Scriptwriting
Scriptwriters can help you create compelling dialogue for the media you produce. They write the scripts that actors will read or memorize to deliver their lines during a recording or performance.
So how do you hire scriptwriters? What follows are some tips for finding top scriptwriters on Upwork.
How to shortlist scriptwriting professionals
As youโre browsing available scriptwriting consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Genre fit. You want a scriptwriter who understands the nuances of crafting dialogue for the type of media you are trying to produce.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., writing scripts for video game voice-overs).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what itโs like to work with a particular scriptwriter.
How to write an effective scriptwriter job post
With a clear picture of your ideal scriptwriter in mind, itโs time to write that job post. Although you donโt need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a freelancer to know if theyโre the right fit for the project.
An effective scriptwriter job post should include:
- Scope of work: From scripts to screenplays, list all the deliverables youโll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries or media genres, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to bring your media projects to life with compelling dialogue? Log in and post your scriptwriter job on Upwork today.
Scriptwriters FAQs
What is scriptwriting?
Scriptwriting is the practice of writing dialogue for media such as films, podcasts, and video games.
Hereโs a quick overview of the skills you should look for in scriptwriting professionals:
- Scriptwriting
- Screenwriting
- Proofreading and editing
- Media-specific expertise (e.g., screenplays for television)
Why do you want to hire scriptwriters?
The trick to finding top scriptwriters is to identify your needs. Are you looking for someone to write the script for a short video advertisement? Or do you need scripts for multiple characters in an animated film? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a scriptwriter?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced scriptwriter may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver a higher-quality product.
- A freelancer who is still in the process of building a client base may price their scriptwriting services more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.
How long should you contract a scriptwriter to complete your project?
As difficult as it is to estimate how long it takes to write a script, budgeting time is very important to keeping your project on track.
Be prepared to budget more time for more-demanding scriptwriting projects. For example, creating a script for the voice-over of a 30-second podcast advertisement will typically take less time than writing the script for a 30-minute animated YouTube video.
What are the steps involved to hire scriptwriters?
Hereโs how to hire scriptwriting consultants in four simple steps:
- Identify your project needs, whether itโs writing the script for a movie or a radio show.
- Define the scope of work and write a detailed job post. Be specific about deliverables (e.g., scripts for a series of 30-second video ads).
- Review proposals and shortlist potential scriptwriters for unique skills needed to bring your project to life (e.g., copywriting expertise to write a script for a video ad).
- Interview scriptwriting talent to gauge whether theyโre the right fit for your project. Here are some sample interview questions.