17 Film Writer Interview Questions and Answers

Few people understand the process of making a film. It’s a collaborative effort that starts with a script, which is written by a screenwriter. The screenwriter is the person who creates the story, characters, and dialogue that will be used in the film.

If you want to be a film writer, you need to be able to answer some tough questions in your job interview. The interviewer will want to know if you have the skills and experience to write a script that will captivate an audience. They’ll also want to know if you have the dedication and discipline to see the project through to the end.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers. These film writer interview questions and answers will give you an idea of what to expect and how to answer the interviewer’s questions.

Are you familiar with the Screenwriters’ Guild?

The Screenwriters’ Guild is a professional organization that provides resources and networking opportunities for screenwriters. Employers ask this question to see if you are familiar with the Screenwriters’ Guild, as it shows you have experience working in the film industry. In your answer, explain what the Screenwriters’ Guild is and why you joined. If you haven’t yet joined, mention that you plan to do so soon.

Example: “I am very familiar with the Screenwriters’ Guild. I was introduced to them when I first started writing professionally. The guild offers many valuable resources for writers, including job listings, networking events and educational programs. I joined the Screenwriters’ Guild shortly after starting my career as a writer. Joining the guild has helped me find work on several projects over the years.”

What are some of your favorite movies and TV shows?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and see if your interests align with what they’re looking for in a writer. It’s important to choose movies or TV shows that are relevant to the position, but it can also be helpful to include some of your personal favorites as well.

Example: “I’m a big fan of action films, so I really enjoyed watching The Fast and the Furious franchise. I’ve always been drawn to stories about family, so I love Modern Family. I think it’s hilarious and relatable.”

How would you describe your writing style?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your writing style and how it might fit with their company’s needs. Your answer should include an example or two from previous projects that highlight your strengths as a writer.

Example: “I would describe my writing style as collaborative, which is why I enjoy working on film teams. When collaborating with other writers, we typically start by discussing what we’re trying to accomplish in each scene. Then, we’ll take turns adding ideas until we have a solid outline for the script. This process helps me avoid being too wordy or redundant when I write because I’m always looking at the bigger picture.

In my last position, I worked with another writer who had a more technical approach to her writing. She was great at describing action sequences and visual elements while I focused on dialogue and character development. Together, we were able to create a well-rounded script.”

What is your experience with writing for film?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how you’ve used it in your career. Your answer should include what types of films you’ve written, who you wrote them for and any awards or recognition you received for your work.

Example: “I have been writing for film since I graduated from college with my bachelor’s degree in screenwriting. My first job was working as an intern at a production company where I learned a lot about the process of creating a script. After that internship, I worked as a freelance writer for several years before landing my current position as a staff writer for a major studio.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with others on a project.

Collaboration is an important skill for film writers to have. Employers ask this question to see if you can work well with others and how you do it. In your answer, explain what the project was and why collaboration was necessary. Then, describe how you worked with others on the project.

Example: “In my last role as a scriptwriter, I had to collaborate with other writers on several projects. One of these projects involved writing a screenplay that would be used in a movie. There were five other writers who also wrote scripts for the movie. We all met together once a week to discuss our progress and any questions we had about each other’s work. This allowed us to learn from one another and improve our own writing.”

If you were given the opportunity to write a script for a well-known actor or actress, who would it be and why?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the film industry and how you would approach writing for an actor or actress. It also shows that you have a passion for what you do, which can be important in this role. When answering this question, make sure to mention who it is and why you are excited about working with them.

Example: “I would love to write a script for Jennifer Lawrence because I think she’s one of the best actresses out there right now. She has such a unique personality and style that makes her characters so interesting. If I were given the opportunity to write a script for her, I would want to create a character that really showcases her talents.”

What would you do if you were assigned to write a script that you did not find interesting?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach your work and whether you are willing to do what is necessary to complete a project. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of doing your job well, even if it’s not something you enjoy.

Example: “I would first try to find out why I was assigned this particular script. If there were no other options available, I would accept my assignment and do everything in my power to make sure I completed it on time. Even though I may not have enjoyed writing this particular script, I would still give it my best effort so that I could meet all deadlines and expectations.”

How well do you know the film industry and its terminology?

The film industry is a unique environment, and the interviewer may ask this question to see how familiar you are with its terminology. Use your answer to highlight any experience you have in the film industry and demonstrate that you can adapt quickly to new environments.

Example: “I’ve been working as a freelance writer for five years now, so I’m very familiar with the film industry. In my last position, I worked on several projects at once, including feature films, documentaries and television shows. I also attended a screenwriting workshop where we learned about many of the different terms used in the film industry. I find it helpful to know these terms because they help me communicate more effectively with other members of the production team.”

Do you have any experience using screenwriting software?

Screenwriting software is a common tool for film writers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using the specific screenwriting software they use in their company. Before your interview, research what type of screenwriting software the production company uses and if you have any experience with it. If you do not have experience with that software, consider mentioning another type of screenwriting software you are familiar with.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Final Draft as my screenwriting software. I used it throughout college and even taught myself how to use it when I was first starting out. I also have some experience using Celtx, which is another popular screenwriting software.”

When writing a script, what is your process for developing characters?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your writing process and how you develop characters. Use examples from past projects to explain the steps you take when developing a character’s background, personality traits and goals.

Example: “When I start writing a script, I first create an outline of all the scenes that will occur in the movie. Then, I write each scene with specific details about what happens and who is present. After I finish the entire script, I go back through it and add more information about each character’s backstory, personality traits and goals for the film. This helps me make sure each character has enough depth so they are interesting to watch on screen.”

We want to ensure that our scripts are error-free. What is your process for proofreading your work?

Proofreading is an important part of the film writer’s job. The hiring manager may ask this question to learn more about your proofreading process and how you ensure that your work meets their standards. In your answer, explain what steps you take when proofreading a script. You can also mention any tools or resources you use to help with this process.

Example: “I always proofread my scripts at least twice before submitting them for review. First, I read through the entire script to get a general idea of what it’s about. Then, I go back and read each page individually, making sure there are no spelling errors or typos. If I notice something that doesn’t seem right, I’ll mark it so I can check it again later. After proofreading, I send the script to my editor for another round of proofreading.”

Describe your process for ensuring that your scripts meet the requirements of the production team.

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you plan your work and ensure that it meets the needs of the production team. Use your answer to describe a process for planning your scripts, including any tools or software you use to help you meet deadlines.

Example: “I start by researching the story I’m writing about and outlining my ideas in a document. Then, I write the script using a word processor with spell-check capabilities. After I complete the first draft, I send it to the director for review. The director then sends me notes on what they want changed or removed from the script. I make those changes and send the revised version back to them.”

What makes you stand out from other writers?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have unique skills and talents. You can answer this question by describing a skill or talent that makes you stand out from other writers. It’s also important to make sure your response shows how this skill or talent will benefit the film production company.

Example: “I think what makes me stand out from other writers is my ability to write dialogue for any character, no matter their age or gender. I’ve worked on several projects where the director wanted to change the gender of a character during filming, so I was able to rewrite all of the dialogue in time for shooting. This has helped me build strong relationships with directors who appreciate my flexibility.”

Which film writers do you admire and why?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a writer and learn more about your writing style. You should answer honestly, but try to pick writers who have different styles than yours so that you can show off your adaptability.

Example: “I admire Quentin Tarantino because he is able to write such unique stories with interesting characters while also being able to direct his own films. I also really like Joss Whedon’s work because of how well he writes strong female characters. He has inspired me to be more confident in my own writing.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of film writing?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the film writing process. It also allows you to demonstrate how important storytelling is in this role. Your answer should include a specific skill or aspect of film writing that you find most valuable and why.

Example: “I think the most important part of being a film writer is understanding the story. I believe it’s essential to know what the characters are feeling, their motivations and any backstory they may have. This helps me write dialogue that feels natural and makes sense for each character. It also ensures that the plot points make sense and move the story forward.”

How often do you update your portfolio with your most recent work?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your work ethic and how you keep track of your portfolio. Your answer should show that you are organized, detail-oriented and passionate about your craft.

Example: “I update my portfolio at least once per month to ensure I am keeping it up-to-date with my most recent projects. I also make sure to include any feedback or notes from producers or directors so I can reference them when needed. In addition, I have an online storage system where I upload all of my documents for easy access.”

There is a conflict between two characters in a script you’ve been working on. How do you resolve it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can use them in the film industry. When answering this question, it’s important to be specific about what steps you took to resolve the conflict and how it helped the script.

Example: “In my last role as a writer, I was working on a romantic comedy where one of the main characters had feelings for another character but didn’t know if they felt the same way. The director wanted me to make sure that the audience knew that the second character did have feelings for the first character. I decided to add a scene where the second character would tell the first character how much they cared for them. This allowed the audience to understand the relationship between the two characters and made the story more interesting.”