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Professional Screenwriting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty in Screenwriting

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.80K - $6.10K/wk

MFA in screenwriting plus professional, produced credits, or significant festival screenings and/or screenwriting contest successes are preferred. Application Instructions: This posting applies to

... professional development, technical writing, blogging, article composition, essay writing, copy-editing, indexing, business writing, children's literature, screenwriting, creative writing ...

... professional development, technical writing, blogging, article composition, essay writing, copy-editing, indexing, business writing, children's literature, screenwriting, creative writing ...

... professional development, technical writing, blogging, article composition, essay writing, copy-editing, indexing, business writing, children's literature, screenwriting, creative writing ...

... professional development, technical writing, blogging, article composition, essay writing, copy-editing, indexing, business writing, children's literature, screenwriting, creative writing ...

... professional experience in cinema production for all phases of the filmmaking process, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Applicants in screenwriting, sound design, post ...

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Professional Screenwriting information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Screenwriter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Screenwriter, you need strong storytelling abilities, mastery of screenplay structure, and a solid understanding of industry formatting standards, often supported by a degree in film, creative writing, or equivalent experience. Familiarity with screenwriting software such as Final Draft or Celtx is commonly required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with producers, directors, and other creatives. These skills and qualities are vital for crafting compelling scripts that resonate with audiences and meet the demands of the entertainment industry.

What are some common challenges professional screenwriters face when collaborating with producers and directors?

Professional screenwriters often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with the practical needs or preferences of producers and directors. It is common to receive feedback that requires significant script revisions, sometimes under tight deadlines. Navigating these requests while maintaining the integrity of the story can be demanding, but strong communication and adaptability are key. Successful screenwriters build collaborative relationships and approach feedback as an opportunity to enhance their script and meet production goals.

What is professional screenwriting?

Professional screenwriting is the craft of writing scripts for films, television shows, or other visual media with the goal of having the work produced and distributed. Professional screenwriters create compelling narratives, develop characters, and format scripts according to industry standards. They often collaborate with producers, directors, and other creatives, and may work on original ideas or adapt existing material. Success in this field typically requires strong storytelling skills, a deep understanding of screenplay structure, and perseverance in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Professional Screenwriting vs Screenplay Writer?

AspectProfessional ScreenwritingScreenplay Writer
CredentialsOften requires industry experience, writing samples, and sometimes film or writing degreesTypically similar, with emphasis on writing skills and portfolio
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with producers, directors, and studios; often in office or studio settingsWorks independently or freelance, submitting scripts to producers or studios
Industry UsageUsed broadly in film, TV, and streaming industries for professional projectsPrimarily used for individual script submissions or freelance work

Professional Screenwriting involves creating scripts for industry projects with a focus on collaboration and meeting industry standards. A Screenplay Writer may work independently, focusing on writing and submitting scripts. While both roles require strong writing skills, professional screenwriters often have more industry experience and work within larger production teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Screenwriting jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Screenwriting jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Screenwriting jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Screenwriting jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Professional Screenwriting job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Adjunct Faculty in Screenwriting

Adjunct Faculty in Screenwriting

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago


DePaul University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
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 campus and at DePaul Cinespace Studios. Find out more about SCA at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
MFA in screenwriting plus professional, produced credits, or significant festival screenings and/or screenwriting contest successes are preferred.
Application Instructions
This posting applies to
  • Screenwriting
  • Scripted television writing
  • Unscripted television writing
  • Web series writing
  • Video game writing
  • Sketch and Comedy writing

Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

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