Scriptwriter

Description

Experienced True Crime Documentary Scriptwriter

The Decoder Production | Remote | Full-Time

Company Description

The Decoder Production is a growing media production company specialising in high-quality, cinematic true crime documentaries for digital and streaming platforms.

Our documentaries combine real police footage, interrogation recordings, investigative research, and compelling narration to tell extraordinary real-life crime stories.

We focus on creating immersive, carefully structured documentaries that go beyond simply reporting events. Through strong storytelling, attention to detail, and thoughtful pacing, we bring audiences inside complex criminal investigations, revealing how cases unfold from the initial incident through to their eventual resolution.

We are looking for talented storytellers who understand what makes a documentary genuinely compelling and can transform extensive case materials into gripping, well-researched narratives.

Role Description

We are seeking an Experienced True Crime Documentary Scriptwriter to join our remote production team.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in documentary storytelling, investigative research, and long-form scriptwriting, with a particular understanding of audience engagement, narrative structure, and pacing.

This role involves developing detailed scripts for true crime documentaries, typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, using police bodycam footage, interrogations, 911 calls, court records, and other investigative materials.

Unlike traditional documentary writing, our storytelling is often built around real footage. The successful candidate must understand how to use existing recordings to construct a compelling narrative, allowing events and conversations to unfold naturally while using narration to provide context, establish connections, and move the story forward.

You will work closely with researchers, producers, and video editors to develop documentaries that are factually accurate, emotionally engaging, and structured to maintain audience interest throughout.

Key Responsibilities

Research real criminal cases using reliable sources, official records, investigative documents, and available footage.

Review and analyse police bodycam recordings, interrogation footage, 911 calls, surveillance footage, and other case materials.

Develop compelling documentary narratives with strong openings, clear story progression, meaningful revelations, and satisfying conclusions.

Write engaging, cinematic voiceover scripts that complement real footage rather than unnecessarily repeating what viewers can already see or hear.

Structure long-form documentaries to maintain suspense, curiosity, and audience retention without compromising factual accuracy.

Identify the most important moments, emotional turning points, and investigative developments within each case.

Organise footage and narration into coherent sequences, providing clear instructions and references for video editors.

Collaborate with producers and editors to refine story structure, pacing, transitions, and overall narrative quality.

Verify factual claims, maintain accurate source references, and distinguish established facts from allegations or speculation.

Revise scripts based on editorial feedback while maintaining a consistent documentary style.

Manage multiple projects and consistently meet production deadlines.

Qualifications

Proven experience writing true crime, investigative, or long-form documentary scripts.

Exceptional storytelling ability, particularly in developing suspense, curiosity, and narrative momentum.

Strong understanding of documentary structure, pacing, audience retention, and effective story development.

Experience writing voiceover narration that sounds natural, engaging, and appropriate for professional documentary productions.

Ability to construct stories around existing footage, interviews, and recordings rather than relying entirely on narration.

Excellent investigative research skills, including the ability to interpret police reports, court documents, and complex case information.

Strong attention to factual accuracy, chronology, and consistency.

Understanding of YouTube documentary storytelling and the importance of maintaining viewer engagement.

Ability to identify compelling story angles and transform large volumes of raw material into clear, engaging narratives.

Excellent written English, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Ability to work independently in a remote production environment and meet agreed deadlines.

Experience collaborating with video editors and production teams is highly desirable.

Experience in journalism, documentary filmmaking, television production, or investigative media is advantageous. However, demonstrated writing ability and a strong portfolio are more important than formal qualifications.

What We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in writers who understand that great true crime documentaries are not simply chronological summaries of criminal cases.

The strongest candidates know how to build intrigue, introduce information at the right moment, create meaningful transitions, and keep viewers invested in understanding what happened and why.

You should be comfortable working with complex cases, identifying the most compelling elements of a story, and developing scripts that feel cinematic without becoming sensationalised or misleading.

Above all, we are looking for someone who can turn real investigative material into a documentary that audiences want to watch from beginning to end.

How to Apply

Please submit:

Your CV or a brief overview of your relevant experience.

Examples of true crime or documentary scripts you have written.

Links to published documentaries or videos featuring your work, where available.

A brief explanation of your approach to structuring a compelling long-form true crime documentary.

Applications demonstrating experience with footage-led true crime documentaries will be particularly valued.

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Location: Remote

Industry: Media Production / True Crime Documentary / Digital Entertainment

Company Name

Sign In to view

Location

Remote  Remote working available

Salary

£350/script

Posted on

10th Nov 2026

Apply by

24th Nov 2026