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

Updated on Jan 2, 2025 12:59 IST
Akansha Bisht

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.

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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

  • Feature Films
  • Short Films
  • Independent Films

Television and Web Series

  • Television Shows
  • OTT Platforms
  • Web Series

Advertising

  • Commercials
  • Branded Content

Video Games

  • Story Development
  • Interactive Content

Corporate and Educational Content

  • Training Videos
  • Internal Communications

Theater and Performing Arts

  • Stage Plays
  • Performance Art

New Media

  • Podcasts and Audio Dramas
  • Virtual Reality(VR) and Augmented Reality(AR)
  • Social Media Contents

Publishing

  • Graphic Novels and Comics
  • Adaptation

Freelance and Consultancy

  • Script Doctoring
  • Consultancy

Academia and Workshops

  • Teaching
  • Writing Workshops

Animation

  • Animated Films and Series
  • Children’s Programming

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)

University of Mumbai

5.33 LPA

GICEDEDU, Mumbai

5 LPA

Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, Jaipur

2.5 LPA

Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar

3 LPA

Asian Academy of Film & Television, Noida

3.5 LPA

DAVV, Indore

6.32 LPA

Also Read:

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:

  1. Develop writing skills
  2. Read Screenplays
  3. Watch Films Critically
  4. Write your own scripts
  5. Learn Screenwriting Software
  6. Take Screenplay Writing Courses
  7. Join Screenplay Writing Communities
  8. Seek Feedback
  9. Create a Portfolio
  10. 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.

Table of content
  • 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

Following are the most popular Screenplay Writing Colleges in India. Learn more about these Screenplay Writing colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
1.45 L
1.0
1 Course
74.98 K
70 K
2 Courses
1.5 L - 3.25 L
4.0

Screenplay Writing Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course

Popular Private Screenplay Writing Colleges in India

2 Courses
11.04 L - 13.04 L
1 Course
1.45 L
1.0
1 Course
74.98 K
70 K

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Screenplay Writing. Students interested in pursuing a career on Screenplay Writing, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

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

14 Nov ' 24 - 30 Oct ' 25

CGCUET 2025 Registration

Popular Screenplay Writing UG Courses

Following are the most popular Screenplay Writing UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Screenplay Writing PG Courses

Following are the most popular Screenplay Writing PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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