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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.
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6 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jodecie !
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.
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.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
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Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Jodecie,
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!
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!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Jodecie!
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!
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!
Updated
Deb’s Answer
Hi Jodecie! Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! You're already on the right path studying psychology and analyzing commercials. Understanding what makes people think, feel, or act is key to advertising and writing effective, persuasive scripts.
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!
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!
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hey Jodecie!
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!
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!
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Jodecie,
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!
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!