As Indian screenwriters increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into their creative processes, a new report by Tulsea and Ormax Media sheds light on the persistent challenges they face concerning pay and credit. The study, titled “The Right Draft: 2026,” indicates that while AI adoption is on the rise, long-standing issues of compensation and recognition remain crucial areas for the industry to address. By delving into the experiences of screenwriters, the report aims to foster meaningful industry changes.
AI Adoption Among Indian Screenwriters
Based on a comprehensive survey of 254 professional screenwriters across India, the Tulsea–Ormax report reveals significant AI adoption among creators. Approximately 41% of respondents acknowledged using AI tools during their writing process, illustrating a generational spread in adoption. Despite this digital shift, nearly half of the writers do not perceive AI as a threat to their careers, suggesting a complicated relationship between technology and traditional writing practices.
However, the report also highlights concerns about AI’s influence on the industry’s perception of creativity. Nearly 70% of participants believe AI diminishes the perceived value of human creativity among producers. Additionally, 50% noted that AI leads to expectations of shorter timelines, assuming AI will streamline the writing process.
AI’s Role in Content Development
The study finds that three-quarters of screenwriters see AI as beneficial during specific stages, such as early development, pitching, and drafting. Nonetheless, more than 70% are hesitant to disclose their use of AI publicly, reflecting possible stigma around its use in writing.
“With the second edition of ‘The Right Draft,’ we aim to deepen industry understanding of screenwriters’ experiences concerning pay, credit, and AI. The goal is to shift conversations towards fairer, creator-friendly systems,” said Chaitanya Hegde, co-founder of Tulsea Media.
Persistent Issues of Pay and Credit
The report indicates that compensation trends for screenwriters have worsened, with 74% feeling underpaid—an increase from previous years. Payment delays and the need for constant follow-ups further exacerbate the situation. Performance-linked compensation remains uncommon, as two-thirds have never received profit-sharing options.
Credit issues also persist, with more than half of screenwriters feeling inadequately credited. A lack of standardized crediting practices and insufficient recognition for contributions, particularly in collaborative projects, are cited as major concerns. Theatrical cinema notably continues to prioritize stars over scripts, with only 6% of respondents believing producers value scripts more highly.
Decline in Mentorship and Support
Access to mentorship and industry support structures is on the decline, with only 19% accessing good mentorship—a decrease from previous years. A significant 76% of respondents believe the industry lacks adequate infrastructure for skill development and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Shailesh Kapoor, founder-CEO of Ormax Media, emphasizes the importance of the report: “Writers are central to storytelling, yet structural issues persist. ‘The Right Draft’ aims to guide the industry towards greater alignment, accountability, and creative ownership.”
The report, organized into seven sections—The Right Pay, Credit, Feedback, Value, Nurturing, Tools, and Environment—expands on previous editions by examining AI’s impact and ongoing structural challenges in compensation and support for screenwriters.
