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The Secret World of Screenplay Ghostwriting

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The Secret World of Screenplay Ghostwriting

The story behind most screenplays often involves a web of uncredited writers, “fixers,” script doctors, and quiet contributors. Welcome to the world of screenwriting ghostwriting: an industry secret hiding in plain sight.

In this post, we’ll explore just how common ghostwriting is in Hollywood and beyond, the different types of uncredited or hidden writing roles, and — for aspiring screenwriters — how to actually become a ghostwriter yourself.

What Is Screenplay Ghostwriting?

Ghostwriting in screenwriting could refer to any situation where a writer contributes to a screenplay without receiving public credit. This can range from full script authorship to minor dialogue polish, but the common thread is anonymity.

This might involve:

Importantly, ghostwriting is not inherently shady or unethical. In most cases, it’s contractual and professional, done under NDAs and governed by Writers Guild of America (WGA) credit arbitration rules.

How Common Is Screenplay Ghostwriting, Really?

1. Extremely Common in Hollywood

In the studio system, most if not all scripts are touched by multiple hands. It is common to go through several drafts by different writers. Some stats from insiders suggest that for every credited screenwriter, there may be one to three uncredited contributors behind the scenes.

2. Standard Practice for Big Films

Take spandex films–sorry, “superhero movies”–while these often credit multiple writers, story and dialogue often evolve in writers’ rooms, on set, or through consultants. Someone may be hired to fix a single character’s voice or adjust the ending — these people are rarely credited on the poster.

3. Silent Collaboration

Even independent films and prestige dramas involve ghosting. Some directors “co-write” a script but the heavy lifting is done by the second writer. Actors often develop projects with independent (paid) writers who don’t appear on the final billing. No matter how it ends up credited, the story onscreen is likely the product of many minds.

Types of Ghostwriting in Screenwriting

Ghostwriting can take many forms:

1. Script Doctoring

These writers are brought in to improve specific aspects of a script:

Notable uncredited script doctors include Carrie Fisher, Aaron Sorkin, and Tony Gilroy. These writers are often hired quietly for a few weeks and well compensated, yet not publicly acknowledged. In essence, they are paid for their silence. 

2. Rewrites

When something about a script feels off, studios often bring in a new writer to rework the structure or characters. However, unless the changes are deemed “substantial enough”–and there’s a whole system for this–WGA credit arbitration may still award the original writer the credit. That means the rewrite is ghostwritten, even if the second writer basically made the script seaworthy.

3. Spec Script Ghosting

Sometimes a producer or actor (or for that matter a dentist) has a story idea but no writing ability. They’ll hire a ghostwriter to draft a feature script or pilot based on a concept or treatment — and take the writing credit themselves.

4. Development Polishing

Studios or showrunners might bring in anonymous writers to work on early development drafts, polish episodes, or adjust film scripts during preproduction — none of which is credited work.

5. Brand-Centric Projects

Celebrities, influencers, or major brands (e.g., Netflix star-vehicles or bio-pics or, as The Studio tells us, Kool-Aid) may need scripts that reflect their image. The named writer may be a co-producer or (eye roll) a “creative visionary,” but in reality it’s a ghostwriter who delivers the goods.

Famous Examples of Ghostwritten Films

Working as a Ghostwriter for Screenplays

These are the skills that other people need in screenplay ghostwriters:

1. Structure and Dialogue

Ghostwriting clients aren’t looking for beginner-level work. This means:

Study produced scripts. Practice rewriting scenes that don’t work. Learn to fix broken material — that is, after all, the core of the job.

2. Start with Spec Scripts and Contest Placements

Your first goal is to write exceptional specs — scripts that prove you can:

Contest placements give credibility. Unfortunately, with Screencraft and Coverfly retired, there simply isn’t as much way to get heat. And, let’s be honest, most contests are shit.

However, new ones may arise so it’s worth keeping an eye out for well respected ones like the Nicholl. Even semifinalist placements can get heat from agents or managers.

3. Create a Portfolio of Diverse Work

Screenplay ghostwriting involves matching someone else’s tone or genre — so don’t stick to one kind of script. 

Showcase several of the following:

This means you need to show range, style, and flexibility. 

4. Network with Producers, Managers, and Other Writers

It’s almost unheard-of for someone to advertise a ghostwriting gig. (Think “ghost” for fuck’s sake.) These jobs come about most often through:

The way to make personal connections such as these is through festivals, fellowships, screenwriting groups and mixers, or reaching out on networks such as Stage32 and ISA. 

If you get a reputation as delivering good work on time–remember, most producers will pick a competent person who’s on time over a genius who’s erratic–you’ll go far.

Also, be humble; your job is to blend in. Plus, in case you never received the memo, no one wants to work with a prick. 

5. Offer Rewrite Services Online

If you’re just starting, consider offering low-cost polish or ghostwriting through sites like r/HireAWriter or the Script Revolution forums. If you must, try your luck on Upwork or Fiverr. 

My guess would be that the effort it takes to get noticed on the latter two would be better spent pounding the pavement looking for more film-specific places to advertise.

This helps build testimonials and experience, even if the pay is modest at first. You’ll quickly learn that most people don’t know what the fuck they’re doing, so a lot of the work you’ll need to do is fairly basic. 

Nevertheless, don’t undersell yourself and put 80 hours of work into a $150 Upwork project. These companies exist primarily to cornhole the service provider to the benefit of the recipient; you’re not here to become the Uber driver of screenplays.

6. Join Writers’ Groups and Be the “Fixer”

Online or local screenwriting groups often workshop each other’s scripts. 

Join a group. Offer your help for free. If you’re known as the writer who solves story problems and rewrites broken scenes, you might benefit when one of your colleagues gets a deal and needs some help. 

7. Protect Yourself with NDAs and Contracts

Once work becomes professional, make sure you understand what you’re trading for keeping your name off the poster:

Ghostwriting can, by its silent nature, be taken advantage of. And, let’s be honest, film is an industry that attracts a lot of sociopaths, grifters, and charlatans (these are not, obviously, mutually exclusive categories). Don’t be a sucker. 

Read people, stand up for yourself, and get things in writing.

Pros and Cons of Screenwriting Ghostwork

Pros:

Cons:

For some screenwriters, ghostwriting is a long-term business model; for others, it’s a stepping stone to credited features or original TV pilots.

In any case, remember that you’re lucky to get paid to write.  

Just make sure you fight for your rights and make sure that you’re benefiting as much (or more) than the person paying you to keep your name off the poster.

Related posts:

  1. Creating a Concept That Gets People Interested
  2. The Basics of Concept: High Concept, Low Concept, and Good Concept
  3. How to Find Time to Write Your Screenplay: A Practical Guide
  4. Five Great Car-Based Dialogue Scenes for Screenwriters
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