Lead Screenwriter/Showrunner (Vertical Short Drama)

Alta Media USA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 71,089 - 85,150; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary starting at $7,000+/month

Opportunity to shape creative direction

Room for creative freedom and career growth

Job summary

Alta Media USA is seeking a visionary Lead Screenwriter/Showrunner to take creative ownership of vertical short drama projects. This role requires 3+ years of experience in screenwriting, especially within the realm of short-form content. Candidates who excel in collaboration and possess strong leadership skills will find an exciting opportunity to shape an emerging content format with a diverse team.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in screenwriting or showrunning with hands-on experience in vertical short drama.
• Strong writing portfolio demonstrating storytelling for mobile/social platforms.
• Experience leading a writers' room is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of original vertical short drama series—from concept through production-ready scripts.
• Manage and mentor a small team of writers; ensure creative consistency across episodes.
• Collaborate with producers, directors, and editors to align creative direction with production logistics.

Skills

Screenwriting

Leadership

Collaboration

Job description

Lead Screenwriter/Showrunner (Vertical Short Drama)

Lead Screenwriter/Showrunner (Vertical Short Drama)

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AltaTV is looking for a visionary Lead Screenwriter / Showrunner to take creative ownership of our vertical short drama slate. This is a leadership role for someone with hands-on experience in short-form scripted content—especially in vertical formats—and a deep understanding of the fast-evolving storytelling trends in the space.

You will drive the creative process from development to final script, lead a small team of writers, and collaborate closely with our production team to ensure each project is impactful, emotionally resonant, and optimized for mobile-first viewing.

About the Role:

AltaTV is looking for a visionary Lead Screenwriter / Showrunner to take creative ownership of our vertical short drama slate. This is a leadership role for someone with hands-on experience in short-form scripted content—especially in vertical formats—and a deep understanding of the fast-evolving storytelling trends in the space.

You will drive the creative process from development to final script, lead a small team of writers, and collaborate closely with our production team to ensure each project is impactful, emotionally resonant, and optimized for mobile-first viewing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of original vertical short drama series—from concept through production-ready scripts.
• Manage and mentor a small team of writers; assign work, give feedback, and ensure creative consistency across episodes and series.
• Analyze audience preferences, genre trends, and platform data to inform story structure, tone, and pacing.
• Write and revise pilot scripts, episode outlines, beat sheets, and dialogue with sharp attention to story and format.
• Adapt existing IP (e.g., Chinese or Korean dramas) for U.S. audiences while preserving cultural nuance and emotional appeal.
• Collaborate with producers, directors, and editors to align creative direction with production logistics and timelines.
• Act as the creative lead in the writers’ room, setting the tone and vision for series development.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in screenwriting or showrunning, with hands-on experience in vertical short drama or short-form digital content.
• Strong writing portfolio demonstrating storytelling for mobile/social platforms (e.g. TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reels, or similar).
• Experience leading a writers’ room or supervising other writers preferred.
• Deep knowledge of vertical storytelling mechanics: pacing, hooks, cliffhangers, short arcs.
• Strong interest in Asian drama (Chinese/Korean), with adaptation experience a plus.
• Excellent creative instincts with an ability to balance bold storytelling with market trends.
• Collaborative and communicative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary starting at $7,000+/month, with eligibility for raises and performance bonuses.
• Opportunity to shape the creative direction of an emerging content format.
• Work with a passionate team of creators from diverse backgrounds and platforms.
• Room for creative freedom, career growth, and ownership of original IP.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Public Relations and Communications Services

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