YouTube Documentary Scriptwriter – Research-Driven, High-Retention Storytelling

We’re launching a new YouTube documentary channel focused on compelling real-world stories, major events, scandals, disasters, sports, crime, business, culture, and subjects connected to upcoming Netflix, HBO, and other major documentary releases. We’re looking for a long-term scriptwriter who understands that a successful YouTube documentary is not just well written — it needs to keep viewers watching. What you'll be writing Scripts will typically be: Around 1,500–2,000 words / approximately 10–15 minutes Written specifically for voiceover narration Based on thorough research from credible sources Structured around strong storytelling and viewer retention Written in natural, conversational English Fast-paced without feeling sensational or cheap Topics could include stories such as: A disastrous Formula 1 season The rise and collapse of a famous company A forgotten historical event A major scandal or crime An extraordinary person or true story A subject connected to an upcoming Netflix/HBO documentary The style we're looking for Think premium YouTube documentary storytelling rather than traditional journalism. A strong script should have: A powerful opening hook The first 20–30 seconds should immediately create curiosity and give the viewer a reason to continue. A clear narrative The script should feel like a story unfolding, not a Wikipedia article being read aloud. Retention throughout New information, questions, twists, escalation, and reveals should naturally keep the audience engaged. Strong research Important claims, dates, quotations, and facts must be accurate and verifiable. Natural narration Sentences should sound good when spoken aloud. Avoid overly academic language, unnecessary detail, repetition, and long complicated sentences. We're looking for someone who: Has experience writing YouTube documentary/video essay scripts Understands YouTube retention and storytelling Can research unfamiliar topics independently Can identify the most interesting angle within a topic Can distinguish important information from unnecessary information Writes fluent/native-level English Can reliably meet deadlines Is interested in a long-term collaboration Experience with successful documentary channels is a major advantage. Important We are not looking for generic AI-generated scripts. AI can be used as a research or productivity tool, but the final script needs to feel deliberately researched, structured, fact-checked, and written by someone who understands storytelling. To apply Please send: 2–3 examples of documentary or YouTube scripts you have written. Links to published videos if available. Your price for a 1,500–2,000 word script. How long you normally need to complete one script. A short explanation of how you would structure the first 60 seconds of a documentary to maximize retention.