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Film Screenwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Latino Film Institute

Filmmaking Mentor

Calistoga, CA · On-site

$31.80/hr

Programs culminate with a student film screening opportunity at the Los Angeles Latino ... Screenwriting and story development * Storyboarding and pre-production * Casting and directing

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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How much do film screenwriter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 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, and why are they important?

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,544 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Assistant Professor - Emerging Media Arts: Storytelling

Assistant Professor - Emerging Media Arts: Storytelling

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Assistant Professor - Emerging Media Arts: Storytelling
Department
Johnny Carson School-Theatre & Film-1033
Requisition Number
F_250081
Posting Open Date
12/10/2025
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
03/02/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Emerging Media Arts: Storytelling to join our unique program.
We are seeking a visionary creative practitioner and educator to join our faculty in a position that bridges screenwriting with emerging technologies and platforms. Whether your scholarship or creative activity examines the pressing issues of our time, produces narratives of lasting significance, generates immersive audience experiences, or contributes to the evolution of narrative form, we invite you to submit your work for consideration. We value storytelling as both intellectual inquiry and artistic practice, recognizing that meaningful stories can change the world.
The successful candidate will have professional experience in screenwriting for film, television/streaming, or episodic narrative, and have familiarity with at least one of the following: writing for theatre, games, XR, immersive or interactive experiences, world-building, transmedia, or Alternate Reality Games (ARGs). You have a compelling vision for the evolving future of storytelling, and you're eager to guide students in shaping that future.
The Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts is an interdisciplinary center and creative research facility within the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, established with a $57M investment from the Johnny Carson Foundation. Research areas include filmmaking, interactive and immersive storytelling, experience and generative design, XR, machine learning, sonic and data arts, virtual production, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Carson Center brings together world-class faculty and students to reimagine the future of media through inclusive, imaginative storytelling that addresses human-scale challenges, provokes and inspires. As the Center expands its international reach and collaborations, this is a unique opportunity to shape its growing mission.
Nebraska offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate's background and experience. Faculty status with opportunities for promotion in rank and sabbatical opportunities for continued learning and professional development are additional key benefits.
Key Responsibilities
  • Teaching courses in areas such as screenwriting and storytelling.
  • Contribute to undergraduate and graduate curriculum development.
  • Mentoring undergraduate capstone projects.
  • Continue to gain juried recognition of your work.
  • Mentor students as they develop their unique creative voices.
  • Connect students to internships and professional networks.
  • Support students in developing pathways toward professional opportunities, career directions, and future graduate study.
  • Contribute positively to a community and culture of storytellers and makers.
  • Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.
  • Participate in department, college, and university service.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • BA or BFA in screenwriting or a related discipline.
  • A portfolio of nationally recognized storytelling work represented by having multiple writing credits (screen, games, plays); optioned, published, or produced works.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MFA or terminal degree in screenwriting or a related discipline.
  • Professional experience in episodic screenwriting.
  • Two years of teaching at the university level, beyond the teaching assistant level, or equivalent experience in a non-traditional setting.
  • Connections to industry partners.
  • Active creative research agenda.

Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click "Apply for this Job," complete the faculty information form, and submit the following required documents:
  1. A letter of interest addressing your qualifications specific to this job description.
  2. Artist statement.
  3. Teaching statement - OPTIONAL (1-2 pages).
  4. A current Curriculum Vitae.
  5. A link to an online portfolio of writing work - to include one full-length short screenplay and excerpts from at least one full-length feature film, or episodic work, or game, or other form of storytelling.
  6. The names and contact details of three professional references.

Please combine the statements (items 2 and 3) and attach as "Other Document."
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Shelby Foged
shelby.foged@unl.edu
Job Category
Job Category (old)
Faculty Tenure/Tenure Leading
Job Type
9 Month
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date
08/17/2026
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location
Default Location

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