Lead Screenwriter/Showrunner (Vertical Short Drama)

Lead Screenwriter/Showrunner (Vertical Short Drama) Lead Screenwriter/Showrunner (Vertical Short Drama) Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. 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 Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Alta Media USA by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Script Writer” roles. Experienced Customs Entry Writer Full Time City of Industry, CA $20.00-$24.00 1 month ago Beverly Hills, CA $30.00-$45.00 2 days ago Los Angeles, CA $100,000.00-$130,000.00 17 hours ago Los Angeles, CA $100,000.00-$110,000.00 1 month ago Santa Monica, CA $90,000.00-$128,000.00 6 days ago Los Angeles, CA $65,000.00-$80,000.00 2 weeks ago Los Angeles, CA $80,000.00-$120,000.00 3 weeks ago Content Creator and Gaming Journalist (Internship) Diamond Bar, CA $60,000.00-$70,000.00 1 day ago Youtube Retention Strategist (Writer/Producer) Volunteer: Video Production Editor: Help solve the literacy crisis Los Angeles, CA $121,000.00-$173,000.00 18 hours ago Volunteer: Creative Writing Mentors & Support Volunteers Needed! Carson, CA $55,000.00-$65,000.00 2 weeks ago Los Angeles, CA $75,000.00-$95,000.00 2 weeks ago Experienced Customs Entry Writer Full Time Walnut, CA $60,000.00-$65,000.00 1 day ago West Hollywood, CA $92,620.00-$120,450.00 1 week ago Business Writer- Relocate to Saudi Arabia Los Angeles Metropolitan Area 3 weeks ago Los Angeles County, CA $75,000.00-$110,000.00 4 weeks ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr