Ghostwriter for YouTube Shorts

🎥 Why ZDF?

We don’t just make videos, we craft viral stories for one of YouTube’s biggest audiences. Your script can spark curiosity, laughter, and that irresistible “share this now” energy.

Role Overview - 

We make short animated films that people love to watch. Millions of people watch them billions of times every month. It starts with ideas which are crafted into scripts by our talented writing team and we’re looking to grow those superstars.

This isn’t your usual writing gig, we have a tightly defined voice and structure to our scripts, but nor is this Chat GPT in human form. It’s highly skilled work but you need to be a creative chameleon, adapting your style to ours and working with ideas given to you.

Zack D. Films is seeking a Script-Writer to help craft short-form video scripts that captivate audiences of over 40M+ viewers worldwide. Your words will shape viral Shorts, ensuring each one is concise, compelling, and unmistakably Zack D. Films.

🎯 Purpose

You’ll craft 65–150 word scripts that:

• Hook viewers in seconds.

• Deliver fact-driven, visually evocative storytelling.

• Nail Zack D. Films’ unique tone and style.

• Spark audience engagement, retention, and growth.

✍️ Responsibilities

• Draft and refine short, engaging scripts (65–150 words) across diverse topics.

• Write to match studio style and use AI tools to refine.

• Ensure scripts meet checklist standards for clarity, accuracy, and pacing.

• Use source provided by the research team but be proactive about finding extra information when necessary

• Collaborate with fact-checkers and editors to finalize scripts.

• Manage multiple scripts simultaneously within weekly deadlines.

• Absorb and apply feedback to continuously improve output.

Ultimate Responsibility: Deliver scripts that are concise, punchy, visually evocative, and consistently aligned with Zack D. Films’ storytelling style.

❤️ You’ll Love This Job If…

You thrive on concise storytelling, slipping seamlessly into another’s voice with confidence and flair. Every line you craft carries the thrill of knowing millions will read it, and that rush fuels your drive to make words not just seen, but felt.

🙅 You’ll Hate This Job If…

Sprawling, character-driven sagas are your comfort zone, you need to show off your literary flair and struggle to simplify, deadlines feel like a constant uphill battle, and you’re content to copy-paste AI text as “good enough” without pushing for originality or polish.

💰Compensation

Starting rate at $20 per hour.

🛠 Core Skills

Essential Skills:

• Ability to mimic brand voice and tone - this is a must.

• Concise, engaging writing in short formats.

• Juggling priorities with ease and landing every deadline like a pro.

• Collaborative communication in remote settings.

You’re a top performer if you have:

• A knack for crafting hooks and payoffs.

• Ability to adapt quickly to feedback.

• Familiarity with AI writing tools for efficiency.

🚀 Hiring Process

1. Submit application + complete test project.

2. Test project reviewed for style, clarity, and adherence to format.

3. Complete part 2 test project (paid).

4. Approved candidates move to a trial paid trial stage.

5. Successful candidates offered contract role.

Complete the Test Project

You MUST complete the test project for your application to be reviewed.

The Test Details:

💰 Pay: This test is unpaid, but if approved, you’ll be considered for a paid test.
⏰ Deadline: No hard deadline—but we recommend submitting sooner rather than later.

🧠 The Test:
We’re asking you to write 5 short scripts about these topics (some of these have sources linked, others require your own research) -

• How A Toilet Works, and why you shouldn't flush a fire cracker

• The Golf Swing That Turned Deadly 🏌️🪦

• How Jawline Surgery Works

• What To Do If Your Home Is Flooding Fast 🌊

• Prisoner Fakes Death to Escape Jail

  👉 Before you start writing, watch plenty of videos on our Shorts channel for a clear reference on what we expect:
  📺 Zack D. Films Shorts
  
  We’ve also put together a doc with several sample scripts to guide you:
  📄 Example Scripts  

• Your scripts should:

  • Perfectly match our YouTube Shorts style (snappy, punchy, simple, and highly visual).

  • Include a strong hook, clear structure, and a compelling payoff.

  • Stay factual or grounded in a specific, interesting idea or story.

  • Be around 65–95 words each (about 30 seconds of spoken audio).

FAQ’s:

1. Do I have to complete the test to be considered for the role?
Yes. The test is the only way we assess applicants at this stage. It helps us evaluate your understanding of our format, storytelling ability, and how well you can follow a creative brief.

2. Will I be paid for the test?
No, the test is unpaid. However, if your submission is approved, you'll be offered a paid test.

3. How long should the scripts be?
Each script should be around 65–95 words, which is approximately 30 seconds of spoken content. This word count keeps our Shorts punchy, engaging, and easy to animate.

4. What kind of tone and style should I follow?
Your script should mirror our YouTube Shorts style - that means fast-paced, highly visual, and fact-driven with a clear hook, strong structure, and satisfying ending. Check out our channel and example scripts for reference - we can’t stress this enough.

5. Is there a deadline for submitting the test?
There’s no hard deadline. However, submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the sooner you submit, the faster we can move you into the paid stage if it’s a good fit.