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Tv Script Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the ... Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including script analysis and editorial note ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the ... Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including script analysis and editorial note ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the ... Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including script analysis and editorial note ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the ... Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including script analysis and editorial note ...

DramaBox

Localization Screenwriter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Demonstrated experience writing, adapting, or localizing scripts for television, digital media, or short-form content. * Bachelor's degree in Film, Television, Creative Writing, Communications, or a ...

Hearst Television

Anchor Reporter

Salinas, CA

$60K - $67K/yr

Our anchors write and edit scripts with conversational communication in mind. We are looking for a ... Values in Action At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all ...

Hearst Television

Anchor Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$60K - $67K/yr

Our anchors write and edit scripts with conversational communication in mind. We are looking for a ... Values in Action At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all ...

Hearst

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

May also assist in research and other tasks TV News Production * Practice writing and formatting scripts for broadcast * Time in the field shadowing reporters or anchors at a live report Digital News ...

Hearst

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20/hr

May also assist in research and other tasks TV News Production * Practice writing and formatting scripts for broadcast * Time in the field shadowing reporters or anchors at a live report Digital News ...

Hearst Newspapers

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

May also assist in research and other tasks TV News Production * Practice writing and formatting scripts for broadcast * Time in the field shadowing reporters or anchors at a live report Digital News ...

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Tv Script Writer information

See California salary details

$6

$28

$55

How much do tv script writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for tv script writer in California is $28.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.36 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a TV script writer?

A TV script writer is responsible for creating the dialogue, character interactions, and storylines for television shows. They develop scripts based on original ideas or adapt existing content to fit a specific format. TV script writers collaborate with producers, directors, and other writers to ensure the show’s vision is effectively realized. Their work involves outlining episodes, writing drafts, and revising scripts based on feedback. Strong storytelling skills and an understanding of TV structure are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a TV script writer?

To thrive as a TV Script Writer, you need strong storytelling abilities, creative writing skills, and often a degree in screenwriting, film, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Final Draft, Celtx, or WriterDuet is common, though formal certification is less emphasized than demonstrated writing samples or credits. Excellent collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to accept constructive feedback are valuable soft skills that help a scriptwriter succeed in a team-driven environment. These competencies are essential for producing compelling scripts that fit the show's format, meet production timelines, and resonate with diverse audiences.

What does a typical workday look like for a TV script writer?

A typical day for a TV Script Writer often involves brainstorming story ideas, outlining episodes, writing and revising scripts, and participating in writers' room discussions with other team members. You may collaborate closely with producers, directors, and fellow writers to ensure scripts align with the show's vision and production requirements. Deadlines are frequent, so the ability to manage your time and respond to feedback quickly is important. Writers often work on multiple drafts, attend meetings, and stay updated on industry trends to keep content fresh and engaging. The work environment can be fast-paced and highly collaborative, especially during active production periods.

What are popular job titles related to Tv Script Writer jobs in California?

For Tv Script Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tv Script Writer jobs in California look for?

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Tv Script Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tv Script Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,766 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Sr. Director, TV Business Affairs (Scripted)

Lionsgate

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 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

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.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) is one of the world's leading standalone, pure play, publicly traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by the studio's bold and entrepreneurial culture.
Business Unit Overview
Lionsgate Television
Lionsgate's Television Group is a leading supplier of premium programming to buyers around the world. With a rich history of acclaimed television series such as Mad Men, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Orange is the New Black, Nashville and The Studio, Lionsgate Television series have earned 396 Emmy Award nominations and 47 Emmys. Lionsgate's Television Group includes nearly 100 series spanning 40+ networks from Lionsgate Television, Lionsgate Alternative Television, Lionsgate Worldwide Television Distribution, 3 Arts Entertainment and Debmar-Mercury.
Our Benefits
  • Full Coverage - Medical, Vision, and Dental
  • Work/Life Balance - generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and Impact Day
  • 401(k) company matching

Compensation
$160,000 - $190,000
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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