Screenwriter’s Salary: How Much Do They Earn?
Lights, camera, action! Screenwriting is an art form that has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. But have you ever wondered how much those masterful wordsmiths behind the scenes actually earn? How much do screenwriters make in 2023, especially those working on high-profile projects?
Screenwriters are the backbone of the film and television industry, crafting compelling stories that captivate viewers and transport them to new worlds. Their roles often go beyond writing; they collaborate with directors and producers to ensure the storytelling aligns with the vision.
As a matter of fact, the question of “Do screenwriters make a million dollars just by writing one script?” has been alluring movie fanatics for years. So is it true, or is it hype? We’ll be answering this question for you after a lot of research on a screenwriter’s salary over the years, exploring how much screenwriters make in 2023 and what factors affect their compensation.
This article may surprise you, or you might have heard some of this before. But in any case, you can definitely be ready to make a decision whether to be a full-time screenwriter or not.
And if you are a bit confused on which screenwriting software to use for your scripts, I have reviewed the best software tools used by professionals, some of which are absolutely free to download. Additionally, creating a proper outline using these tools can greatly improve your writing workflow.
And remember, you can directly go to the salary topic by clicking on the relevant field in the index below:
What is the Job of a Screenwriter?
Writing the script of the film to be made. That’s it. But this has many other aspects to it, like doing research for the film if it is a historical drama based on a true story. If it is going to be a sci-fi movie, then doing research by talking to scientists and professors.
The same goes for Teleplays. A one hour pilot has to be scripted in a way that the audience will be kept in suspense for the season of the show. Some writers think that writing for Teleplays is harder than movies because a TV series has a tight schedule for submitting drafts, and often requires an assignment approach to get the first draft in on time.
A script is an extremely important part of filmmaking. Hence, hiring a good scriptwriter for writing a movie based on an idea or a novel is of utmost importance. This is particularly true for production companies aiming to achieve high box office returns.
As screenwriter and director Sydney Pollock has aptly said
“There’s no question that a great script is absolutely essential, maybe the essential thing for a movie to succeed.”
– Sydney Pollock
There are also scriptwriters for comic books and video games. According to writers Lora and Chris, there is no specific format for writing comic book scripts. Script writers in these mediums often have to adapt their storytelling techniques to fit different formats and audiences.
His post on how to write comic book scripts is worth a read.
According to screencraft.org, writing for video games is far more profitable than writing for film and television. To write for video games, you have to know how to make flowcharts. You have to write character biographies, goals of each player.
Writing for video games requires the flair for gaming more than the writing ability. The reason being, unlike movies, gaming is interactive.
2. Qualifications Required to Become a Screenwriter
You don’t need any kind of a degree to be a screenwriter. However that doesn’t mean it’s a piece of cake to write a script. It is one of the hardest parts in filmmaking. Once the formatting and basics of screenwriting is understood, you can start writing a script.
There are some schools like the New York Film Academy which have specific screenwriting courses. And you can also learn it online. But if you are serious about this profession then having at least a bachelor’s degree in any profession like Law, Engineering, BA in English will do. Many aspiring writers also gain experience through internships, often in the Hollywood system, working with seasoned screenwriters.
Hollywood prefers people with a little maturity if not earlier experience as they may want to hire you full-time as an intern and then put you on payscale. This is particularly true for entry-level positions that serve as a way to gain experience in the industry.
Now there are many scriptwriting courses on Udemy and Coursera, which you can take for a minimum fee. These courses are by professionals and for beginner’s and writers with a little bit of experience. You will not learn everything about screenwriting in one course but definitely the basics.
One of the best alternatives is to buy a screenwriting guide to learn this art of writing scripts. There are many books on screenwriting that will help you to become a better writer. They offer intricate details into screenwriting, including how to structure your first draft and navigate the marketplace.
You can even go through some YouTube channels on screenwriting, or podcasts by some people in the industry. Listening to interviews of accomplished writers helps a lot in improving the writing process and boosting our confidence.
Some screenwriting websites and script coverage services offer writing tips and courses. You can subscribe to their email lists to receive the latest updates in the screenwriting world.
Writing, rewriting, practice and reading a lot of good screenplays is the best way to learn screenwriting.
Screenwriter’s Salary Today
Back in the ’80s and ’90s in the day, a list of writers used to get paid a million dollars for a script. Shane Black received $4 million for writing The Long Kiss Goodnight. But he was already an established writer by then. David Koepp also received $4 million dollars for Panic Room. In today’s market, however, the screenwriter’s salary has changed significantly.
But in rare cases, does a writer get paid so much money. The studios really do not disclose how much was paid for a script. Since the last decade, the days when writers used to get paid a million dollars for a spec script or TV series are now gone. The average salary and the compensation structure have evolved, with many factors such as the guild membership and whether the script became a hit affecting the payout.
The salary actually depends mainly on some of these points. They are:
The experience of the writer
Is it going to be an adapted screenplay or an original screenplay
The research that the writer have to make
Whether the writer is a member of the WGA
Whether the writer is working on a Teleplay or feature film.
The budget of the movie.
Here’s a table of estimated salaries for all types of screenwriters who are registered members of WGA. Keep in mind that these figures can vary and are influenced by many factors, including the writer’s portfolio and ability to sell a screenplay.
Writers for Films, Teleplays, Comic, Games Minimum Average
Low budget feature films ($10-20 million) $72,000 $100,000
High budget feature films ($20-100 million) $136,000 $220,000
Teleplay writers (30 minutes) $19,244 $25,000
Teleplay writers (60 minutes) $25,963 $32,000
Comic Book writers $80 per page $150 per page
Freelance writers $50 per hour $100 per hour
Video Game writers $4000 $20,000
Entry-level script writers $30,000 per year $50,000 per year
A writer is never paid the amount upfront. A certain amount, usually 40-50% is paid on the commencement, the remaining amount after the rewrite and completion. This breakdown helps manage the payment process effectively.
There are different salaries for different credits according to the 2017 WGA agreement. This lays down the minimum wages according to the part being played by writers in the projects. Trends in screenwriter salary show an increase over the years.
How to Sell Screenplays
Screenplays are sold daily in Hollywood. Deals are made, and projects are still shelved. But it doesn’t mean you can sell a script easily to any studio or a producer. The story, first of all, has to have a meaning to it. It has to be different from the movies being made today. Being able to sell your script is an art in itself.
For example, if you write a script for a superhero movie and the script is really good, it would still be the worst mistake you would be making. That’s because there have been dozens of movies made on superheroes like avengers and the Batman franchise. So the studio doesn’t know if the audience will go for such a hero.
There are already good enough writers for writing superhero films. The more expensive a script will be for any to produce, the harder it will be to sell.
Michael Hauge (author of Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds) says;
“Convey the most powerful elements of your story clearly, succinctly and passionately”
-Michael Hauge
One way of selling scripts is by applying to screenwriting contests. Festivals like the Bluecat Screenplay competition of the Final Draft Big Break competition can help you to land a deal or at least get noticed. This can increase your chances of getting your script made.
Start building connections online if you can go to LA. Many indie filmmakers look for fresh content.
Find an agent and get to know them better. Negotiating terms with an agent can be crucial.
Start asking questions of forums on screenwriting like Reddit to learn about factors that affect your potential success.
There is no one place to sell your script. Meanwhile, start connecting with other writers for collaborations. Patience is the key here. Aspiring screenwriters should also consider the backend of deals, like residuals and syndication opportunities.
Should You Be a Full-Time Screenwriter
So you have sold your first spec script for $150,000 to a big studio through an agent. After paying the agent and lawyer and taxes you have $90,000 with you. And you had written the script in just 3 months with your day job. So now the question is, should you quit your job? Remember, maintaining a day job offers financial stability while pursuing your passion.
Not! You got lucky my friend. You may not sell another script for 5 years. You have the storytelling ability and the writing skills but get to know the people in the business of filmmaking first. Writing experience and networking are key to longer-term success.
Start writing another script. Have meetings with agents and producers. There are many things that you can do to be sure that you’ll sell another script. And then quit your job. And that is what most screenwriters who have made it big will say (if they are honest enough). Screenwriters like those working for HBO or Paramount often follow this path.
To make a story look good onscreen is a collaborative effort of the producer, editor, director, writer and a whole bunch of other people. Even if you get paid just $2000 for a script, there’s still a lot to learn in terms of writing and selling. Consider negotiating for a higher rate and understanding salary trends in the industry.
Writing passionately along with working smartly in the industry will get you that million dollars you want for writing those wonderful stories you have in your mind. Keep an eye on the trend of bidding wars and backend deals to maximize your earnings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, screenwriting is a fascinating and rewarding career path for those who have a passion for storytelling and a writing talent.
While the screenwriting industry can be competitive, there are many opportunities for aspiring writers to break into the field and succeed.
Screenwriters play a vital role in the film and television industry, creating the foundation for the stories that captivate audiences around the world.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring writer, there is always room to grow and improve your craft.
With hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck, you could be the next great screenwriter, shaping the future of entertainment and captivating audiences for generations to come.
FAQs
These frequently asked questions aim to help new writers understand the screenwriting industry better.
1. What is screenwriting?
Answer: Screenwriting is the process of writing a screenplay for a film or television show, which includes developing the story, characters, and dialogue. This applies to both film and television screenplays.
2. What is the role of a screenwriter in the film and television industry?
Answer: Screenwriters are responsible for creating the foundation of a film or television show. They write the script, develop characters, and determine the story arc. They work closely with producers, directors, and other members of the creative team to bring their vision to life on the screen.
3. What factors affect a screenwriter’s salary?
Answer: Several factors can affect a screenwriter’s salary, including their level of experience, the size and scope of the production they are working on, the budget of the film or television show, and whether they are working on a union project. Salary trends and hourly rates are also important considerations.
4. Are there any other perks or benefits to being a screenwriter?
Answer: Being a screenwriter can come with several perks and benefits, such as working on exciting projects, collaborating with talented individuals, and having creative control over the story and characters. Working professionally in this field can also lead to residual income and invitations to prestigious industry events.
Screenwriters may also have the opportunity to attend film festivals and industry events and may receive recognition and awards for their work.
5. What are the qualifications needed to become a screenwriter?
Answer: The qualifications needed to become a screenwriter can vary, but typically include a strong understanding of story structure, character development, and dialogue. Many screenwriters have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in film or a related field, as well as experience working in the entertainment industry. New writers should focus on building their page count and honing their craft.
