Screenwriter

In this role you could:

• come up with themes and ideas
•  research background material
•  develop plots and characters
•  lay out the screenplay to an agreed format
•  prepare short summaries of your ideas
•  sell your ideas or ‘pitch' to producers
•  get feedback on your work from producers or script editors
•  rewrite the script before arriving at an agreed version
•  network with agents and producers
•  handle your own tax and accounts, if freelance

• knowledge of English language
• excellent written communication skills
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by private training providers

Most screenwriters are freelance so to develop your career you'll need to network widely in the industry.

You could combine screenwriting with other forms of writing work, teaching, lecturing or editing.