How do I prepare for a start in Commercial Script Writing?
I am a Voiceover artist and an aspiring commercial script writer.
I am preparing to finish an associate's degree in Marketing Management and later Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Since I am close to finishing my associates I wonder what jobs/opportunities/freelance should I be doing now to prepare to find work as a commercial script writer.
I am doing voiceover at the moment as well and I love analyzing commercial scripts and often wonder what other jobs could I look towards that align with voiceover and commercials?
I know this wont be an easy niche to break into but even if I don't get a chance at being a commercial script writer I can take other avenues around the advertising/commercial field.
7 answers
Michelle’s Answer
I would be happy to give you some advice about this, however I may have to reorient you to some things and there's a lot of questions that remain unanswered about what you need to know.
I am not sure why you want to write the scripts for commercials because you like to "analyze' them which is not a part of the work. Creativity and persuasion is part of the work, but ads are what they are and do not warrant analysis. If you want to write commercials, just start writing some original ones and use them when you make updated demo reels for your voice over submissions. You are also a Marketing Management Major for your Associates Degree, so all the resources for careers should be right there at your fingertips at the Marketing Department and you already know that working at an Advertising or Public Relations company is where you can get work if you consider going for your Bachelors Degree connected to those careers, not Psychology.
Allow me to explain. Advertising, Media or Public Relations is the career and writing commercials is an assigned job duty. There are also companies that do commercials and have one of their staff write and produce the commercials. Also, some companies hire out communications companies that have a studio and a commercial writer to produce their commercials.
If you will start writing commercials, learn how to story board them. You might be able to take a course in this at your current college. Go to the website Boords which will show you how to storyboard for commercials. You will need to write a commercial and storyboard it to present it to the person requesting it.
A Bachelors Degree in Psychology is not targeted to the work you say you want to do. The Upper Division Psychology courses are advanced, geared towards mental health careers for which students go on for their Masters and the Bachelors for it has foundational required courses and electives in Lower Division that students had already taken to proceed toward Upper Division courses for their Bachelors Degree and then on for a Masters. With all this in mind, a better Bachelors Degree that would work well with your Associates in Marketing would be something like Communications, Broadcasting, Public Relations, Marketing or Mass Media. Talk about this with one of your Marketing professors to understand this better.
So, to prepare to find work as a commercial script writer, do not go for a Bachelors Degree in Psychology (after an Associates Degree in Marketing), plan to take an executive role at a company for which you will be delegated to create the commercials for that company or explore working at a communications company that has studios and apply for production jobs. Make stronger connections with the companies or agencies that you do voice over work for. They will know the Atlanta market and be able to tell you where to apply.
Harsha Priya’s Answer
1. Understand the Industry Landscape
What is Commercial Script Writing?
Commercial script writing involves creating short, persuasive, and engaging scripts for:
- TV and radio commercials
- Online video ads (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.)
- Voiceover ads (podcasts, streaming platforms)
- Corporate training or explainer videos
- Promotional content for brands
You're already analyzing scripts - that’s a great start. Now it's time to start writing your own.
2. Build Your Writing Skills
a. Take Specific Courses or Workshops
Even though you're in school, consider supplementing with:
- Scriptwriting for Commercials
- Copywriting (especially for ads)
- Storytelling for Advertising
- Branding and Messaging
- Creative Writing for Media
Platforms to explore:
- Coursera
- Udemy
- Skillshare
- LinkedIn Learning
- MasterClass (e.g., Aaron Sorkin, Shonda Rhimes)
b. Study Great Commercial Scripts
- Watch Super Bowl ads, Apple, Google, Nike, and Coca-Cola commercials.
- Find scripts online or transcribe them yourself.
- Analyze tone, structure, pacing, emotional hooks, and calls to action.
3. Start Writing Your Own Scripts
a. Build a Portfolio
Create a portfolio of 5–10 commercial scripts:
- Include a variety of formats: TV, radio, social media, product demos
- Diversify your industries: tech, food, beauty, nonprofit, etc.
- Show versatility in tone: humorous, emotional, dramatic, upbeat
b. Use Your Voiceover Skills
- Record a few of your own scripts as demos.
- Show how your writing sounds when performed — a huge plus for clients.
- Create a reel of your voiceover + scriptwriting work.
4. Leverage Your Education
a. Associate’s Degree in Marketing Management
- Focus on consumer behavior, branding, market research, and digital marketing.
- Use these skills to write targeted, data-informed scripts.
- Learn how to speak the language of clients and agencies.
b. Bachelor’s in Psychology (Future)
- Psychology will help you write emotionally resonant scripts.
- Understand motivation, persuasion, and behavioral triggers.
- Great for writing scripts that convert or create emotional impact.
5. Network and Get Real-World Experience
a. Freelance Platforms
Start building your experience and portfolio:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Voices.com (for voiceover + scriptwriting gigs)
- Reedsy
- 99designs (for copywriting contests)
Offer services like:
- Commercial script writing
- Voiceover + script packages
- Ad copywriting
- Social media ad scripts
b. Local Opportunities
- Reach out to local businesses and offer to write short ads for them.
- Partner with local filmmakers or YouTubers who need scripts.
- Volunteer for nonprofits needing PSA (public service announcement) scripts.
6. Combine Voiceover and Scriptwriting
You have a unique edge as both a writer and performer. Market yourself as a script-to-voice provider.
Offer Packages Like:
- Scriptwriting + Voiceover for $X
- Rewriting existing scripts for better performance
- A/B testing different versions of a script with different tones
This makes you more valuable to clients than someone who just writes or just voices.
7. Think Beyond Traditional Commercials
There are many areas where your skills can apply:
| Area | Description |
|------|-------------|
Social Media Ads - Short-form video scripts for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts
|Podcast Ads - Readymade scripts for podcast hosts or branded content
Explainer Videos - Animated or live-action scripts for startups or SaaS companies .
Corporate Training/Onboarding - Internal scripts for employee training or brand messaging
E-learning Content- Educational scripts for digital courses or platforms
Brand Storytelling - Emotional or mission-driven brand videos
Radio Ads - Especially great if you do voiceover
8. Build an Online Presence
a. Create a Website or Portfolio
Use:
- Wix
- Squarespace
- WordPress
- Notion (for a simple portfolio)
Include:
- Your best scripts (PDF or embedded)
- Audio/video demos of your voiceover + scripts
- Testimonials (even if from friends or test clients)
- Contact info and rates
b. Use Social Media Strategically
- Post short scripts or script ideas on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok.
- Comment on ads and analyze them, show your expertise.
- Build a personal brand as a commercial scriptwriteror brand storyteller.
9. Understand the Business Side
As a freelancer, you’ll need to know:
- How to price your work (per script, per word, hourly)
- How to write proposals and contracts
- How to pitch and follow up
- How to invoice and track payments
You can learn this through:
- Small Business courses
- Freelancing platforms
- Podcasts like The Freelancer Show, Freelance Transformation, or Smart Passive Income.
10. Set Short- and Long-Term Goals
Short-Term (Next 6–12 Months):
- Finish associate’s degree
- Build a portfolio of 10 scripts + voiceover demos
- Land 3–5 freelance gigs on Upwork or Voices
- Connect with 2–3 agencies or production houses
- Pitch to local businesses or startups
Long-Term (1–3 Years):
- Transition into full-time freelance or agency scriptwriting
- Work with bigger clients or agencies
- Write for TV/radio ads or branded content
- Possibly start your own production or creative services business
Final Thoughts
You’re already ahead of the curve by combining voiceover talent, marketing knowledge, and a passion for storytelling. The key now is to write, pitch, and persist. The commercial writing world values people who can understand the client, the audience, and the message and that’s exactly what your background prepares you for.
Quick Checklist to Start Now
1. Start writing sample scripts
2. Record voiceover demos of your scripts
3. Set up a portfolio site
4. Sign up on freelance platforms
5. Reach out to local businesses for small gigs
6. Join online communities (Reddit, LinkedIn groups)
7. Follow ad agencies and scriptwriters on social media
8. Pitch your services as a scriptwriter + voice actor
Maria’s Answer
I fell into writing scripts for various companies I worked at, and sometimes doing voice over, just by being a writer in the marketing department. As I worked in the Creative department at Disney for 7 years, I wrote LOTS of video scripts for the websites that were recorded by professionals. I think it helps being good at voice over to know how to write those scripts. I used to take my scripts out to the parking lot and read them out loud as I timed myself. I then had to go into meetings with the product managers and attorneys to make sure anything we said in them wasn't problematic. A good skill to have is openness and collaboration, in addition to writing to a time limit. Those opportunities didn't come as often later, although I did get to do one here at my current job as a content designer in the UX department at my company. I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Chinyere’s Answer
You have a unique and useful combination of skills, so it's great that you're combining your voiceover experience with your interest in commercial scriptwriting. You're doing well with your marketing management background and plans to obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology. Advertising relies heavily on understanding people's thought processes and decision-making processes, therefore your creative and academic efforts are more closely related than you might believe.
Writing your own sample ads is one of the finest methods to begin preparing, as you're already doing voiceover work and script analysis. Try writing screenplays for imaginary and actual brands in a variety of formats, such as radio commercials, social media clips, short 15- or 30-second spots, or longer storytelling-style advertisements. You may develop a strong writing portfolio that demonstrates your versatility and creativity by doing this on a regular basis.
Start searching for freelance or entry-level positions in relevant fields, such as copywriting or digital content development, in addition to practicing independently. Small businesses seeking script assistance frequently use websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour. To get experience and get practical feedback, you could also contact nearby companies and offer to write scripts or even voiceovers for brief advertisements. Make your own opportunities and use them to boost your résumé instead of waiting for someone to hire you.
Building a network within the advertising and creative industries is another essential phase. Join forums dedicated to independent writers and creatives, and follow copywriters, screenwriters, and creative directors on LinkedIn. Never hesitate to ask for help or to introduce yourself. You never know who might be willing to mentor or who might be searching for new potential.
Given your experience in voicing, you can even think about combining your talents and providing small brands or content producers with a scriptwriting and voiceover package. This could provide you with a competitive advantage and lead to special contract or freelance opportunities. Many writers lack your strong command of tone, timing, and delivery, which may greatly enhance the impact of your scripts.
Lastly, think about taking in a quick workshop or certification course in advertising copywriting or commercial writing. Good options can be found on websites like Coursera and Udemy or even at creative institutions like the School of Visual Arts or Miami Ad School. These can help you become more confident, learn industry norms, and hone your writing abilities.
It may take some time to break into commercial scriptwriting, but you're well on your way if you have the needed passion, experience, and openness to try new things. Your determination will be rewarded if you keep creating, maintain your curiosity, and cultivate partnerships.
Best wishes!
David’s Answer
Great job on continuing your education! Writing commercials is different from writing screenplays. For screenplays, you can write as many as you like and then seek a manager or agent to help sell them. With commercials, you usually get assignments from an advertising or marketing company where you work. If you want to write commercials, try applying to advertising or marketing agencies and work your way up. Meanwhile, you can jot down your commercial ideas or use AI to create them. Building a small portfolio of your own commercials will show future employers your talent and creativity. Best of luck!
Deb’s Answer
To break into commercial script writing, consider taking copywriting courses and start building a portfolio. Write "spec" scripts for brands you like (:30, :60, or :90 spots) using the standard format. You can also rework existing commercials that you felt missed the mark to show how you’d improve them. Collect your best work in an online portfolio so it's easier to share.
Build your network on LinkedIn by following and connecting with copywriters and commercial scriptwriters whose work you admire. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for a quick 10- to 15-minute informational chat, most people are happy to help especially if they know it's quick. (And please don't be discouraged if they don't respond, people get busy, but it only takes one yes to open that door.) The more people you connect with now, the stronger your network will be later when you start looking for jobs.
Finally, look for internships at ad agencies or video production and post-production houses. See if a scriptwriter or producer might let you follow them around for a day on set. You can even look for job postings for commercial scriptwriters and write the company directly explaining your situation and offering to assist the person they ultimately hire. Non-profits and volunteer opportunities are also a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio. The experience you gain in the real world and the human connections you make are often just as vital as what you learn in the classroom.
Wishing you lots of success in the years to come! Good luck!
James Constantine’s Answer
Completing the associate's degree ties up how you conform your business, the mission statement, the priorities. How do I prepare for a start in Commercial Script Writing? The script content, the qualities of the writer and the presenter need to be authoritative and reliable, so as to persuade behavior change and trust in the buyer. Such presenter traits are reminiscent of parents or teachers, to your customers. This satisfies the unique behavioral psychological requirements of the buyer. It is not just the choice of script, but how it is presented too. The milieu of customer experiences then suggests a buying behavior. Could I suggest internship work with script writers and voiceover artists? SEE https://atlantavoiceoverstudio.com/ Analyzing introductory presentations, for instance, as a compere is another job to get involved with.
The psychological response to speech is a good PubMed subject to research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=psychological+response+to+spoken+word
GOD BLESS!