Screenplay Writing Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Some of the top job profiles are Television Writer, Web Series Writer, Story Analyst, Video Game Writer etc. Top recruiters are Film studios like Warner Bros, Sony Pictures etc. and Television networks like HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix etc. The average salary of a screenwriter is INR 5.9 LPA.
Read More:
Screenplay Writing Career: Quick Facts
- More than 40% of the Artists claim that they use AI technologies to help them in writing scripts, characters and other related tasks.
- According to a survey conducted in 2023 by the US, 51% of the professionals acknowledged the fact that generative AI reduced a huge amount of their workload by providing assistance in production of Films, TV etc.
- In 2020, Europeans comprised the highest number of scriptwriters in the market (around 72%) which was a huge increase as compared to the previous year.
- Male Writers in New Zealand increased from 35.2% to 49.2% in the period between 2019 and 2020.
- India’s first screenplay writing course was designed at FTII in 2004 by Anjum Rajabali , who set up the screenwriting department at Whistling Woods International in 2006.
Why Pursue Screenplay Writing?
- Creative Freedom
- Collaborative Workplace
- Future Scope
- High Income
Top Career Profiles in Screenplay Writing
Listed below are the top Screenplay writing job profiles with their average salary:
|
Job Profile |
Job Details |
Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Film Screenwriter |
· Writing scripts for movies, including original screenplays and adaptations. · Developing storylines, characters, and dialogue. · Collaborating with directors, producers, and actors to refine the script. |
INR 4 LPA |
|
Television Writer |
· Writing scripts for TV shows, which can include series, miniseries, and TV movies. · Developing episodic content, character arcs, and season-long storylines. · Working in a writers' room environment, often as part of a team. |
INR 3.3 LPA |
|
Video Game Writer |
· Developing narratives, dialogue, and character backstories for video games. · Collaborating with game designers, artists, and programmers to integrate the story into the gameplay. · Writing branching storylines and interactive dialogue options. |
INR 2.5 LPA |
|
Web Series Writer |
· Writing scripts for web-based series, often distributed on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and streaming services. · Developing episodic content that appeals to online audiences. · Often working with smaller budgets and independent production teams. |
INR 3 LPA |
|
Green Story Analyst |
· Reading and evaluating scripts for production companies, studios, and agencies. · Providing detailed notes and feedback on story structure, character development, and marketability. · Helping producers and executives decide which projects to pursue. |
INR 6.2 LPA |
Disclaimer: The above salary data has been obtained from ambitionbox.
Screenplay Writing Career Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education
Below table shows the top Screenplay writing career scope in India with salary and details:
|
Job Sector |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Film Industry |
|
|
Television and Web Series |
|
|
Advertising |
|
|
Video Games |
|
|
Corporate and Educational Content |
|
|
Theater and Performing Arts |
|
|
New Media |
|
|
Publishing |
|
|
Freelance and Consultancy |
|
|
Academia and Workshops |
|
|
Animation |
|
Disclaimer: The info. is taken from external sites and may vary.
Courses after Graduation in Screenplay Writing
Below is the list of some of the best and beneficial courses available for screenplay writing:
|
Courses |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting |
An MFA in Screenwriting is a highly regarded 2-year postgraduate degree that offers in-depth training in writing for films and television. |
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Screenwriting |
It is a shorter and more focused program than an MFA. It provides practical skills in screenwriting often with the opportunities to work on real-world projects. |
|
Script Analysis and Coverage Courses |
These are a few weeks or months courses which teaches the art of script analysis and essential skills for those interested in script doctoring or working as a script reader or consultant. |
Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Screenplay Writing Top Recruiters
Here are some of the Top recruiters for screenplay writers:
|
Screenwriting Top Recruiters |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Sony Pictures Entertainment |
Walt Disney Studios |
Yash Raj Films |
|
Dharma Productions |
Balaji Motion Pictures |
Pixar Animation Studios |
|
Netflix |
Disney+ Hotstar |
Nintendo |
|
Green Gold Animations |
Studio Ghibli |
Rockstar Games |
|
Madison World |
Paramount Pictures |
Sony Interactive Entertainment |
|
Red Chillies Entertainment |
Amazon Prime |
Filtercopy |
Best Screenplay Writing Colleges for Placements In India
Take a look at some of the best Screenplay writing colleges in the list below:
|
Colleges for Screenplay Writing |
Average Salary Offered (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
5.33 LPA |
|
|
5 LPA |
|
|
2.5 LPA |
|
|
3 LPA |
|
|
3.5 LPA |
|
|
6.32 LPA |
Also Read:
- Best Film Making Colleges in India; Fees, Courses and More
- Top Colleges in India offering Film Making Courses
Screenplay Writing Courses FAQs
How do I start a career as a screenwriter?
To start a career as a screenplay writer, you should followcertain given below scripts:
- Develop writing skills
- Read Screenplays
- Watch Films Critically
- Write your own scripts
- Learn Screenwriting Software
- Take Screenplay Writing Courses
- Join Screenplay Writing Communities
- Seek Feedback
- Create a Portfolio
- Enter in Screenwriting Contests
Is becoming a screenwriter a good career option?
A: Yes, becoming a screenwriter can be a good career option for those who want to become successful in their career. As this career is highly creative and give high earnings. but it is also highly competitive.
What is the difference between a screenplay writer and an author?
A: The major difference between the screenplay writer and an author is the Screenplay writer creates scripts for films, television shows, and video games, on the other hand an author writes books, articles, and other literary works intended for publication.
Which screenwriting software is better for screenwriters: CeltX, Final Draft, or something else?
Nothing beyond Final Draft, in my opinion. It is the norm in the film industry. Screenwriters that take their craft seriously must be familiar with and comprehend Final Draft. Although there are less expensive software options available, screenwriters who are serious about their craft should have backup plans in case something goes wrong.
Producers will want you to run reports on your scripts, and you'll be forwarding work-in-progress to them all (with Final Drafts in hand), among other things. While it is true that you can choose the less expensive choice when you first start out and pay the Final Draft price later, I advise you to wait the additional time you require before purchasing Final Draft.
How do I become a TV script writer in India?
Start by studying scriptwriting and understanding the basics of storytelling, structure, and character development. Write your own scripts and practice regularly. Register yourself as a writer in writer’s association. Once you are a member of writers association, register your script.
Now you are free to circulate your script to all the suitable prospects. Visit the offices of directors, production houses and web series platforms and distribute your script. Network with industry professionals and attend workshops. Consider working as an assistant or in related roles to gain experience and make connections.
What do I need to do to become a script writer in India?
- Learn the basics: Grasp an understanding of the screenplay structure, dialogue writing, transitions of scenes, and other elements of scriptwriting.
- Join courses and institutions: Aim for top screenwriting universities in India like SRFTI (SatyajitRay Film and Television Institute) and FTII, Pune to gain exposure. One can find resourceful scriptwriting courses on portals like Udemy and Coursera.
- Connect to a writer’s group: Be a part of discussions and debates. Collaborate with other writers, share your ideas, and keep improvising on your writing.
- Gain industry knowledge: Research about the in-depths of screenwriting elements such as what scripts are being sold, what movies are being picked up, and so on. Refer to the works of other screenwriters to see for yourself how it’s done.
- Write Scrips: Start writing with basic scenes and conversation. And once you are done with that, write the complete script. You can use software like Caltex.
- Build a portfolio: Keep updating and organizing your work. Pitch your scripts to studios & producers. This will help you set foot in the industry & open many doors.
Is it advisable to pursue a career as a screenplay writer without any connections or prior experience in the industry?
Begin by honing your writing skills and creating a strong portfolio of scripts. While connections help, focus on developing your craft, entering writing competitions, and networking through industry events. Seek out opportunities to collaborate on independent projects or short films. Persistence and building your reputation can help you break into the industry, even without initial connections.
Where does one start if he wants to make it as a screenwriter in Hollywood?
Write original scripts and focus on perfecting your craft. Enter screenwriting competitions, attend film festivals, and network with industry professionals. Consider moving to Los Angeles to be closer to the heart of the industry. Look for representation by a literary agent or manager who can help you pitch your scripts to studios and production companies. Keep writing and stay persistent.
Is there a scarcity of jobs in the film Industry?
There is an old saying that the top 1% of any profession is super rich. The ones who are super talented and have the desire to fulfil their dreams will eventually find their way into the field of script writing and make a fruitful career out of this course. Abundant opportunities will be offered to the individuals having the desired skillset
Who is the top recruiter in the field of script writing?
Bollywood film producers and TV production sets are the top aspired fields of the candidates pursuing screenplay writing. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Dharma film productions, Disney Studios, Sony Pictures, Yash Raj Films, Nintendo, Filtercopy etc. are some of the big names in the industry known to the masses.
- Popular Screenplay Writing Colleges in India
- Popular Private Screenplay Writing Colleges in India
- Popular Exams
- Popular Screenplay Writing UG Courses
- Popular Screenplay Writing PG Courses
Popular Screenplay Writing Colleges in India
Screenplay Writing Applications open. Apply Now
Popular Private Screenplay Writing Colleges in India
Popular Exams
31 Oct ' 25 | Last Date for submitting Qualifying Exam result (... |
14 Jul ' 25 - 15 Oct ' 25 | JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Counselling |
Oct '25 | SAT Registration Deadline for November Test TENTATIVE |
10 Nov ' 25 | Last Date to Pay Seat Acceptance Fee (Extended) |
Nov '25 | FTII JET 2025 Commencement of Classes TENTATIVE |
Popular Screenplay Writing UG Courses
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
7 Colleges
- B.A.
3 Colleges
- B.Sc.
2 Colleges
- BVA
1 College
Popular Screenplay Writing PG Courses
PG Courses
- PG Diploma
5 Colleges
- M.A.
1 College
- M.Sc.
1 College
News & Updates
Oct 30, 2025
Student Forum
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 65k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 682k Reviews
- 1800k Answers