Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a valuable tool for Indian screenwriters, as revealed in the latest industry research report, “The Right Draft: 2026,” published by talent agency Tulsea and media insights firm Ormax Media. The report, based on a survey of 254 professional screenwriters, highlights the widespread adoption of AI tools in the writing process, with 41% of respondents using AI at least occasionally.
Despite the increasing use of AI, concerns persist among screenwriters regarding its impact on timelines and creativity. Nearly seven in ten respondents believe that the presence of AI diminishes the perceived value of human creativity in the eyes of producers, leading to expectations of faster turnaround times. However, three-quarters of screenwriters acknowledge the benefits of AI at certain stages of the writing process, particularly during early development.
Chaitanya Hegde, co-founder of Tulsea Media, emphasized the importance of understanding writers’ experiences in the industry, including issues related to pay, credit, feedback, and now AI. The report also sheds light on persistent challenges faced by screenwriters, such as inadequate compensation, lack of credit and visibility, and limited access to mentorship and support structures.
Compensation trends have deteriorated since the last report in 2023, with nearly 74% of respondents feeling they are not paid fairly for their work. Profit-sharing and performance-linked compensation remain rare, further exacerbating the financial challenges faced by screenwriters. Additionally, issues related to credit and visibility continue to plague the industry, with many screenwriters reporting a lack of defined industry standards for crediting.
The report also highlights the diminishing perceived value of scripts in theatrical cinema, with stars often taking precedence over the script itself. Access to mentorship and support has also declined, with fewer screenwriters reporting access to good mentors and effective grievance-redressal mechanisms.
Shailesh Kapoor, founder-CEO of Ormax Media, stressed the importance of addressing structural challenges within the industry to support screenwriters and foster creative ownership. “The Right Draft: 2026” is organized into seven sections, covering topics such as pay, credit, feedback, and the impact of AI on writing workflows. The report aims to provide practical insights for building stronger alignment, accountability, and support for screenwriters in the evolving landscape of storytelling.
Overall, the integration of AI into the writing process presents both opportunities and challenges for Indian screenwriters. By addressing longstanding issues around pay, credit, and support, the industry can create a more equitable and sustainable environment for writers to thrive.
