screenwriter

This term identifies a specialized writer whose primary output is a blueprint for visual media rather than a finished literary work. It carries a professional connotation, implying a mastery of structural pacing, dialogue, and the specific technical formatting required for production crews to execute a scene.

While often used interchangeably with scriptwriter, screenwriter is more frequently associated with the film industry. The role is distinct from a novelist because the text is intended to be translated into images and sounds, making the writing inherently collaborative and utilitarian.