Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 115'143 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 30'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Drehbuchautor/in (Film/TV)
You write stories for film and television.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Screenwriters develop scripts for cinema, series, and documentaries. They often work as freelancers.
Creative minds shape the stories behind the screens. Drehbuchautor/in (Film/TV) develop scripts for cinema, series, and documentaries. Your work starts long before the camera rolls. You research, design characters, and write dialogue. Strict deadlines and close teamwork are essential. Those who combine passion with discipline build the foundation for every success.
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryAudiovisual Media
Swissdoc 0.814.55.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
No verified Swiss salary data is available for this profession yet.
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Drehbuchautor/in (Film/TV).
Salary trend
-74% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 114'286 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 30'000 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Drehbuchautor/in
Official education path
You usually enter through specialized courses or master's programs at art universities.
Typical training path
Drehbuchautor/in
Prerequisites
- Writing talent
- Knowledge of all areas of film technology and the production process (camera, directing, set design, costume, editing, sound, etc.)
Requirements
- Perseverance
- Ability to build a corresponding network
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Writing talent
- Knowledge of film technology
- Strict deadline management
- Openness to feedback
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You sit at your desk and develop dialogue for a new scene. You constantly check if the plot stays logical and the characters feel authentic.
- You develop original plots and dialogue for cinema and television productions.
- You research topics intensively to verify historical and technical details.
- You work closely with directors and producers to refine the vision.
- You continuously revise texts until they meet creative requirements.
- You strictly adhere to agreed deadlines and production schedules.
Working conditions
You usually work in your own office, in co-working spaces, or from home. During filming or meetings, you often visit production companies or studios.
Where to learn
- SAL Höhere Fachschule für SprachberufeHohlstrasse 550, 8048 Zürich
- Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK)Pfingstweidstrasse 96, 8031 Zürich
Strengths
- Writing talent
- Knowledge of film technology
- Strict deadline management
- Openness to feedback
Trade-offs
- Freelance uncertainty
- High self-organisation
- Creative blocks
06 · Similar
