Screenplay Writer and Director

Job Position(s): Screenplay Writer and Director

 

Illumeably is a digital film studio producing emotionally engaging, life-lesson-driven short films for audiences across YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and streaming platforms. Our stories reach millions of viewers each month and are designed to entertain, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.

We create high-volume narrative content with professional production standards and a fast-paced creative culture. Every project is built around compelling characters, emotional storytelling, dramatic twists, and memorable lessons.

We’re looking for a Screenwriter / Director who can develop powerful stories and successfully bring them to life on set.

Position Overview

As a Screenwriter / Director, you will be responsible for developing story concepts, writing production-ready screenplays, and directing narrative productions. You may direct scripts you’ve written yourself or projects developed by other writers on the team.

This is a highly creative and highly operational role. Success requires exceptional storytelling ability, strong leadership skills, and the ability to remain calm and decisive while managing multiple moving parts simultaneously.

The ideal candidate is both a storyteller and a problem solver—someone who can craft emotionally compelling narratives while confidently leading productions through the inevitable challenges that arise during filming.

Key Responsibilities

Screenwriting

• Develop original story concepts and episode ideas.
• Write engaging, production-ready screenplays.
• Create compelling characters with strong emotional arcs.
• Structure stories to maximize audience engagement and retention.
• Incorporate dramatic tension, conflict, twists, and satisfying resolutions.
• Revise scripts based on creative feedback and performance data.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and story development meetings.
• Analyze top-performing content and apply insights to future projects.
• Ensure scripts are executable within production constraints.

Directing

• Direct narrative productions from pre-production through principal photography.
• Conduct table reads and actor rehearsals.
• Guide actors toward authentic and emotionally impactful performances.
• Collaborate with producers, cinematographers, and crew to execute each production.
• Make creative decisions regarding coverage, pacing, blocking, and scene execution.
• Adapt scripts when production realities require changes.
• Maintain production momentum and efficiency throughout filming.
• Ensure scenes are completed to creative standards while staying on schedule.

Creative Leadership

• Collaborate with writers, producers, editors, and actors.
• Provide constructive feedback on scripts and story development.
• Help maintain storytelling standards across all productions.
• Mentor junior creatives when appropriate.
• Contribute ideas that improve production quality and audience engagement.

Problem Solving & Production Management

A major part of this role involves solving problems in real time.

Production environments are dynamic. Actors become unavailable. Locations change. Scenes run long. Creative ideas need adjustment. Schedules shift.

Successful candidates can quickly assess situations, make decisions, communicate clearly, and keep production moving without sacrificing story quality.

You should be comfortable handling situations such as:

• Last-minute script revisions.
• Actor performance challenges.
• Location changes.
• Scheduling conflicts.
• Missing props or wardrobe issues.
• Coverage adjustments.
• Production delays.
• Unexpected technical issues.
• Weather-related disruptions.
• Creative disagreements that require resolution.

The ability to remain calm, focused, and solutions-oriented under pressure is essential.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong screenplay writing ability.
• Strong understanding of story structure and character development.
• Experience directing actors in narrative content.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving ability.

Preferred

• Experience creating content for YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, or streaming platforms.
• Experience writing and directing viral or highly viewed digital content.
• Understanding of audience retention and viewer psychology.
• Familiarity with production workflows and post-production processes.
• Experience working with professional production crews.

What Makes Someone Successful In This Role

The ideal candidate:

• Understands what makes audiences emotionally invested.
• Can consistently create compelling, high-retention stories.
• Thinks visually while writing.
• Writes with production practicality in mind.
• Leads actors and crew with confidence and professionalism.
• Remains calm under pressure.
• Can manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Communicates clearly and decisively.
• Adapts quickly when circumstances change.
• Anticipates problems before they affect production.
• Takes ownership of projects from concept through final delivery.
• Maintains high standards while moving quickly.

Pay: $26.89 – $32.38 per hour

Work Location: In person