Screenwriter

RottenElf Studios is hiring a Screenwriter based in West Palm Beach, FL to develop proof-of-concept projects across film, television, and animation. This role sits in the development phase of production, with output ranging from short film scripts and pilot concepts to treatments and scene work that establish tone, character, and world for larger projects. It suits a writer who thinks in terms of story architecture and visual storytelling, and who wants a seat at the table during early-stage independent film development rather than a work-for-hire assignment.

About the Role

The Screenwriter will work directly with the studio’s founder to build original concepts from the ground up, functioning as a core creative collaborator rather than a hired gun brought in to execute someone else’s vision. Projects span short film production, episodic television development, and animation, with the proof-of-concept format serving as the primary unit of work. A typical week involves drafting or revising script pages, shaping loglines and synopses, and thinking through how a contained piece communicates the potential of a larger series or feature film.

Key Responsibilities

• Write proof-of-concept scripts for short film, pilot, and animation projects that establish world, tone, and character within a compressed format.
• Develop original story concepts including loglines, treatments, and synopses that can support pitching or future production development.
• Draft scene work that anchors the visual identity and emotional register of a larger feature film or television series concept.
• Participate in story development sessions and revisions, responding to notes from the director and other collaborators across the production pipeline.
• Collaborate with animators, character designers, and background artists to ensure scripts support the visual execution demands of each project.
• Think strategically about what each short-form piece needs to demonstrate and what should be reserved for future development.

What You Bring

• A portfolio of screenwriting samples demonstrating command of structure, dialogue, pacing, and visual storytelling across at least one format.
• Familiarity with writing for multiple production types, including short film production, animation, or episodic television development.
• The ability to write with production constraints and visual execution in mind, not just narrative craft in the abstract.
• Comfort working in an early-stage independent production environment where roles are fluid and the slate is actively being shaped.
• Produced credits are not required. Strong writing samples and genuine story instincts are the baseline.

Why This Role

RottenElf Studios is building its creative team from the ground up, which means the Screenwriter who comes in now will have direct influence over the shape and direction of the studio’s early projects. For a writer who wants real development experience across film, television, and animation without waiting for a staff position to open at a larger company, this is a substantive entry point. No compensation details were specified in the original posting.

Apply now for the Screenwriter role at RottenElf Studios and submit your writing portfolio along with a brief introduction to get the process started.