Vertical Drama Screenwriter（Contractor）

Job Position(s): Vertical Drama Screenwriter（Contractor）

 

Company Overview

ShortMax is a rapidly expanding global vertical drama platform with operations across Asia, North America, and Southeast Asia. As one of the fastest-growing companies in the serialized short-drama industry, ShortMax is redefining how audiences consume entertainment worldwide.

With over 1,500 employees and a robust international content pipeline, we specialize in producing and distributing high-impact vertical dramas—bite-sized, emotionally charged stories designed for mobile-first consumption. Our content spans romance, billionaire, werewolf/urban fantasy, revenge, and family/relationship drama, reaching millions of viewers across Douyin, Kuaishou, TikTok, and our owned platforms.

ShortMax releases over 100 new dramas each month, fueled by a global team of creators, adapters, translators, editors, and production partners. We are committed to innovation, creative excellence, and building a world-class content ecosystem that resonates with audiences around the world.

Join us as we shape the future of short-form serialized storytelling globally.

Position Overview

As a ShortMax Screenwriter, you will read, adapt, and craft serialized short-form dramas optimized for vertical viewing. You will transform novel IP, outlines, or raw concepts into compelling scripts, shaping story arcs, emotional beats, cliffhangers, and pacing tailored for Western audiences.

This role requires strong command of dramatic storytelling, deep familiarity with romance/YA/family drama/urban fantasy genres, and the ability to write fast, iterate quickly, and collaborate effectively. You will also participate in writers’ workshops, provide creative feedback, and help elevate ShortMax’s global story standards.

This is an ideal position for a mid-level writer with 3–5 years of professional or serialized writing experience, especially those passionate about romance or emotional-driven dramas. If you thrive in a dynamic creative environment and love crafting addictive stories, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

Story Development & Adaptation

• Read and analyze web novels or existing scripts and adapt them into serialized vertical-drama screenplays.
• Write original storylines, outlines, and episodes (1–2 minutes per episode; 60–120 episodes per season).
• Break down long-form fiction into short-form episodic structure with strong hooks and emotional payoffs.

Data-Driven Content Optimization

• Use viewer data and retention insights to refine pacing, emotional beats, and cliffhanger placement.
• Optimize episode openers, chapter conversions, and overall story flow for maximum engagement.

Original Writing & Collaboration

• Produce original content for ShortMax’s in-house projects.
• Collaborate with writers’ rooms, editors, translators, and producers during development and revisions.
• Participate in table reads and provide constructive feedback during script evaluations.

Localization

• Localize or rewrite Chinese-origin short-drama scripts for Western audiences, ensuring cultural clarity, emotional logic, and strong character motivations.

Production Support

• Provide script updates and revisions throughout production to ensure alignment with the story vision.

Requirements

Core Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of screenwriting, creative writing, serialized fiction, or comparable storytelling experience.
• Strong creative writing skills, particularly in romance, YA, family drama, or werewolf/urban fantasy genres.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Creative Writing, History, Fine Arts, Literature, Film, Screenwriting, or a related field.
• Comfortable writing emotionally intense or sensitive content when needed.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to implement feedback quickly.
• Strong interest in reading novels, serialized fiction, or online romance communities.
• Ability to work under pressure and consistently meet deadlines.

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Experience with TikTok/Reels/ReelShort-style vertical content.
• Experience adapting international content for U.S. or Western markets.
• Writers’ room, studio, or fiction publishing background.
• Ability to mentor junior writers or collaborate in group settings.
• Passion for startups and rapid creative iteration.
• Ability to collaborate across time zones (U.S.–Asia preferred).

Benefits & Culture

We provide a collaborative, globally minded environment where writers can create boldly, experiment freely, and see their stories reach millions of viewers worldwide. Compensation includes competitive project-based or full-time packages, script incentives, and opportunities for creative growth within a high-speed content ecosystem.

The pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $70,000 and $130,000 per year. However, base pay may vary further depending on individualized factors for candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ShortMax provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.