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Media & Film

Screenwriter

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Screenwriters are responsible for creating the scripts used in films, television shows, and sometimes video games or online content. Their work involves developing original story ideas or adapting existing material into scripts that can be turned into visual productions. Screenwriters must master storytelling, character development, dialogue, and scene structure. They often collaborate with producers, directors, and editors to revise scripts and ensure they meet production requirements. The career can be highly competitive and often starts with building a portfolio, networking, and sometimes working on short films, independent projects, or as script readers or assistants before getting major credits.

Screenwriter

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Screenwriters in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £40,000 per year, though some experienced writers can earn significantly more, especially if their work is commissioned for major productions.

Industry Size

The UK film and television industry supports over 180,000 jobs, with thousands of screenwriters contributing to scripts for film, TV, and digital media.

Freelance Prevalence

More than 60 percent of screenwriters in the UK work on a freelance basis, pitching scripts and story ideas to production companies.

🚀 Careers in this path

Television Drama Writer

Creates scripts and storylines specifically for television drama series, working closely with producers and directors to develop engaging episodes.

Children's Animation Scriptwriter

Writes scripts for animated shows aimed at children, focusing on age-appropriate storytelling, humour, and educational content.

Video Game Narrative Designer

Develops dialogue, story arcs, and character backstories for video games, ensuring the story fits seamlessly with gameplay and player choices.

Develop Writing Skills

Practise Creative Writing

Start writing stories, scripts, and dialogue regularly to build your writing skills.

Try writing short stories, plays, or even scenes for television or film. Focus on developing unique characters, realistic dialogue, and compelling narratives. Joining a writing club or taking part in online writing challenges can help you gain feedback and improve.

Study Screenplays

Read and analyse professional screenplays to understand structure and formatting.

Look for scripts of your favourite films or television shows online. Pay attention to how scenes are structured, how dialogue is written, and how action is described. Learning screenplay formatting is essential—consider using software like Celtx or Final Draft for practice.

Gain Qualifications and Experience

Take Relevant Courses

Pursue A-levels, college courses, or a university degree in English, Creative Writing, or Film Studies.

While not always required, formal education can help you understand storytelling techniques, script analysis, and the film industry. Some universities offer specialised screenwriting courses. You can also attend workshops or short courses to strengthen your skills.

Create a Portfolio

Write original scripts or short films to showcase your abilities.

Having a portfolio of completed scripts, short films, or filmed scenes demonstrates your talent to potential employers or collaborators. Enter screenwriting competitions or submit your work to film festivals to gain recognition and feedback.

Build Industry Connections

Attend Industry Events

Go to film festivals, writing workshops, and networking events to meet industry professionals.

Events like the London Screenwriters Festival or local film meet-ups are great for learning from experienced writers and making valuable contacts. Building relationships with producers, directors, and other writers can lead to opportunities.

Collaborate on Projects

Work with student filmmakers or local production groups to get your scripts produced.

Collaborating on short films or web series helps you gain practical experience and credits for your CV. Look for opportunities on websites like Shooting People or Mandy Network, where film makers seek writers for new projects.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Content Creation Apprentice

LOCALLY WE DO... LTD

( Added 03 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Join Locally We Do... Ltd as a Content Creator Apprentice and master the art of impactful storytelling across digital platforms. Learn to craft videos, images, and articles that connect with audiences, while gaining hands-on experience in modern marketing and creative production.

Closing date: in 9 days

Possible start date: 01 Nov 2025

IT Apprenticeship

S B K COMPUTERS LTD

( Added 05 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Join SBK Computers Ltd, a friendly and trusted IT company that’s been supporting businesses in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire since 1998. As an apprentice, you’ll get hands-on experience fixing hardware, installing software, first-line support, and more. You will be working with a supportive team that has helped numerous apprentices learn and grow.

Closing date: in 2 days

Possible start date: 21 Oct 2025

Production Assistant Apprentice

BIG HEAD CONTENT LIMITED

( Added 08 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

This role is integral to the production process, requiring a proactive individual who can handle various administrative and logistical tasks. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the industry, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 01 Dec 2025

Data Processor Apprentice

FORESIGHT (NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE)

( Added 08 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Are you organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a difference behind the scenes? As a Data Processor, you’ll play a key role in keeping things running smoothly, from managing vital records to coordinating services that support the community every day.

Closing date: in 21 days

Possible start date: 22 Nov 2025

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by private training providers

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification to improve your job prospects, though this is not essential. Useful subjects include:

  • creative writing
  • English
  • media and communications
  • film studies
  • journalism
  • psychology

You should aim to get as much experience of reading other people's and writing your own scripts, alongside your studies.

Your university careers service can give advice on societies, work experience, internship and year placement opportunities that will help you build your creative network and develop your skills.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

College

When you're starting out you may find it useful to take a college course to help develop your skills and understand dramatic structure and production.

Courses are available in:

  • creative writing
  • scriptwriting
  • creative and digital media

Adult education centres, colleges and universities sometimes run short courses in writing for screen.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Direct Application

If you want to get directly into this job, you may have an advantage if you have writing and storytelling experience from another field like journalism, advertising copywriting or acting.

You'll normally start by coming up with your own screenplays and ideas, and trying to sell them to agents and producers. Once you've had some work accepted and started to build a professional reputation, producers might then commission you to produce scripts for them.

Other Routes

You could take short courses in screenwriting run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.

More Information

Career tips

As a new writer, you could get yourself noticed by entering screenwriting competitions. These competitions are run by broadcasters and regional screen agencies to discover new talent.

You can also find advice about submitting your work to the BBC at BBC Writers.

Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with people in the industry and make sure you have a portfolio to show your skills.

Further information

You can get more advice on writing careers in film and TV from ScreenSkills.

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

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