Screenwriters create the scripts that serve as the basis for movies and TV shows. Screenwriters create original screenplays. They also adapt novels and short stories. Inspiration can also come from newspaper and magazine articles, blogs and podcasts.

Screenplays follow a specialized format that makes it easy for producers, directors and others to visualize scenes and imagine how they might be filmed. Specialized software can help with this formatting, but screenwriters must know basic movie-making terms and structure.

Established screenwriters have agents who shop their scripts around and handle negotiations with interested producers. Once a script is picked up, it’s not uncommon for producers to bring in other writers to work with the original writer or to add new scenes and plot lines.

Creativity

Screenwriters need to come up with lots of ideas. Only a tiny percentage of screenplays get made.

Curiosity

Screenwriters find ideas in all kinds of places. They should read widely and follow current events and social media.

Filmmaking knowledge

Understanding how movies and TV shows are made will help your script appeal to others in the industry.

Perseverance

Screenwriters need to be able to handle rejection. They can’t take it personally and must move on to new ideas.

Screenwriters must be open to new ideas and have thick skins. The ideas lead to screenplays. The thick skin helps them deal with rejection and handle the rewrites that are all part of the job.