Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can sure buy you freedom. That’s what makes it such a valuable commodity. You might not like what your job has bought you, but you can always choose to walk away. It’s your call. Hopefully these figures below will give you some idea of just how much money you could be making as an episode writer.
The Biggest Revenue Generators
Even though we’re only looking at television here, these figures would not be out of place in reference to any medium. Thanks to the popularity of Netflix and other streaming platforms, original TV shows have become quite the lucrative venture. What’s great about this sector is that the more you produce, the more you’ll make. Netflix and other platforms will always be looking for new material. You can find success as an episode writer without necessarily having to compromise your creative freedom.
Breaking Bad was arguably the most influential show of the last few years. It began its run in 2008 and continued well into the next decade. During that time, it became one of the highest-rated shows of all time. Along with other popular TV shows such as Game of Thrones and The Handmaid’s Tale, it helped establish Netflix as a force to be reckoned with in original content. Thanks to shows like these, it’s pretty clear that television is a much more profitable industry than it has ever been before. If you’re looking for a way to make money, why not try your hand at writing for the greatest TV show of all time? You might not get rich, but you’ll certainly get enough to cover your costs.
The Cost of Creating an Episode
The cost of creating an episode depends on a variety of factors. One of the biggest differences between broadcast TV and streaming platforms is how much you’ll need to spend on advertising. For a typical TV show with a weekly episode schedule, you’ll need to budget around $15,000 per episode to cover production costs. Let’s assume you’re a professional writer and you need to write a single script a week. It’ll cost you about $3,500 to hire a freelance writer and about $12,500 for a professional copy-editor. Your total production costs for a typical show are about $20,000 per episode (not including equipment or other miscellaneous expenses).
If you’re looking to produce a more expensive show, let’s say you need to hire a top-notch director and producer who can put together a bigger crew. You’ll need to budget at least $25,000 per episode to fully cover production costs. That’s still cheaper than buying film equipment or paying top dollar for casting agents. However, you’ll need to be prepared to commit to several months of a very busy schedule. If you don’t mind spending a little more money up front, then this is the route for you. If you’re looking to create your own TV show, then it might be smart to consider going the crowdfunding route. That’s where you’ll find the perfect audience for your show, and you can ask for donations to help you cover production costs.
The Benefits of Being an Episode Writer
Aside from the money, what else can you expect from being an episode writer? First off, you’ll have a steady flow of work. It’s pretty common for showrunners to receive multiple scripts every week. The amount of work can be overwhelming, and it’s great to have someone else take care of all the details for you. If you’re looking for an easy way to make money, why not consider this option? You’ll be able to do what you do best while not having to worry about the day-to-day details of running a business. Plus, you’ll have access to a massive audience. If you’ve got a comedic or dramatic talent, then why not try and prove it by writing comedy or drama for the greatest TV shows of all time? You never know – you might just end up creating a new legacy for yourself.