How to Hire a Screenwriter
- Phil Parker
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Maybe you're an independent film director, producer, or investor looking to hire a screenwriter. Maybe you're an author dying to adapt their book into an awesome screenplay. Or it could be you just have a great idea for a movie bouncing around in your head and don't know how to get it on the page. Whatever your reason for wanting to hire a screenwriter, StoriesByPhil gives you the tips and resources below to find the best one for your project.
Note: This article deals specifically with feature film screenwriters. Not TV scriptwriters.
How much does it cost to hire a screenwriter?
That's like asking, 'How long is a piece of string?' It depends.
Only a union (like the Writer's Guild of America) mandates what an employer must pay their members. If you're reading this article, chances are you don't have the development funds to hire a WGA writer. They can cost upwards of $75k USD. But not to worry. The good news is most available screenwriters out there are not union members. They set their rates according to their talent, experience, and what the market will bear. At least the good and honest ones do.
The rates for hiring a screenwriter range wildly, but here's a rough cost guide for the affordable ones. Amounts are in USD:
$500 - $2,000-ish | Students, newbies, and some of the questionable writers on freelance platforms. |
$3000 - $5,000-ish | Screenwriters who have written a few of their own scripts, placed in some contests, or may have written an ultra-low budget feature for someone that was or wasn't produced. |
$6,000 - $30,000-ish | Screenwriters with credits on low-budget films that were produced, that have written projects that were bought or optioned, or have been hired to write several scripts for producers and directors that are so far unproduced. |
$31,000 - $70,000-ish | Screenwriters with credits on lowish to medium budget films, or uncredited screenwriters with a large portfolio of verifiable paid work. |
Where can I hire a screenwriter?
Like most things in life, when you hire a screenwriter, you tend to get what you pay for.
If you want to pay a screenwriter bananas, you'll probably get a monkey.
The least expensive screenwriters you'll find tend to be on the freelance platforms listed below. The quality of the talent and experience ranges from good to bad. And these days, with artificial intelligence, there's a good chance some writers will bang out your script with ChatGPT like a factory pumping out widgets. So, buyer beware! Do your due diligence. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you'd rather hire a screenwriter from a platform geared specifically to filmmakers and screenwriters, check out these options:
LinkedIn is not film-industry specific, but you'll find lots of screenwriters there. LinkedIn profiles make it easy to do your due diligence. Check out the verifiable reviews connected to each screenwriting project.
Many professional screenwriters also have websites with reviews, client lists, script samples, resumes, and movie trailers. Check out StoriesByPhil.com to get an idea.
Which screenwriter should I hire?
When choosing a screenwriter, look for the following criteria beyond just your budget:
Which genre have they written the most scripts in? You don't want to hire a screenwriter who writes mainly romcoms if your idea is an action/adventure story.
What have their previous clients said about them? Check their testimonials.
Do they have script samples available? The proof is in the pudding, after all!
Should I hire a screenwriter or a ghostwriter?
If you want to be credited as the screenwriter on your script but you don't want to do the work, then you need to hire a ghostwriter. However, do this only if you have no intention of pursuing a career as a screenwriter. And to be honest, most good screenwriters don't work as ghostwriters on scripts. Screenwriters advance their careers by having their names attached to projects. Having said that, many screenwriters have successful careers doing uncredited rewrite work on other people's screenplays, but that's referred to as 'script doctoring'. If that's all you need, most screenwriters offer that service, too. All you have to do is ask.
Once you find a writer that ticks your boxes, there's one more thing to do...
The Writer's Agreement
After you've done your due diligence and agreed to hire a screenwriter, they will send you a contract prepared by their lawyer. I recommend you have an entertainment attorney look over it. A regular lawyer may not fully understand some terms and conditions specific to the film industry.
Screenwriter Hired. Script Done. Now What?
If you're an independent film producer, director, or executive producer, you already know the next steps to take. If you're an author, investor, or just a general non-industry civilian with no contacts in the business, I recommend you explore the resources available at these sites:
I wish you good luck in your journey to hire a screenwriter!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
American-Aussie screenwriter Phil Parker loves writing stories filled with adventure, drama, and thrills. His screenwriting assignments include CATSAWAY (bought by Image Nation Abu Dhabi), FORTE (which earned a six-figure investment based on his first draft), FLY GIRLS (BAFTA-winning producer attached), and KINDRED (multiple shopping agreements signed). Phil also wrote WWII spec script, THE THIRD BOMB, which was optioned twice and helped launch his screenwriting career. Phil just finished writing SILENT WINDS for Idunoba Pictures, a historical adventure inspired by true events.
