Having the signs you should be a screenwriter is easy to establish, but pursuing a screenwriting career can be harder to accomplish. Every creative professional should ensure they are making art for themselves and the audience. As a screenwriter, one way to showcase your skills and attract potential clients or employers is by creating a compelling writing portfolio. In this article, we will cover what a portfolio looks like, how to make a screenwriting portfolio in 8 steps and some writing portfolio examples for inspiration.
There is never going to be a perfect way or time to start, the point is to do it anyway and learn from your bloopers!
Do you need a screenwriting portfolio?
A writing portfolio is not essential, especially if you are already getting work in the industry. However, if you are not then it can be an awesome way to build your personal brand and set yourself apart from other writers.
A portfolio allows you to showcase your skills, range, and versatility as a screenwriter, or to hone in on your unique voice and preferred genre to sell yourself. It gives you a chance to show your are adept in screenwriting and storytelling techniques, using parentheticals and guiding the narrative with screenplay transitions. By curating your best work, crafting engaging loglines, and providing context and background for each script, you can create a screenwriting portfolio that increases your chances of getting noticed in the industry.
What does a screenwriter portfolio look like?
A screenwriter portfolio is created on a personal website to build up your brand. It typically includes an about me page, your CV or resume, writing examples, any education and awards, your past clients and a video showreel. It should be focused purely on your screenwriting work and goals in order to gain recognition in this area. You can build it out as much as you like to include anything you think is relevant to your work as a writer, from your film school education to personal essays or written work you are proud of.
Screenwriter Portfolio Examples
Mike Kubat
Mike Kubat’s writing portfolio website is simple yet effective. It has an about section, resume, video portfolio and how to contact him.
Ty Russell
Ty Russell has split his writing portfolio into his variety of experiences, from novels to TV Scripts. This shows his range and sets him apart as a professional.
Rachel Paterson
Rachel Paterson has used images to highlight her credits and experience. Her website design is simple and guides you to contact her for work.
How to create an online writing portfolio in 8 Steps
1. Decide where to host your website
You do not need to be an experienced web developer to create a portfolio website. There are many helpful platforms designed to help you write and publish your online portfolio in user-friendly steps. Check out the following:
- Writerfolio – This site will allow you to design a writer portfolio under yourname.writerfolio.com and guide you through the steps and information you need to fill out. It’s an excellent site for beginners and costs only $4 USD a month!
- Journo Portfolio – Specifically designed for a writer’s portfolio, this site helps you optimise your content for SEO to gain visibility in search engines. You can create your first 10 pages for free which is more than enough to get started.
- Writers Residence – Known for hosting a range of writers, from short stories to blog writers. This site is easy to use and offers a free 30-day trial period.
- WordPress – The most popular CMS in the world, WordPress will allow you to have 100% control over your writing portfolio design. You can use free template plugins to guide you and build as many pages of content as you like.
2. Pick a domain name
If you are using WordPress or another CMS then you will need to buy your domain name. Keep it simple with your name to build your personal brand. you can add “screenwriter” or “writer” into your domain name to help with searches. It is important to choose a domain extension relevant to the audience you want to attract. If you would like to gain work in the USA then using a .com domain name would give you credibility and trust. If you want to only work in the UK then .co.uk will be sufficient to build awareness in that region.
3. Choose a template design and theme
Your page design and theme will be somebody’s first impression of you so you must consider it. The colours and design choices can reflect your genre niche. For example, if you are purely a comedy writer then your design can be a little more playful and reflect your writing humour. However, if you are showcasing a range of projects, then a sharp and professional design may be best for your brand.
4. Write your author bio
The most important element to get right for your author bio is authenticity. You will captivate readers if you share your personal love for storytelling and what drives you to write. Keep it concise but showcase your unique personality and writing style. Tailor the tone to match your target audience, be it playful for children’s books or mysterious for thrillers. With these key elements, your author bio will leave a lasting impression and invite readers into your literary world.
You can expand your “About Me” page to show your writing timeline, from formal education to your first short film idea and plans for the future. This will take the reader beyond just another writer’s bio and allow them to see your journey and vision.
5. Showcase your best work
Within your CV/Resume page, you need to post your best-written work. Even if you are at the beginning of your career, focus on showcasing every unpublished project as a professional job, even if you worked for free. This will show the reader that you value your own skills highly and they will be more interested. Split your resume into:
- Short film (Many short films became features so showcase your talent regardless of length!)
- Feature film
- Web Series
- TV Series
- Pilot episode
- Any screenplay you co-wrote
- Plays
- Published Essays
- Short stories
- Awards
You can include loglines and writing examples within your resume, especially for scripts you have not yet published and would like the opportunity to pitch. Potential clients may come across your website with the hope of finding an idea, so this page is your place to shine.
6. Upload a video showreel
While writing examples can demonstrate your skills, a video showreel truly shines in showcasing the success of your dialogue and storytelling techniques on the screen. Compile published snippets of your work, giving each project a clear title, and create a dedicated showreel page to proudly showcase your screenwriting prowess. Let your visual storytelling do the talking and leave a lasting impact on potential collaborators and industry professionals.
7. Build a contact page
The aim of your writing portfolio is to attract clients for future work. Make it easy for them by creating a dedicated contact page where they can email you within a couple of clicks. Include any links you can to social media, other professional platforms and Linkedin to give you the best possible chance of success.
8. Keep your pages updated
Remember, your portfolio isn’t meant to gather dust in a hidden corner of the web. A vibrant and ever-evolving portfolio is the key to leaving a lasting impression on a creative industry. Whether it’s a thought-provoking article, a heartwarming short story, or a thrilling screenplay, each new addition breathes life into your body of work. Even if you are not working, showcasing your written talents on a professional website will attract more people than simply not working at all.
Having an online portfolio is also a huge motivator to practice screenwriting every day. Set a goal and publish as much as you can to hone your skills.
Where to share your writing portfolio
Give yourself the best chance to find screenwriting work by sharing your portfolio whenever you can. Add a link to all social media profiles, Linkedin, writing communities and to every pitch you create. If you are looking for a writers agent then an updated and slick website portfolio is going to encourage them to take you seriously and have confidence in your ability to secure work.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many screenplays should I have in my portfolio?
There is no set number of scripts you should have. It is more important to focus on quality rather than quantity. Select scripts that demonstrate your range and abilities as a writer, and ensure that each script is polished and well-written.
2. Do I need to have produced work in my portfolio?
No, you do not necessarily need to have produced work in your screenwriting portfolio. While having produced work can be a bonus, especially if it has received recognition or awards, it is not a requirement. Your portfolio should primarily focus on showcasing your writing skills, creativity, range, and ability to tell compelling stories. However, if you have any produced work, such as short films or web series, that you are proud of and feel represents your writing abilities well, including them in your portfolio can add an extra layer of credibility.
3. Should I include feedback or reviews of my work in my portfolio?
Yes, including feedback or reviews of your work can be a valuable addition to your screenwriting portfolio. Positive feedback or reviews from industry professionals or trusted sources can help validate your skills and showcase that your writing has been well-received by others.