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Scripted Television Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CJ ENM USA, INC.

Intern, Scripted TV

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42/hr

Scripted TV Intern FLSA : Nonexempt/ Part-Time Rate: $18.42/hourly Location: Los Angeles, CA (on-site) Duration: 9/20/2026 - 12/11/2026 Company Overview: CJ ENM (Entertainment & Media) is the leader ...

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Scripted Television information

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How much do scripted television jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for scripted television in the United States is $15.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is scripted television?

Scripted television refers to TV shows that are written and planned in advance, with actors performing from a script. This includes dramas, comedies, sitcoms, and other narrative-driven series, as opposed to unscripted content like reality shows or documentaries. Scripted television relies on screenwriters, directors, and a creative team to develop storylines, characters, and dialogue, creating a structured and cohesive viewing experience. These shows are typically produced for broadcast networks, cable, or streaming platforms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scripted television writer?

To thrive as a Scripted Television Writer, you need strong storytelling abilities, script formatting knowledge, and typically a background in creative writing or screenwriting. Familiarity with industry-standard screenwriting software like Final Draft and a solid understanding of television production processes are essential. Creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to accept feedback are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for producing compelling scripts that align with production needs and resonate with audiences in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by writers in scripted television, and how can they be addressed?

Writers in scripted television often face tight deadlines, frequent revisions, and the need to balance creative vision with network or studio feedback. Collaboration is key, as writers work closely with showrunners, producers, and sometimes actors to ensure that scripts align with the overall direction of the show. To succeed, it’s important to be adaptable, receptive to feedback, and able to work well in a team-oriented environment. Developing strong organizational and communication skills can help writers navigate these challenges and contribute effectively to the writers' room.

What is the difference between Scripted Television vs Scripted Film?

AspectScripted TelevisionScripted Film
Work EnvironmentTelevision studios, production sets, episodic seriesMovie sets, film studios, cinematic productions
Production ScheduleFaster turnaround, multiple episodes per seasonLonger production timelines, single project focus
Content FormatSerialized episodes, ongoing story arcsFeature-length films, standalone stories
Industry UsagePrimarily TV networks, streaming platformsMovie studios, independent filmmakers

Scripted Television and Scripted Film share many skills like storytelling, scriptwriting, and production knowledge. However, they differ mainly in production pace, format, and distribution channels. Scripted Television involves episodic content with quicker turnarounds, while Scripted Film focuses on standalone movies with longer development times.

More about Scripted Television jobs

What states have the most Scripted Television jobs?

States with the most job openings for Scripted Television jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Scripted Television jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Scripted Television jobs are:

Scripted Television jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scripted Television job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,210 per year, or $16 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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