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Hire a freelance scriptwriter in New Zealand

Get a clear script for your brand video, ad, explainer or presentation, written by a New Zealand scriptwriter so the message lands before anyone presses record.

  • Free to enquire
  • Local NZ freelancers
  • You choose who to hire
Sandra G., Content Writer freelancer

Gisborne

Sandra G.

Content Writer

Ryan V., Videographer/Photographer freelancer

Christchurch

Ryan V.

Videographer/Photographer

Moretekorohunga L., Animator, Illustrator freelancer

Wellington

Moretekorohunga L.

Animator, Illustrator

Jerry B., Brand Strategist freelancer

Auckland

Jerry B.

Brand Strategist

Tracy K., Creative Communications freelancer

Napier

Tracy K.

Creative Communications

Charlotte B., Compassionate writer, copy editor and proofreader freelancer

Auckland

Charlotte B.

Compassionate writer, copy editor and proofreader

What does a scriptwriter do?

Most scriptwriters handle some or all of this. Pick the parts you need and we'll put them in your brief.

  • Shaping the message

    Work out the one thing the video must say, who it is for, and what viewers should do next.

  • Explainer and brand scripts

    Scripts that explain what you do in a minute or two, in plain words people remember.

  • Ad and social video scripts

    Tight scripts for 15–60 second ads and social videos, with a strong hook and a clear call to action.

  • Training and onboarding scripts

    Scripts for training, safety and onboarding videos that walk viewers through each step.

  • Voice-over scripts

    Scripts written to be read aloud and timed to length, for voice-over artists or your own team.

  • Interview and documentary outlines

    Question plans and story outlines for interview-led or documentary-style videos.

  • Webinars and presentations

    Scripts for webinars, keynotes and presentations, with speaker notes you can deliver naturally.

  • Scene notes for your crew

    Add scene descriptions, on-screen text and shot ideas so your video team knows what to film.

  • Series and campaign scripts

    A consistent set of scripts for a video series or campaign, with versions for each platform.

  • Not sure which parts you need?

    Tell us what you want to get done. We'll shape the brief with you and share it with freelancers who fit.

    Start a brief

How we help you find the right scriptwriter for your business

We do the legwork of briefing and finding people, then step back so you work directly with the scriptwriter you choose.

Start a brief

01Tell us what you need

Share your project, the help you need, and any timing or budget you have in mind.

02Choose who to meet

Review interested freelancers and their work. Choose who you want an introduction to.

03Agree the work together

Agree the scope, timing, and price with your freelancer.

  1. 1Tell us what you need
  2. 2We help shape the brief
  3. 3Relevant freelancers are surfaced
  4. 4You compare them
  5. 5You choose

How much does it typically cost to hire a scriptwriter?

What New Zealand scriptwriters typically charge, by type of work. Freelancers quote you directly after reading your brief.

  • Short script

    Projects fromNZ$300

    One script for a short ad, social video or voice-over up to about a minute.

    • Typical rangeNZ$300–$900
  • Explainer or brand film script

    Projects fromNZ$900

    A 1–3 minute script with message development, scene notes and revisions.

    • Typical rangeNZ$900–$2,500
  • Series or long-form

    Projects fromNZ$2,500

    A set of training videos, a campaign with several ads, or a longer documentary-style script.

    • Typical rangeNZ$2,500–$8,000+
  • What affects the price

    Freelancers quote after reading your brief. These move the price most.

    • Length and number of scripts
    • Research and interviews needed
    • Number of versions and approval rounds
    • Technical or regulated subject matter

Indicative New Zealand dollar estimates only, excluding GST and third-party costs such as filming, voice-over artists and production. Freelancers set their own pricing after reviewing your brief. Updated October 2026.

Questions about hiring a scriptwriter

Straight answers to what NZ business owners ask us most.

How much does a freelance scriptwriter cost in New Zealand?

As a guide: short script, NZ$300–$900; explainer or brand film script, NZ$900–$2,500; series or long-form, NZ$2,500–$8,000+. Freelancers set the final price after reading your brief, and it's free to enquire.

What should I include in a scriptwriting brief?

Include what the video must achieve, who will watch it, the length, where it will be shown, who is on camera or doing the voice-over, and any key messages or claims that must be included.

Do I need a scriptwriter or a storyboard artist?

A scriptwriter works out the words. A storyboard artist draws what each scene will look like. Many projects use both. See storyboarding.

Can the scriptwriter work with my video team?

Yes. Share who is filming or animating so the writer can format the script and scene notes the way they need.

How long does a video script take to write?

A short script is often drafted within a week or two once the scriptwriter has your brief and any interviews done, longer for series or technical subjects. Agree draft dates and revision rounds up front, and allow time for your own sign-off.

Tell us about your video.

We'll help you shape the brief, find New Zealand freelancers who fit, and introduce you.