Screenwriter resume example & writing guide

Why use this screenwriter resume example?

The core qualifications of a screenwriter are broadly similar to, but different from the skills that a website writer, article writer, copywriter, or novelist will need to know. For instance, many clients will turn down screenwriter candidates who don’t understand current guidelines for scriptwriting - the format of script documents, what should (and shouldn’t) be included in scene descriptions, etc. Many modern screenwriters also need to have solid interpersonal communication skills, particularly when it comes to pitching screenplay concepts to editors.

The sample professional resume below has a very useful general layout that screenwriters can draw upon to describe their most relevant skills and experiences. Besides mainstay resume sections for key skills, education, or previous work experiences, this resume also has a section for listing screenplay adjacent publications such as film reviews or analytical essays - any publication that demonstrates your familiarity with the film and/or commercial industries.

How to write a great screenwriter resume

After listing your name and contact information, write a single paragraph summarizing your career path in the qualifications profile section. This paragraph should describe the types of writing work you’ve done in the past and highlight the specific brand of scriptwriting you specialize in (films, plays, commercials, etc.). At the same time, this paragraph should also put  emphasis on all the qualities that make you a  pleasant screenwriter to work with - good time management, solid editing skills, openness to feedback, etc.

After listing your skills in the areas of expertise section, describe all your relevant past and current writing careers in the professional experience section. For each position, discuss your general work responsibilities in a  single paragraph, then list any special, stand-out accomplishments in a bullet-point list below.

After listing your most relevant published content in the selected publications section (ideally, hiring managers should be able to read or look up this content with a simple web search), describe your educational background in the education section. Focus on listing degrees in fields such as creative writing, film studies, or English, along with any screenwriting-related seminars, workshops, or boot camps you attended and completed.

Which key skills are relevant to a screenwriter resume?

A clear and informative Screenwriter resume will often list these key skills:

• Script & screenwriting

• Character concept development

• Pitching & content creation

• Brand identity/promotion

• Project management

• Line editing/content review

• Film criticism & reviews

• Web publishing & web editing

• Audience identification 

• Networking & social media

• Research & style guides

• Actor/client rehearsal feedback

• Interviewing