12 Real Screenwriting Jobs in Toronto: Hidden Industry Opportunities (2026)
Being an artist means not having to avert one’s eyes.
–Akira Kurosawa
12 Real Screenwriting Jobs in Toronto: Hidden Industry Opportunities (2026)
Looking for screenwriting jobs in Toronto? You’re not alone. Toronto has a booming film industry, yet the best-paying screenwriting opportunities stay hidden from view.
Platforms like Inktip can connect your scripts with producers, agents, and managers who want new projects. The International Screenwriters’ Association goes beyond job listings and provides contests, grants, and a community that helps advance your career. Finding screenwriting jobs without connections might seem tough, but platforms like Mandy.com and Stage 32 list opportunities specifically for film and TV production roles.
Job sites like SimplyHired and Indeed list screenwriting opportunities in Canada that range from television studios to digital content creation. Writers can build experience on freelance platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer through short-term gigs and long-term projects that enhance their portfolio.
This piece reveals 12 proven sources to find screenwriting work in Toronto and uncovers industry opportunities that most aspiring writers miss.
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InkTip has emerged as a leading platform that connects Toronto screenwriters with legitimate industry professionals. This service has helped thousands of writers sell scripts, find representation, and secure writing jobs over the last several years. The platform differs from regular job boards by specifically matching screenwriters with verified producers who actively search for new content.
Inktip job opportunities in Toronto
Toronto screenwriters can connect directly with production companies through InkTip. The platform gives writers several ways to showcase their work:
Weekly Pitch Newsletter – Receive 6+ exclusive pitching opportunities every week from filmmakers actively seeking scripts
Script Database Exposure – Make your scripts visible to producers and representatives browsing for new content
Short Script Listings – Connect with up-and-coming directors through the short script database, perfect to build your Toronto network
InkTip draws indie and mid-budget film producers who show strong interest in thriller, horror, and drama genres. This matches Toronto’s thriving independent film scene and creates opportunities for local writers to connect with production companies without LA connections.
Inktip pricing for screenwriters
InkTip’s membership tiers come with different benefits:
InkTip Pro – $32.50/month (prices can drop to $9.99 for first month)
Make scripts visible to filmmakers and representatives
Receive exclusive weekly pitching opportunities
Ask agents and managers directly
Free entry to Pitch to Page contest
Weekly Pitch Newsletter – $19.99/month
Access 6+ new pitching opportunities weekly
Ask production companies directly through the portal
Individual Script Listing – $19.99/month per script
Make individual scripts visible in the database without Pro membership
Additional Scripts (for Pro members) – $12.50/month per additional script
Inktip success stories from Canada
InkTip has helped create over 6,000 industry deals, including options and writing assignments from its listings. Canadian writers find success through the platform because it eliminates traditional networking requirements. Writers can connect directly with decision-makers outside Hollywood.
The platform works best for screenwriters who have market-ready scripts that fit realistic production parameters: limited locations, smaller casts, and marketable concepts. The indie thriller “The Standoff at Sparrow Creek” stands out as a success story that started as an InkTip connection.
Toronto writers can maximize their success by using InkTip listings as active marketing tools rather than passive advertisements. Writers who stay active on the platform and respond quickly to interest reports see better career momentum, even when their first script doesn’t sell right away.
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The International Screenwriters’ Association (ISA) goes beyond simple job connections. It creates a detailed career ecosystem for Toronto screenwriters. This professional association helps scriptwriters advance their careers through job opportunities, educational resources, and networking tools.
ISA screenwriting job listings
The ISA job board helps Toronto screenwriters find work across Canada. You’ll find several opportunities listed:
Production assistant positions with major Toronto studios
Script reader openings with production companies
Writing contests with cash prizes and industry exposure
Script development and coverage services
The ISA stands out from regular job sites because of its entertainment industry focus. Each listing comes from verified entertainment companies and productions. This saves you time by avoiding questionable opportunities. New listings appear several times a week, with 20-30 fresh opportunities each month. Regular checks of the board are worth your time.
ISA Connect features
ISA Connect works as the association’s professional networking platform. Here’s what you can do:
Build your professional profile – Show your scripts, previous work, and availability to producers and directors who look for Canadian talent.
Access writer resources – Get script formatting tools, contract templates, and resource libraries made for the Canadian market.
Join development programs – Learn from prominent industry professionals in Toronto’s thriving film community through mentorship programs.
The Development Slate program shows promising scripts to industry professionals. This creates new paths to production for Toronto-based writers ready to make their mark.
ISA pricing and membership
ISA members can choose from these tiers:
Free Basic Membership:
Limited job board access
Basic networking features
Industry newsletters
ISA Connect ($5.95/month):
Full job board access
Better networking tools
Script hosting (up to 3 scripts)
Educational webinar access
Premium Membership ($11.99/month):
Everything in Connect
Priority script listing
Free contest entries
Discounted industry services
Toronto screenwriters who actively seek representation or production opportunities benefit most from the Premium membership. The Connect tier works great for network building. Both paid tiers offer better value than trying to break into Toronto’s industry alone.
Mandy is a massive entertainment industry job board that connects Toronto screenwriters with a variety of production chances. This UK-based platform, 20 years old, has grown into one of the world’s largest creative communities. It now boasts over 2.4 million registered members.
Mandy.com screenwriting listings in Toronto
The platform’s search system helps you find screenwriting jobs in Toronto through several filters:
Production type (feature film, short film, TV series)
Genre specifications (comedy, drama, horror)
Compensation levels
Location radius (from 10-400 miles around Toronto)
The platform lists many screenwriting chances in Toronto right now. You’ll find everything from feature films to short productions. Recent listings showcase scripts for feature-length comedies, psychological thrillers, and dramatic shorts. Job posts typically include complete details about production timelines, shooting locations, and what you can expect to earn.
Mandy pricing and access
Mandy uses a tiered access model:
Free membership lets you:
Create a simple profile
View limited job information
Browse “Opportunities” board (unpaid/low-paying gigs)
Premium membership ($14.95/month) gives you:
Full job description access
Knowing how to apply to any listing
Application tracking capabilities
The platform makes job seekers pay for membership while employers post jobs free. This approach might reduce application numbers but could lead to better quality submissions.
Mandy pros and cons
Pros:
Rich Toronto-specific film industry listings
New opportunities added regularly
Complete filtering system for targeted searches
Access to legitimate production companies’ postings
A chance to build industry connections
Cons:
Membership fee needed to apply for jobs
Credit verification process takes time
Quality seems lower since merging with Backstage
External sites handle many job applications
Mixed feedback about application response rates
Mandy remains a solid choice to find screenwriting jobs in Toronto, though results vary based on your experience. New writers can build connections and credits through smaller productions. Experienced writers might prefer more specialized channels.
SimplyHired is a detailed job search engine that combines screenwriting opportunities from multiple platforms. Toronto-based writers will find it useful to explore various options. The platform goes beyond specialty sites by casting a wider net while delivering relevant results for screenwriters.
SimplyHired screenwriting job filters
The platform’s advanced filtering capabilities help you find the right screenwriting opportunities:
Sort options – Arrange listings by relevance or date to prioritize newest opportunities
Distance filters – Set radius from 5-100 kilometers around Toronto
Job type selection – Filter by full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or internship positions
Salary filters – Screen jobs by minimum salary requirements starting from $55,000+
Time frame options – View jobs posted within the last 24 hours, 7 days, 14 days, or 30 days
These filters help you refine searches with terms like “script writing,” “film writing,” or “story writer”. You might find opportunities that use different terms for screenwriting positions.
SimplyHired relevance to Canadian writers
Canadian screenwriters will appreciate SimplyHired’s benefits. The platform shows 472 script writing jobs across Canada. Available positions range from audio description narration script writers to content creators for major brands. The site features roles for:
Junior copywriters creating scripts for various media
TikTok creators developing fresh hook and script combinations
YouTube producers researching, scripting and shooting content
SimplyHired connects Toronto screenwriters with opportunities beyond traditional film studios. Writers can find work in corporate video production, advertising agencies, and digital content creation – areas that specialty platforms often miss.
How to apply via SimplyHired
The platform’s application process is straightforward:
Create a free account (using email or social media login)
Set up your profile with job priorities and salary expectations
Upload your resume and portfolio materials
Use the “Quick Apply” feature for simplified applications
Set up job alerts for screenwriting positions to receive notifications
You can also save time by turning on email notifications for new screenwriting positions in Toronto. This ensures you’re one of the first applicants when fresh opportunities appear.
Stage 32 operates as a specialized social network designed for TV and film professionals, boasting over 1 million members worldwide. Canadian writers, especially those in Toronto, will find exceptional networking opportunities with industry insiders globally on this platform.
Stage 32 networking for Toronto writers
Toronto writers can build relationships with professionals in over 185 countries through Stage 32’s borderless networking approach. The platform comes with:
Private lounges to discuss projects with fellow writers
Weekly online meetups that help develop craft and maintain accountability
Zoom sessions that connect you directly with top managers, agents, and producers
The platform also hosts exclusive events where Toronto writers connect with showrunners, development executives, and producers – connections that would be hard to make without being in L.A.
Stage 32 job board features
Stage 32’s job board stands out by providing access to exclusive “Open Writing Assignments” (OWAs) from major production companies. Writers can find opportunities like:
Pre-teen micro-dramas that need sharp, comedic writers
Faith-based content for all ages and formats
Fantasy scripts for top-tier talent and companies
Canadian writers get targeted opportunities, such as “Award-winning Canadian Producer Seeking Elevated Horror, Thriller, Under $3.00M, Written By Canadian Writers”.
Stage 32 pricing and access
Stage 32’s membership options include:
Free Simple Access
Profile creation and public area browsing
Limited networking opportunities
Writers’ Room Subscription
Annual access at around $350
Weekly meetings with industry executives
Rights to apply for all OWAs
Private writer community and accountability groups
Additional Script Services
Career development calls with executives
Script feedback from industry professionals
Stage 32 gives Toronto screenwriters direct paths to legitimate industry opportunities typically reserved for L.A.-based networking. Industry veterans, including Oscar-winning producers and showrunners from hit series, lead the platform’s educational workshops.
Freelancer helps Toronto screenwriters connect with clients worldwide who need quality script work.
Freelancer screenwriting gigs in Canada
Canadian writers can find many different screenwriting projects on Freelancer, from short film scripts to complete feature screenplays. The platform lets screenwriters:
Connect with clients who need dialog expertise
Find projects that need emotional storytelling skills
Get gigs helping clients turn creative visions into screenplay format
On top of that, clients can easily find professional screenwriters who bring their projects to life. This creates a system that works well for everyone involved.
Freelancer pricing and commission
Canadian screenwriters typically charge within these ranges:
Radio scripts: $40-$80 per minute of script
Television scripts: $60-$130 per minute of script
General content writing: $0.10-$0.30 CAD per word
A 1,500-word blog post usually costs between $120-$500 CAD. While Freelancer takes a cut from completed projects, many writers see this as a fair trade for the platform’s wide reach and payment protection.
Freelancer client types
Success on the platform often comes down to understanding different types of clients. Industry analysis shows screenwriters usually work with four main client types:
Price-focused clients – These clients care more about budget than quality and often compare rates with others
“Know-it-all” clients – They think scriptwriting is easy and might try to control your process
Indecisive clients – They spend lots of time researching the market before making decisions
Results-based clients – They value quality and outcomes more than price, making them great partners
New writers might need to offer competitive rates at first. Experience and a strong portfolio will help them charge premium rates later. Toronto screenwriters can use the platform’s global reach to find international projects they might miss through local channels alone.
Fiverr gives Toronto screenwriters a chance to showcase their talents to clients worldwide, moving beyond traditional employment. Many local professionals on the platform provide script coverage, screenplay development, and formatting services, showcasing Canadian film industry talent.
Fiverr screenwriting services in Toronto
Toronto screenwriters connect with clients of all types through Fiverr. Local talent provides script coverage for producers such as Telefilm Canada and the Canadian Film Center. Some Toronto writers started with local theater productions before they found success on Fiverr. Their services span from complete screenplay development to detailed script coverage reports with loglines, plot summaries, and analysis.
Fiverr pricing tiers
The platform uses a three-tier pricing model with added service charges:
Basic Package: Starter service with core deliverables, typically $5-$40
Standard Package: Enhanced option with extra concepts and quicker delivery, ranging $50-$150
Premium Package: Full-service option with priority handling, priced $200-$800+
Fiverr adds a 5.5% platform fee to each order (minimum $2 for orders under $50). The platform takes a 20% commission from sellers’ earnings, including tips.
Fiverr portfolio building tips
A strong portfolio helps Toronto screenwriters book more clients. Fiverr’s official guidelines suggest:
Project titles should reference specific work (e.g., “Nike Women’s Division – Fall Marketing Campaign”)
Descriptions need clear sections: client, goals, challenges, solutions, and outcomes
Visual elements should show your skills without technical jargon
Results should be measurable to show your work’s value
New screenwriters might want to start with lower rates while delivering exceptional work to build reviews, then gradually increase their prices.
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Beyond specialty sites, Indeed is a valuable general job platform where Toronto screenwriters can find opportunities across production companies, networks, and studios. This platform that’s accessible to more people features screenwriting positions you might miss if you only use industry-specific platforms.
Indeed screenwriting job filters
These essential filters will help you find screenwriting opportunities on Indeed:
Keyword variations – Try different terms like “screenwriter,” “script writing,” “screenplay,” and “screenwriting” for detailed results
Location precision – Set “Toronto, ON” with adjustable radius options to include nearby opportunities
Job type – Filter by full-time, part-time, contract, or freelance positions
Date posted – Focus on recent listings to get better response rates
Salary estimates – Set minimum compensation requirements that match your experience level
These filters help you narrow your search from general writing positions to specific screenwriting opportunities that match your priorities.
Indeed relevance to Toronto market
Indeed lists screenwriting opportunities of all types in Toronto’s entertainment sector and connects writers with television studios and digital content creation companies. The platform helps you find production companies you might not know about.
As a general job site with specialized search capabilities, Indeed bridges the gap between mainstream employment platforms and niche industry boards. This becomes especially valuable when you have Toronto screenwriters looking for varied opportunities beyond traditional film studios, including corporate video production and digital media companies.
Indeed application tips
Here’s how to make your Indeed applications work:
Customize your resume for each application by highlighting relevant screenwriting experience and credits
Include a portfolio link that showcases your best work samples
Set up job alerts with screenwriting-related keywords to get notifications for new positions
Follow up about a week after you submit your application
Research companies really well before interviews to show your industry knowledge
You should also attach a brief, compelling cover letter that explains your specific interest in the production company’s projects and creative vision.
The Successful Screenwriter Forum provides a welcoming online space where Toronto-based writers connect with industry professionals and fellow screenwriters. This unique community goes beyond networking and helps you find real screenwriting opportunities.
Forum job request frequency
Job requests show up regularly in sections like “Script Contest” and “Ask a Screenwriting Question”. Posts that get multiple replies (ranging from 6-21 responses) show active member participation. Topics stay available for long periods, which lets members find opportunities even months after someone makes the original post.
Forum access and pricing
This specialized community offers several membership options:
Free membership: Simple forum access with limited features
Yearly membership: USD 110.00 (has 3 months free)
Premium benefits: Access to 3 detailed screenwriting courses with paid membership
Forum community benefits
Members connect with writers who face similar challenges in Toronto’s competitive market. The forum provides more than just job opportunities:
Writers get constructive feedback on screenplay drafts
Members learn from a variety of writing styles and techniques
Writers find shared project opportunities with fellow forum members
Members can join specialized workshops and seminars
The forum creates a vital sense of community that screenwriters often miss when working alone in Toronto.
Live workshops are vital professional development opportunities that virtual platforms simply cannot match. Toronto hosts several prestigious screenwriting programs where you’ll learn both skills and industry connections.
Top workshops in 2026
WIFT’s Second Draft: Screenwriting for TV Series guides the way with its intensive four-day program running September-October 2026. The program focuses on dramatic structure and character development. TIFF Writers’ Studio provides a shared four-day lab where participants boost their scripts through workshops, panel discussions, and one-on-one consultations with international experts.
The Writers Lab Canada welcomes women and non-binary screenwriters over 40 from January 6-9, 2026 in Toronto. The lab provides individualized feedback and ongoing development support.
Workshop networking benefits
These workshops create direct pathways to production opportunities. WIFT’s program helps you develop dramatic conflicts with industry mentors who can become future collaborators. The intensive sessions let you build relationships with peers who face similar challenges, which opens doors to potential future partnerships.
Workshop costs
Program registration fees vary:
WIFT Members: $525 (+HST); Non-Members: $675 (+HST)
The Writers Lab Canada: $1,650 CAD per person
Writers can access financial assistance. The Melissa Crozier Writers Bursary covers full scholarship to WIFT’s Second Draft program plus a $500 honorarium, TIFF passes, and a one-year Final Draft license.
Online groups are a great way to get support and find screenwriting jobs in Toronto. These virtual communities help writers connect and learn about the industry despite physical distances.
Best Facebook and Discord groups
The inkcanada Facebook Group is a standout professional community that connects new and experienced screenwriters across Canada. This free, public group started in 2007 and posts Canadian industry opportunities regularly. The Screenwriters Network Discord server has grown to over 5,000 users and makes live conversations easier with weekly events and logline contests.
How to find job leads
These groups can lead to work opportunities if you know how to participate:
Watch for funding deadlines and professional development announcements from inkcanada
Build feedback relationships on Screenwriters Network to increase your visibility
Check specialized forums like r/Screenwriting (500,000+ subscribers) that share job opportunities
Group engagement tips
Strong connections come from regular participation. Take time to give feedback before asking for work. Your profile should link to a strong portfolio that shows your expertise. Toronto writers should join LIFT Screenwriters’ Circle – their monthly meetings help members develop scripts and share skills.
Social media gives Toronto screenwriters direct access to industry opportunities worldwide. Each platform plays a specific role in developing your career.
LinkedIn strategies
Your LinkedIn profile should highlight your screenwriting strengths with three powerful words. Add industry-relevant projects to your professional timeline and balance it with personal details to stay authentic. Connect with 20 industry-adjacent contacts through personalized messages and compelling loglines. The best approach is to offer help before asking anyone to read your scripts, this give-and-take builds meaningful relationships.
Twitter and Instagram for writers
Industry professionals prefer Twitter as their platform of choice. The character limit doesn’t stop meaningful conversations. Production companies now post writer opportunities through social media callouts. Instagram lets you share writing process snapshots, virtual event participation, and creative inspirations. Success on both platforms depends on daily posts to stay visible.
Building a personal brand
Your personal brand showcases your voice and unique point of view. Make your writing stand out with consistent messaging across platforms. Use your name across all networks and create platform-specific content instead of auto-posting. Note that authenticity connects. Showing a few imperfections helps potential collaborators relate to you better.
Key Takeaways
Toronto screenwriters have access to 12 legitimate platforms and strategies that can unlock hidden industry opportunities beyond traditional networking.
- Specialized platforms like Inktip and Stage 32 connect writers directly with verified producers seeking scripts, bypassing traditional Hollywood gatekeepers for Canadian talent.
- Mix freelance platforms (Fiverr, Freelancer) with job boards (Indeed, SimplyHired) to build portfolio experience while discovering diverse writing opportunities across industries.
- Attend Toronto workshops and join online communities to create face-to-face networking opportunities that virtual platforms cannot replicate for career advancement.
- Leverage social media strategically across LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to showcase your unique voice and engage with production companies posting writer searches.
- Success requires multi-channel engagement rather than relying on single resources – combine job searching, networking, skill development, and direct script marketing for optimal results.
The key to breaking into Toronto’s thriving film industry lies in persistent, strategic use of these varied resources rather than waiting for opportunities to find you.
FAQs
Some effective platforms include Inktip, Stage 32, Mandy.com, and the International Screenwriters’ Association (ISA). These sites connect writers directly with producers and offer job listings specific to the film and TV industry.
Attending workshops provides valuable networking opportunities, helps you develop your skills, and can lead to potential collaborations. Programs like WIFT’s Second Draft and TIFF Writers’ Studio offer intensive training and connections with industry professionals.
Yes, platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer offer various screenwriting gigs, from short scripts to full-length screenplays. These can be great for building your portfolio and earning income while pursuing larger projects.
Social media is crucial for modern screenwriters. LinkedIn helps showcase your professional credentials, while Twitter and Instagram allow you to engage directly with production companies and fellow writers, potentially leading to job opportunities.
A multi-pronged approach is most effective. Use specialized platforms to reach producers directly, participate in online screenwriting communities for feedback and networking, and consider attending local industry events to make face-to-face connections.
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Ready to Get a Screenwriting Job?
Breaking into Toronto’s screenwriting scene might look tough, but there are plenty of ways to make it work. The resources we discussed can open multiple doors to success in this competitive field. Each platform plays a different role in building your career, whether you’re looking for full-time work or freelance gigs.
Specialized platforms like Inktip and Stage 32 give you direct access to producers looking for fresh scripts. General job boards such as Indeed and SimplyHired connect you with writing opportunities across industries. You can build your portfolio and earn money through short-term projects on Fiverr and Freelancer.
Your career growth needs more than just job applications. Toronto screenwriting workshops are great for face-to-face networking – something online platforms can’t match. Facebook groups and Discord servers keep you in the loop about industry trends and help you build relationships with other writers.
Social media is vital for modern screenwriting careers. LinkedIn shows off your professional background, while Twitter and Instagram let you connect with production companies that post writer searches.
Success comes from using multiple channels instead of sticking to just one. The best approach combines traditional job hunting with networking, improving your skills, and marketing your scripts directly. Toronto’s film industry has lots of opportunities for writers who know how to use these resources well.
The road to screenwriting success isn’t always straight forward. But now you have 12 solid sources to find screenwriting work, you can spot hidden opportunities in Toronto’s industry and kick-start your career.
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