WRITING FOR FILM AND TELEVISION – Welcome to the Career Center Blog

What can you do with an MFA in Writing for Film & Television?

With an MFA Degree in Writing for Film & Television, you can pursue diverse career paths in the entertainment industry and related fields. These opportunities include becoming a screenwriter, television writer, script consultant, or showrunner, creating engaging narratives for the screen. You may also venture into production, working as a film or TV producer, or transition to roles in the development and creative departments of production companies or studios. Alternatively, you can apply your storytelling across all genres in skills in education, video games, and corporate communication or even become a critic or reviewer in the film and TV industry.

Tech Knowledge

Students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Writing for Film & Television may benefit from having a basic understanding of various technologies related to the film and television industry, as well as storytelling in the digital age. While the core focus is on writing and storytelling, being tech-savvy can enhance their ability to thrive in the industry. As an Emerson student, you have free access to several software programs, for example, Final Draft for screenwriting, video editing Emerson students can receive access to Adobe Suite with Premier Pro. Here are some relevant technology areas:

Screenwriting Software: Familiarity with screenwriting software can help streamline the writing process and ensure scripts are correctly formatted.
Video Editing Software: Basic knowledge of video editing tools can be valuable, especially for writers who want to edit their own video content. Some programs are available for free as an Emerson student.
Digital Storyboarding: Using digital storyboarding tools to visualize scenes and sequences.
Script Analysis Software: Familiarity with script analysis tools for analyzing and improving script structure and pacing.
Virtual Production: Knowledge of virtual production technologies like virtual sets and real-time rendering used in film and television production.
Social Media and Promotion: Understanding how to use social media platforms, websites, and email marketing tools to promote scripts, films, or shows.
Online Screenwriting Communities: Participation in online screenwriting communities and forums to network with other writers and gain insights into industry trends.
Podcasting Tools: If interested in audio storytelling, proficiency in podcasting tools and platforms for scriptwriting, recording, and editing.

While proficiency in these areas is not mandatory, a foundational understanding of the relevant technologies can make writers more versatile and adaptable in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Additionally, staying updated on emerging technologies and trends in the film and television industry is essential to remain competitive and innovative as a writer.

If you are considering working within the business of Film and TV, it could be beneficial to familiarize yourself with a basic understanding of the following:

The legal nuances of Copyright and Intellectual Property, encompass intellectual property rights, copyrights, and licensing as they pertain to scripts and content.
A foundation in Data Analytics and Audience Research is valuable for comprehending audience preferences and trends, crucial for making informed storytelling decisions.
Familiarize yourself with Adaptation and Transmedia Storytelling techniques to expand narratives across various platforms such as video games, books, and web series.
Lastly, don’t overlook the significance of Storytelling in VR/AR, which involves an awareness of immersive storytelling in virtual reality and augmented reality, along with the tools utilized in creating these experiences.

Other Business Tools Include:

Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in collaboration and project management tools like Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Slack, or project management software to work effectively in collaborative environments.
Digital Distribution Platforms: Understanding digital distribution platforms for the distribution of content and knowing the requirements for submitting scripts or content.
Writing Tools for Mobile: Familiarity with mobile writing apps and tools for on-the-go writing and note-taking.

Tech Tools Addendum:

Final Draft, Celtx, or Adobe Story
Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve
Storyboard That or Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
StudioBinder or Celtx Script Insights
Unreal Engine

Competencies + Characteristics

The internal architecture of being a writer includes competencies such as storytelling expertise, scriptwriting proficiency, and collaboration skills. The following are foundational skills we focus on in the program, and you’ll need to continue developing them extracurricularly to dovetail the curriculum. Skills like creativity, empathy, and resilience are crucial for developing original narratives, understanding diverse perspectives, and persevering in a competitive industry. Effective communication, adaptability, and attention to detail further enhance a writer’s ability to create compelling scripts and navigate the challenges of the entertainment field. Your education doesn’t end with your MFA degree; continuously be aware of and understand socio-political and economic changes, cultural movements, and understanding of the human race and how humans engage with one another. You will rely on the following characteristics for your career. Learning this will be imperative to your success.

Storytelling: Mastery of storytelling techniques, including plot development, character arcs, pacing, and dialogue, to create compelling narratives.
Scriptwriting: Proficiency in scriptwriting formats, including screenplays, teleplays, and treatments, adhering to industry standards and conventions.
Research: The ability to conduct research to ensure accuracy and authenticity in scripts, especially for projects based on real events or historical periods.
Genre Expertise: Knowledge of different genres (e.g., drama, comedy, sci-fi, horror) and the ability to write effectively within them.
Adaptation: The skill to adapt existing material, such as books, articles, or real-life events, into screenplays or teleplays.
Collaboration: Effective collaboration with directors, producers, actors, and fellow writers to bring scripts to life and address creative challenges.
Feedback Integration: Willingness to receive and incorporate feedback into script revisions, improving the overall quality of the content.
Pitching: The ability to pitch script ideas and concepts persuasively to producers and executives.
Script Analysis: Skill in analyzing scripts, identifying areas for improvement, and providing constructive feedback to other writers.
Character Development: Creating well-rounded and relatable characters with distinct personalities and motivations.
World-Building: Building immersive and believable fictional worlds or settings.
Adherence to Deadlines: Strong time management and organization skills to meet project deadlines, often tight in the industry.
Adaptability: The capacity to adapt to changing project requirements and industry trends.

Industry Job Boards

Professional Associations and Conferences

Film Festivals & Writer Conferences

Sample Job Titles with an MFA

Screenwriter: As a screenwriter, you can write scripts for feature films, television series, documentaries, or even short films. Your storytelling skills will be critical in crafting engaging narratives for the screen.
Television Writer: Work specifically as a television writer, creating scripts for episodic TV shows, including dramas, comedies, or even reality television programs.
Script Consultant/Script Doctor: Offer your expertise to filmmakers and producers as a script consultant or script doctor. You can provide feedback and revisions to existing scripts to enhance their quality.
Showrunner: If you gain experience as a television writer, you may eventually become a showrunner. In this role, you’ll oversee the creative direction of an entire TV series, including writing and production.
Film or TV Producer: Transition into the production side of the industry, where you can develop and produce films or TV shows based on your scripts or those of other writers.
Director: Some screenwriters transition to directing, especially if they have a strong vision for how their scripts should be brought to life on the screen.
Story Editor/Development Executive: Work in the development department of production companies or studios, where you assess scripts, source potential projects, and help shape the creative direction of films and television shows.
Creative Executive: Collaborate with production companies or studios as a creative executive, helping to identify, acquire, and develop screenplays for future production.
Content Creator for Streaming Platforms: As streaming services continue to grow, they require content creators who can write and develop original shows and films for their platforms.
Freelance Writer: Pursue a freelance writing career, contributing to various film and television projects, including writing spec scripts, treatments, or adaptations.
Film Critic/Reviewer: Apply your knowledge and critical thinking skills to write film and TV reviews, essays, or articles for newspapers, magazines, websites, or blogs.
Film and Media Educator: Teach writing for film and television at the university or college level to aspiring writers and filmmakers.
Author/Novelist: Use your storytelling skills to write novels or books, which can serve as source material for future film or television adaptations.
Video Game Writer: Transition into the video game industry, where you can write narratives, dialogues, and storylines for video games.
Corporate Communication: Apply your writing and storytelling skills in corporate settings, crafting video scripts, training materials, or company marketing content.
Documentary Filmmaker: If you are interested in non-fiction storytelling, you can work as a documentary filmmaker, writing, and directing factual content.
Podcast Writer/Producer: Create and produce scripted podcasts, audio dramas, or storytelling podcasts, where strong writing skills are essential.
Advertising and Marketing Copywriter: Write creative and persuasive advertising and marketing content, including TV and radio commercials, web videos, and campaigns.
Playwright: Explore opportunities in theater by writing original plays or adapting your screenwriting skills to the stage.
Film and TV Industry Consultant: Offer your expertise as a consultant, advising filmmakers, writers, or production companies on storytelling and script development.