitment and retention initiatives.
  • Collaborating with the Chair, Program Manager, and Adjunct Faculty in ongoing curriculum reviews and systematic program assessment.
  • Maintaining a personal professional practice as a filmmaker.
  • Nurturing relationships with cultural institutions and industries.

Beyond classroom teaching, the Film program at CCS supports the entire student collegiate experience. Consequently, the Professor of Film must be student centered and will be expected to perform the following duties: 
  • Mentoring assigned students—providing academic and professional guidance and counseling.
  • Collaborating with Academic Advising and Registration, Career Development, Institutional Advancement, and International Student Services to support student success.
  • Referring students to Student Wellness & Counselling and the Center for Writing & Tutoring for additional support when needed.
  • Contributing to the Film community outside of the classroom by attending filmmaker/artist/designer events and exhibition openings and encouraging student attendance.
  • Assisting the Chair with program-specific retention efforts.
 
Qualifications and Experience:
Candidates must have an MFA in Film/Filmmaking or professional experience in film/video production equivalent to a terminal degree. Candidates for the Assistant Professor position must have college level teaching experience. Candidates for the Associate Professor position must have five-years of full-time teaching experience at the college level.
The CCS community seeks individuals with a combination of the following experiences, knowledge and skills, understanding that each candidate is unique and that no candidate will embody every qualification listed here. Additional qualifications include:
  • A record of effective collaboration with students, faculty, and staff.
  • A record of developing internal or external creative partnerships in support of curricular or strategic initiatives.
  • Ability to support belonging initiatives at the College.
  • Substantive relevant professional experience as a working filmmaker outside of academia.
  • Understanding of digital technologies used in educational and professional art/design environments.
  • Passion for the program’s educational mission and for the role of art/design in our society.

Preference will be given to candidates with: 
  • Narrative filmmaking credits.
  • Evidence of successfully teaching narrative filmmaking.
  • Evidence of virtual production experience.
  • Evidence of visual effects production experience.
  • A strong exhibition/film festival record.
  • Experience working in the motion picture industry.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:  
This job operates in a professional office and college campus environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to maintain a stationary position, use a computer and other office equipment, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and virtually.  Frequent interaction with others, including staff, faculty, students and third parties is required.  The employee may occasionally be required to move files or other objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including from low and high places.  The ability to move around within the office and between buildings on campus, attend off-site meetings and events, and travel between Ford Campus site to Taubman Center site are required.  CCS will make reasonable accommodations that will allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
About CCS:
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business. 
 
To apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and a statement of teaching philosophy to: hr@ccsdetroit.edu. Candidates who merit further consideration will be asked to submit the name and contact information for three references, and examples of student and personal work.     
CCS website: http://www.ccsdetroit.edu/
 
The College for Creative Studies, a leading college of art and design, represents a community composed of individuals with many perspectives, personal experiences, values, identities and worldviews and we value what this brings to our organization. CCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, height, weight, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
 
The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions and educational practices and strives to provide an environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination.  We encourage applications from all.