How to Write a Standout Screenwriter Resume (With Sample Template)
WHY A SCREENWRITER NEEDS A PROFESSIONAL RESUME
Whether you're submitting to agents, applying for fellowships, or pitching a project to a studio, a well-crafted screenwriter resume is essential. It demonstrates not only your writing experience but also your industry knowledge, professionalism, and creativity.
✅ Shows your writing credentials and credits
✅ Demonstrates familiarity with industry expectations
✅ Highlights your unique voice and storytelling style
✅ Increases chances of getting representation or assignments
Unlike a corporate resume, a screenwriting resume blends artistic presentation with strategic formatting, tailored to capture the attention of producers, showrunners, and development executives.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A SCREENWRITING RESUME
✅ Contact Information – Name, phone, email, and links to portfolio or IMDb
✅ Logline or Personal Statement – A quick summary of your style or notable work
✅ Produced Credits – List any scripts turned into short films, features, or TV shows
✅ Spec Scripts – Include unproduced work if the script is polished and showcases your talent
✅ Education – Film school, screenwriting programs, workshops
✅ Awards and Fellowships – Nichols, Sundance Labs, Black List selection, etc.
✅ Professional Affiliations – WGA membership, writing collectives, networking groups
✅ Skills – Genre specialization, final draft proficiency, pitch deck creation
Each section should be concise, well-organized, and skimmable, ideally one page in PDF format.
HOW TO FORMAT YOUR SCREENWRITER RESUME
✅ Use a clean, modern layout
✅ Stick to one page unless you’re highly experienced
✅ Prioritize produced credits or well-known competitions
✅ Use action-oriented and creative language
✅ Link to work samples or scripts if possible
Your goal is to spark curiosity and show that you’re ready for professional opportunities.
SAMPLE SCREENWRITER RESUME TEMPLATE
Here is a sample resume for an emerging screenwriter. Use it as inspiration to tailor your own:
Jane Mitchell
📧 janewrites@gmail.com | 📞 (555) 123-4567
🌐 www.janemitchellscripts.com | 📍 Los Angeles, CA
🎬 Passionate screenwriter blending grounded characters with high-stakes drama. Recent finalist in the Austin Film Festival, with a feature script currently in pre-production.
SELECTED CREDITS
"Desert Bloom" – Feature Film | Drama | In Pre-Production (2025)
"The Lighthouse Keeper" – Short Film | Psychological Thriller | Sundance Short (2024)
"Distant Skies" – Original Pilot | Sci-Fi | Quarterfinalist, Nicholl Fellowship (2023)
SPEC SCRIPTS
"Skyline Divide" – Feature | Political Thriller
"August Underground" – TV Pilot | Crime Drama
"After Eden" – Limited Series | Post-Apocalyptic Romance
EDUCATION
UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting (2022)
B.A. in Film & Media Studies, NYU Tisch School of the Arts (2020)
AWARDS & HONORS
✅ Finalist – Austin Film Festival, Drama Feature (2024)
✅ Top 15% – The Black List Annual Survey (2023)
✅ Second Rounder – Sundance Episodic Lab (2022)
SKILLS
✅ Final Draft, WriterDuet, Celtx
✅ Logline crafting, pitch deck design
✅ Familiarity with TV writers' room workflow
✅ Strong collaborative and rewrite experience
MISTAKES TO AVOID
✅ Don’t include unfinished or amateur scripts
✅ Avoid overloading with text—keep it clear and sharp
✅ Never exaggerate your credits; industry people will fact-check
✅ Don’t skip awards just because they’re not “big”—small wins matter
FINAL THOUGHTS
A well-written resume is your first pitch. It speaks for you before anyone reads your script. While your storytelling voice will ultimately win hearts and minds, your resume can get your foot in the door.
✅ Keep it current and tailored to each opportunity
✅ Update with each new credit, award, or professional development
✅ Make sure every detail reflects your voice and ambition
Whether you’re just starting or breaking into the big leagues, your screenwriting resume should reflect what you bring to the table: a unique voice, professional polish, and a drive to tell unforgettable stories.