A screenwriter (also called scriptwriter, scribe, or scenarist) is a person who practices the craft of writing for visual mass media, known as screenwriting. These can include short films, feature-length films, television programs, television commercials, video games, and the growing area of online web series.
Discover the key skills required to become a Screenwriter, a pivotal figure in the film industry.
Screenwriter: who they are, what they do and how to become one
Screenwriter Definition What does a screenwriter do? A screenwriter writes content for visual mediums. They write screenplays for feature films, short films, television, commercials, and video games. They create the dialogue, the characters and the storyline of a script.
Screenwriters craft scripts for movies, TV shows, and digital media, blending creativity with structure to bring narratives to life. Their work directly impacts what audiences see and feel, making it a powerful form of storytelling.
A screenwriter specializes in creating scripts for film, television, or other visual media. They are responsible for crafting compelling stories, developing well-rounded characters, and writing engaging dialogue that will bring the story to life on the screen.
Learn how to become a screenwriter in 2025 with updated tips, tools, and industry insights—whether you’re writing your first script or your fifth.
Learn how to become a screenwriter or TV writer and review answers to frequently asked questions about this career to help you determine if it's right for you.
Screenwriters develop and write screenplays for film and TV drama, including drama for children. They either write from their own ideas or are commissioned to write a script based on an idea someone else has developed. Sometimes the drama is adapted from a true story, a book, or even a play.