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Freelance Script Writer Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Editor, Ranger Rick Outreach

Reston, VA · On-site +1

Research and write original features and columns, including scripts for "Ranger Rick Adventures ... Edit or rewrite freelance manuscripts for style, accuracy, and readability. * Review all copy ...

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Freelance Script Writer information

See McLean, VA salary details

$7

$23

$33

How much do freelance script writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance script writer in McLean, VA is $23.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $26.88 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.
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Freelance Script Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Script Writer job openings in McLean, VA 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 $49,663 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Creative Director - Video (L.A. or D.C.) - Full-time, Freelance, or Contractor

Bryson Gillette, LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$90 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Creative Director - Video (L.A. or D.C.) - Full-time, Freelance, or Contractor Who We Are

Bryson Gillette is a Los Angeles, California and Washington, D.C.-based, minority-owned, intentionally diverse communications firm. With expertise in strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, and political consulting, we develop tailored strategies to help clients tackle their most pressing communications needs. We are a mission-driven organization that partners with companies, candidates, and individuals fighting to make the world more just, safe, healthy, and prosperous for all.

We are also a fun, smart, collaborative group who care about the world around us and seek to make positive change at home and across the country. We are experts without egos and creative without control issues. Come work with us and you’ll learn a lot, make an impact, and have fun doing it.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and/or veteran status.

Who You Are

You are a smart, kind, friendly individual who works hard and well with others. You are someone who loves being at the intersection of art and analytics, who stays ahead of trends, and who can lead ambitious creative projects from conception to performance-driven execution. You are an exceptional communicator who produces excellent, strategic, and creative work, while also bringing a lot of heart to everything you do. People describe you as a self-starter and problem-solver, who multitasks well and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring a diverse perspective to every conversation, while also listening and empathizing. Above all, you want to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world around you.

This role is based in Los Angeles or Washington, D.C.

What You’ll Do: Strategic Oversight & Systemization
  • Lead end-to-end creative development across formats — from longer-form storytelling to short-form “cut downs” (social, Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts).
  • Oversee concepting, scripting, and production, guiding creative teams and contractors from idea through final delivery.
  • Bridge strategy and production: translate campaign goals into creative briefs, provide clear direction to editors and motion designers, and ensure every asset supports broader campaign objectives.
  • Manage external creative partners — from production crews to freelance editors — ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with client goals.
  • Collaborate closely with paid media strategists to align creative direction with targeting, budget, and performance goals.
  • Stay ahead of digital and cultural trends — from platform shifts to new creative formats — and proactively bring fresh ideas to the team.
  • Bring a creative vision to new business proposals, helping to envision, design and sell overarching campaign concepts to prospective clients.
  • Be willing to teach and mentor the team around your expertise.
  • Monitor and interpret creative performance data across platforms to understand what’s resonating and why.
  • Design and evaluate A/B and multivariate creative tests.
  • Translate insights into creative action: adjust scripts, visuals, and copy based on audience engagement, retention, and conversion trends.
  • Partner with clients and internal teams to connect creative performance to campaign objectives and ROI.
  • Build or maintain performance dashboards to track creative outcomes and report learnings across clients.
  • Stay fluent in analytics and ad platform tools and emerging creative optimization technologies.
What Skills and Experiences You’ll Bring:
  • Experience working across public affairs campaigns, nonprofits, political campaigns and private sector brands — or the ability to navigate those worlds confidently.
  • Comfort directing editors and creative contractors; you know how to communicate a clear creative vision and how to get the best out of collaborators.
  • Deep understanding of social and paid media performance metrics — and the ability to interpret results and optimize creative accordingly.
  • Experience designing and analyzing creative tests (A/B or multivariate) and iterating based on data.
  • Familiarity with analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, TikTok Creative Center, Looker, Tableau).
  • A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills — you can translate creative ideas into strategy and strategy into visuals.
  • Curiosity, adaptability, and an instinct for spotting cultural and digital trends before they go mainstream.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • A growth mindset
What Would Be Great to Bring:
  • Motion graphics or animation experience.
  • Comfort with UX, landing page creative, or integrated digital storytelling.
  • Experience producing for broadcast or linear TV.
  • Fluency in multiple languages or experience creating multilingual content.
  • Experience working on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and/or social or racial justice advocacy
  • Client relationship experience
  • Good sense of humor
  • The salary range for this position is an annual salary of $90 - 125k. For clarity, this is the starting range for the position; it is not an indication that you are capped at that range once you're in the position.
  • Bryson provides insurance coverage for employees and their dependents, which includes a PPO health plan, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) Plan w/ Employer Match
  • Flexible Time-Off policy with no vacation caps, after 90 day period
  • Generous, paid parental leave
  • Discretionary, year-end bonuses
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