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Freelance Script Writer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

FOUR SEASONS MASTER

Creative Director

Bedford Park, IL · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... freelancers, and vendors; manage relationships, scopes of work, and quality standards. * Lead TV commercial production end-to-end, including creative concept development, script writing, vendor ...

TruLaw Marketing

Be Seen First

Social Media & Creative Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$55K - $65K/yr

Develop ideas and write scripts for short-form videos, explainer videos, and other video content ... Experience directing virtual assistants, freelancers, or junior creative professionals.

FOX News Network, LLC

Sports Producer

Chicago, IL · On-site

FOX 32 is seeking a talented freelance producer to collaborate on shows with Fox 32 and in ... Write scripts and content for various segments. * Field produce, including on-location shoots and ...

Fox

Sports Producer

Chicago, IL · On-site

FOX 32 is seeking a talented freelance producer to collaborate on shows with Fox 32 andin ... Write scripts and content for various segments. * Field produce, including on-location shoots and ...

9root Inc.

Head of Growth

Chicago, IL · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

... freelance writers. Turn the founders' expertise and our signal library into a steady drumbeat of ... A working outbound motion -- lists, scripts, sequencing, the dial cadence -- with you on the phone.

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Freelance Script Writer information

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$7

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$33

How much do freelance script writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance script writer in Chicago, IL is $24.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance script writer do?

A freelance script writer creates scripts for various media such as films, television shows, commercials, video games, or online videos on a project-by-project basis. Unlike staff writers, freelancers work independently and are hired by clients or production companies to develop original stories, adapt existing material, or revise existing scripts. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming ideas, drafting and editing scripts, and collaborating with directors or producers to meet the project's needs.

What does a freelance script writer do?

As a freelance script writer, your duties vary somewhat depending on the needs of your clients, though for the most part you focus on the writing and editing of scripts for video productions. You can write and pitch a screenplay to an agent, who will attempt to sell it to a film production studio, television studio, or other media production company. Some clients hire freelance script writers to help improve existing scripts as part of a writing team, while advertising agencies and commercial production companies hire scriptwriters to create the scripts for video or audio advertising. If a studio or producer hires you or accepts your script pitch, you work on the project on a contract basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance script writer?

To thrive as a Freelance Script Writer, you need excellent storytelling abilities, strong command of language, and a solid understanding of script formatting and structure, usually supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with screenwriting software such as Final Draft or Celtx and knowledge of copyright basics are typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication set standout writers apart in collaborating with clients and meeting diverse project needs. These skills are crucial for producing compelling scripts that resonate with audiences and satisfy client expectations in a competitive freelance market.

How much money can a freelance script writer make?

Freelance script writers typically earn between $20 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and industry. Many also charge per project or per word, with rates varying widely based on the writer's reputation and the type of content produced.

How do freelance script writers typically collaborate with clients and production teams during a project?

Freelance script writers often work closely with clients, directors, and producers to develop scripts that align with the project's vision. Communication is usually conducted through virtual meetings, emails, or collaborative platforms, where feedback and revisions are exchanged. Writers may be involved in brainstorming sessions, table reads, or script workshops to refine their work. Maintaining flexibility and openness to feedback is essential, as scripts often undergo multiple drafts based on collaborative input. Building strong professional relationships and clear communication channels helps ensure a smooth workflow and successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Freelance Script Writer vs Screenwriter?

AspectFreelance Script WriterScreenwriter
CredentialsWriting experience, portfolio, sometimes film/TV coursesFilm/TV writing background, often with industry training
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote or client sitesStudio, production company, or freelance
Employer/IndustryClients across various industries, including advertising, entertainmentFilm, TV, streaming platforms
Search/Comparison IntentSeeking freelance writing opportunities, script projectsSeeking professional script development for media

Freelance Script Writers typically work independently on diverse projects for various clients, often remotely. Screenwriters focus on creating scripts specifically for film or television productions, often within the entertainment industry. While both roles require strong writing skills, screenwriters usually have industry-specific experience and may work within production environments, whereas freelance script writers have more flexibility and diverse client bases.

How much do freelance script writers make?

Freelance script writers typically earn between $20 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and industry. Many work on a per-project basis, with rates varying based on the script length and client budget, and successful freelancers often build portfolios to command higher fees.
More about Freelance Script Writer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Script Writer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Script Writer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Script Writer job openings:
Freelance Script Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Script Writer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,910 per year, or $24 per hour.

Freelance Associate Producer, On-Air Promotions - Big Ten Network

FOX News Network, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Fox News rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 76 rated media

Job description

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Fox Sports
FOX Sports, the industry leader in live events, is the umbrella entity representing Fox Corporation's wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes, as well as a joint-venture business in the Big Ten Network and digital properties including http://FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App. FOX Sports has delivered the most watched television program, NFL's America's Game of the Week on FOX, for fourteen consecutive years.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Big Ten Network is seeking a Freelance Associate Producer of On- Air Promotions. The Freelance Associate Producer will be working in our On-Air Promotions department, reporting to the Director, On-Air Promotions. The Freelance Associate Producer will be responsible for assisting the department's group of editors and producers in all facets of the promo production process. This includes writing scripts, gathering and organizing footage for edits, handling voiceover sessions, and delivering spots to master control to ensure timely completion for all projects.
This role is part-time and available from August 2026 through May 2027.
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Maintain on-air promotions footage library by creating sport and school specific footage strings from MVPE and broadcast content
  • Write impactful promotional copy for use in on-air promotional spots and marketing materials as needs arise
  • Assist with scheduling and directing contracted voiceover talent on a weekly basis
  • Watch all Big Ten Network studio programming for sound bites that can be used in promos and sizzle reels
  • Quality check and deliver approved promotional spots to master control in Tempe using MediaCloud

WHAT YOU WILL NEED
  • 1+ years of experience working in a television production environment
  • Proficiency with technology platforms and editing software packages (required: Adobe Premiere)
  • Organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and a team player
  • Demonstrated ability to meet strategic deadlines in a dynamic environment
  • Familiarity with Big Ten Network's programming, talent, and brand initiatives
  • Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends in rare cases

NICE TO HAVE BUT NOT A DEALBREAKER
  • Bachelor's degree with an emphasis on broadcast journalism, marketing, or equivalent

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $26.00 per hour.

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