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Freelance Script Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optimum

Producer - Freelance - News 12

Edison, NJ

$52K - $86K/yr

Job Summary News 12 is looking for a creative, driven, and experienced Freelance Producer to assist ... Write scripts for live programming, conduct pre-interviews for guest segments. * Build show ...

Optimum

Producer - Freelance - News 12

Edison, NJ · On-site

$52K - $86K/yr

Job Summary News 12 is looking for a creative, driven, and experienced Freelance Producer to assist ... Write scripts for live programming, conduct pre-interviews for guest segments. * Build show ...

Fin

Senior Creative Writer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$155K - $186K/yr

... marketing, video scripts, and internal comms * Translating complex product and technical ... Guiding and mentoring other writers (including freelancers and in-house contributors), providing ...

MANSCAPED

THE MANSCAPED CREATIVE NETWORK

OR · Remote

THE MANSCAPED CREATIVE NETWORK Freelance Talent Pool - All Levels - Remote Who We Are MANSCAPED is ... Product Copywriting - Write smart, technical copy that fills in wireframes, turns product dev notes ...

SANDOW

Video Producer / Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

This producer will be responsible for ideating, script writing, producing/directing and overseeing ... Wide network of freelance shooters, editors, on-air talent a plus * Proficient in Adobe Premiere ...

SANDOW

Video Producer / Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

This producer will be responsible for ideating, script writing, producing/directing and overseeing ... Wide network of freelance shooters, editors, on-air talent a plus * Proficient in Adobe Premiere ...

Four Seasons Heating

Creative Director

Chicago, 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 ...

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 ...

Brunch

Brand Manager

New York, NY

... freelance needs * Continually survey, discuss, and share art, culture, and trends with the ... Content production experience including; script writing, art direction, directing talent, and post ...

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How much do freelance script writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance script writer in the United States is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 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, and why are they important?

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 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.

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What states have the most Freelance Script Writer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Script Writer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Script Writer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Script Writer jobs are:
Freelance Script Writer jobs near you
Producer - Freelance - News 12

Producer - Freelance - News 12

Optimum

Edison, NJ

$52K - $86K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Optimum rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 76 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

News 12 is our award-winning, hyper local news station covering communities throughout Long Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Connecticut and New Jersey. News 12 New York is our National streaming service for regional news, weather and News 12 originals.

If you're committed to delivering high quality news and storytelling with a hyper local lens, we have positions available for both on and off-air talent with opportunities for development and growth.

Job Summary

News 12 is looking for a creative, driven, and experienced Freelance Producer to assist in the broadcast of live daily news programming. The candidate will have experience working in live news with expertise in writing scripts and working within show rundowns. Knowledge of general news, business news, technology innovations, and cultural news is necessary. The candidate must also be able to conduct guest research, pre-interview guests, and put together smart and informative segments for air. You need to be able to work in a high-pressure environment and produce under tight deadlines. The successful candidate must be a self-starter and independent worker. At the same time, you must be adaptable and flexible, a team player who is able to mix easily and work effectively in our small and highly collaborative team.

Responsibilities
  • Organize strong, compelling, audience-driven newscasts.
  • Write teases, segment intros, news readers, and guest segments.
  • Recognize stories with high potential for provocative, compelling television.
  • Be able to develop story ideas, research, and plan segments.
  • Attend all editorial meetings for your individual show + larger editorial meetings throughout the week.
  • Write scripts for live programming, conduct pre-interviews for guest segments.
  • Build show graphics and elements in rundown software.
  • Must always be ready to break in and assist with the latest news or developing stories.
  • Must possess a strong collaborative spirit and understand the vision and creativity necessary to handle a newscast.
  • Be creative in new ways to produce and deliver content to viewers.
  • Conduct pre-show checks for your segments in ensure any errors are corrected before going live.
  • Work on special projects or series as needed for your show.
  • Coordinate with multiple different departments to meet deliverable deadlines and expectations.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of live broadcast and control room experience
  • Experience in live production
  • Excellent research and writing skills
  • Strong grammar, copy editing and communication skills
  • Familiarity with ENPS or similar rundown program
  • Working knowledge of production and post-production techniques
  • Familiarity with SEO, RSS, Twitter, Facebook and other social media
  • Organizational skills and ability to work under tight deadlines

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Company collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA-compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.

Applicants for employment with The Company will never be asked to provide money (even if reimbursable) as part of the job application or hiring process. Please review our Fraud FAQ for further details.

Pay is competitive and based on a number of job-related factors, including skills and experience. The starting pay rate/range at time of hire for this position in the posted location is $52,547.00 - $86,327.00  / year. The rate/range provided herein is the anticipated pay at the time of hire, and does not reflect future job opportunity.

We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.  Please note that at this time, we do not provide visa sponsorship for employment.

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