Vertical Drama Scriptwriter & Director

KOMI Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

KOMI Group seeks an experienced Scriptwriter/Director to lead vertical drama projects at KOMI Studios, shaping narratives from concept to screen and directing on-set performances for mobile audiences.

You will collaborate with producers and editors to ensure pacing, character arcs and visual storytelling meet budget, schedule and creative standards. Flexibility for overtime and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience writing narrative scripts, supported by writing samples or produced work in a social-first entertainment environment.

Responsibilities

• Write and develop original scripts for short-form and episodic vertical dramas.
• Develop ideas from concept through to production-ready scripts and completed shoots.
• Create strong hooks, memorable characters, natural dialogue, compelling conflict and satisfying narrative payoffs.
• Improve existing concepts and scripts by strengthening narrative structure, pacing, character motivation and emotional impact.
• Develop recurring characters, longer-term story arcs and scalable formats capable of supporting full vertical drama series.
• Direct original scripted content, ensuring the story, tone, performances and visual execution meet the agreed creative brief.
• Translate scripts into clear and achievable creative plans, including blocking, shot selection, coverage, pacing and performance direction.
• Direct actors to deliver natural and emotionally credible performances, including supporting less experienced performers where required.
• Lead creatively on set, communicating clearly with cast and crew and making confident decisions under production pressure.
• Work closely with producers and production teams to ensure creative ambition is achievable within available budgets, schedules, locations, cast and resources.
• Adapt scripts and creative decisions where required to solve practical production challenges without compromising the central story.
• Ensure sufficient coverage, continuity and technical quality is captured to support an effective edit.
• Review footage and edits, providing clear and actionable feedback to ensure the finished content delivers on the original narrative and creative intention.
• Use audience-performance data, editorial feedback and production learnings to improve future scripts, shoots and repeatable storytelling principles.
• Help establish consistent script-development and directing processes, including templates, review stages and creative quality standards.
• Contribute to raising the overall creative standard of KOMI Studios by sharing knowledge, giving constructive feedback and supporting the development of the wider team.

Job description

KOMI Group seeks an experienced Scriptwriter/Director to lead vertical drama projects at KOMI Studios, shaping narratives from concept to screen and directing on-set performances for mobile audiences.

You will collaborate with producers and editors to ensure pacing, character arcs and visual storytelling meet budget, schedule and creative standards. Flexibility for overtime and travel may be required.