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Scripted Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dhar Mann Studios

Development Producer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$2.0K/day

We are seeking a dynamic Development Producer with a background across the digital, SVOD, vertical ... Dhar Mann Studios continues to change the game of scripted storytelling. We are expanding our ...

Dhar Mann Studios

Development Producer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K/yr

Dhar Mann Studios continues to change the game of scripted storytelling. We are expanding our ... A minimum of 3+ years working in scripted development within the film and television industry ...

CJ ENM USA, INC.

Intern, Scripted TV

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42/hr

This role is intended for candidates with a strong interest in the television industry and scripted series development, offering the opportunity to observe and participate in the early creative ...

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Scripted Development information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$76.4K

$131.3K

How much do scripted development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for scripted development in California is $76,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is scripted development?

Scripted development refers to the process of creating, refining, and preparing written scripts for television shows, movies, or web series before they go into production. This involves generating ideas, writing and revising scripts, and working with writers, producers, and network executives to shape the story and characters. Scripted development is a critical phase that helps ensure a project is compelling, marketable, and ready to move forward into filming or production.

How does a scripted development professional typically collaborate with writers and production teams during the early stages of a TV or film project?

In Scripted Development, professionals work closely with writers to shape story concepts, provide notes on scripts, and ensure that creative visions align with network or studio goals. They also coordinate with production teams to assess the feasibility of scripts from a budgetary and logistical perspective. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and cross-departmental discussions are common, making strong communication and collaboration skills essential. This collaborative approach helps streamline the transition from script to screen, ensuring projects are viable and creatively strong.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in scripted development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Scripted Development, you need a strong understanding of storytelling, script analysis, and the television/film production process, often supported by a degree in film, media, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Final Draft, script coverage systems, and content management platforms is beneficial. Creative vision, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with writers and executives are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure the effective evaluation and development of compelling scripts, fostering successful projects in a competitive entertainment industry.

What is the difference between Scripted Development vs Automated Testing?

AspectScripted DevelopmentAutomated Testing
Primary FocusWriting and developing software applicationsCreating scripts to test software functionality
Required SkillsProgramming, software designScripting, testing frameworks
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding environmentsQA teams, testing labs
CertificationsComputer Science, Software Development certificationsISTQB, testing certifications

Scripted Development involves designing and coding software applications, focusing on building features and functionalities. Automated Testing, on the other hand, involves creating scripts to automatically verify software quality. While both roles require programming skills, Scripted Development emphasizes application creation, whereas Automated Testing centers on quality assurance through scripting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scripted Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Scripted Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Scripted Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Scripted Development job openings:

Scripted Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scripted Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,424 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Sr. Director, TV Business Affairs (Scripted)

Lionsgate

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$160 - $190/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Lionsgate rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Sr. Director, TV Business Affairs (Scripted)

Department: Business and Legal Affairs

Location: Santa Monica, CA, US, 90404

Summary of Position

Lionsgate Television is seeking a Sr. Director, Television Business Affairs to support the development, production, financing, and exploitation of scripted television programming for a leading independent television studio. Reporting to senior business affairs leadership, this role serves as a key legal and commercial partner to Creative, Production, Finance, and Distribution teams, with primary responsibility for negotiating and drafting agreements across the full lifecycle of scripted television projects—from development through distribution.

The ideal candidate will bring strong negotiation skills, sound legal judgment, and the ability to manage complex deal flows independently in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities

Deal Negotiation & Structuring

  • Negotiate, draft, and interpret a wide range of scripted television agreements, including:
  • Writer, producer, director, and showrunner agreements

Test deals and options

  • Series, pilot, episodic, and development agreements
  • Talent agreements and underlying rights option/purchase agreements
  • Co‑production, financing, and deficit arrangements
  • Advise internal stakeholders on deal structure, compensation models, back‑end participation, and guild compliance.
  • Exercise independent judgment while escalating material or high‑risk issues as appropriate.

Development & Production Support

  • Work on current productions with higher level BA leadership through prep, principal photography, and post, addressing deal‑related and contractual issues as they arise.
  • Serve as the primary business affairs contact for assigned scripted television projects from early development through production and delivery.
  • Partner closely with Creative executives on development strategies, test scenarios, and talent engagement models.
  • Review and advise on scripts, outlines, and other development materials for contractual, legal, and rights implications.

Rights Management & Distribution

  • Advise on rights, clearances, chain‑of‑title, and restrictions in connection with domestic and international exploitation.
  • Support distribution, licensing, and ancillary arrangements across linear, SVOD, AVOD, and emerging platforms.
  • Interpret and advise on existing agreements in response to internal inquiries and downstream distribution needs.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Advisory

  • Act as a trusted business affairs advisor to Creative, Production, Finance, Legal, and Distribution teams.
  • Provide clear, pragmatic guidance that balances creative goals, legal risk, schedule, and budget considerations.
  • Monitor and stay current on industry trends, guild agreements (WGA, DGA, SAG‑AFTRA), and evolving scripted television business models.
Qualifications and Skills
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) required; membership in at least one U.S. state bar (California preferred).
  • 6–10 years of experience in television business affairs or entertainment law, with a focus on scripted television, at a studio, network, production company, or major law firm.
  • Direct experience negotiating test deals, test options, and scripted development agreements.
  • Strong working knowledge of guild agreements and scripted television deal structures.
  • Excellent drafting, negotiation, and issue‑spotting skills.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail.
  • Collaborative, flexible, and solutions‑oriented with the confidence to operate independently.
Additional Requirements

This position requires five (5) days per week in office.

Compensation

$160,000 - $190,000

Benefits
  • Full Coverage – Medical, Vision, and Dental
  • Work/Life Balance – generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and Impact Day
  • 401(k) company matching
EEO Statement

Lionsgate is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Lionsgate will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Lionsgate will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.

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