Screenwriter

A Screenwriter, also known as a Scriptwriter, is a writer responsible for creating the screenplay of a film, television show, or short film. They develop the story, characters, dialogues, and overall narrative structure, shaping the foundation of a production.

Roles & Responsibilities of a Screenwriter

1. Concept Development – Creates the core idea, theme, and plot of the story.
2. Writing the Script – Develops the screenplay, including scenes, dialogues, and action descriptions.
3. Character Development – Designs compelling and believable characters with unique personalities and motivations.
4. Screenplay Formatting – Uses industry-standard script formatting for proper screenplay structure.
5. Revisions & Rewrites – Adjusts the script based on feedback from directors, producers, and studios.
6. Collaboration – Works closely with the director, producers, and sometimes actors to refine the script.

Screenwriter vs. Story Writer vs. Screenplay Writer

In large-scale productions, different people may handle different aspects of writing:

1. Story Writer – Creates the core plot and concept of the film.
2. Screenwriter (Scriptwriter) – Develops the full script, including dialogue and scene structure.
3. Screenplay Writer – Focuses on adapting the story into a structured film script with technical formatting.

Screenwriter Credits in Films

• Written By
• Story By
• Screenplay By
• Writing Credits

In most cases, the credit “Story By” is used when the screenwriter has developed the original concept.