Freelance Copywriter - Specializing in Comedy & Performance

About Otherside

Otherside is a creative and media agency driven by performance and dedicated to helping brands grow by crafting imaginative and engaging advertisements. We collaborate with rapidly expanding SaaS, fintech, and DTC companies, many of which have attained unicorn status. Our humorous and compelling work regularly garners tens of thousands of shares due to its lively nature and effective messaging, which fuels our rapid growth.

Role Overview

We are assembling a team capable of writing entertaining scripts that inject humor into topics ranging from fitted sheets to AI scribe advertisements and even sensitive products, with the goal of generating viral content in Australian social circles.

Key Benefits

• Consistent and reliable stream of assignments: we provide a continuous pipeline of briefs to work on, ensuring steady engagement. During slower client periods, we focus on creating ads for our internal projects.
• Work on notable campaigns with significant budgets supporting humor-led video advertisements for brands with multimillion-dollar expenditures. Scripts produced will be valuable additions to your portfolio.
• Receive prompt feedback from experienced professionals with over 15 years in the industry each.
• Respect for project scope: requests beyond the agreed scope, like a third round of revisions, will be addressed as additional paid work rather than expected favors.
• A culture free of unnecessary meetings allowing you to focus on writing; you will only participate when it directly enhances the output.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop scripts for video advertisements lasting from 30 seconds up to 2 minutes across elevated user-generated content (UGC), testimonials, and brand campaign formats.
• Transform complete briefs into initial drafts within 24 to 48 hours.
• Create concepts and treatments for pitch presentations under tight timelines (typically 2–3 days), ensuring briefs are fully understood.
• Adhere to provided brand voice guidelines and reference ads while maintaining your own comedic style and instincts.
• Incorporate structured feedback efficiently, completing revisions swiftly with one comprehensive round rather than multiple minor notes.
• Occasionally compose scripts for case studies, social media copy, and campaign slogans.

Working Style

Our creative approach balances whimsical humor with solid commercial strategy. Humor serves as the tool to drive client business success and foster repeat partnerships. You will be responsible for blending these aspects seamlessly in scripts.

You will manage pacing effectively to keep audience attention for up to 90 seconds, instinctively knowing when to change rhythm, allow pauses, and conclude without appearing clichéd.

Specificity in writing is essential — crafting vivid, relatable lines that evoke clear imagery and emotions, such as a detailed description of struggling with bed sheets at 3 a.m. rather than vague complaints.

Dependability with deadlines is crucial; you'll own estimated delivery times and are expected to communicate any delays proactively before the due date.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrable experience scripting for video platforms including paid social, television commercials (TVC), BVOD, or branded content.
• Humor evident in published writing samples (not just stated in applications).
• Portfolio featuring at least 2–3 solo-written scripts, ready to discuss individual contributions and memorable lines.
• Ability to produce quality first drafts within 24–48 hours based on full briefs.
• Clear and transparent pricing structure, whether per day or per script.

Preferred but not mandatory qualifications include prior work with DTC/ecommerce brands and an understanding of performance marketing principles, although training can be provided if willing to learn.

Additional bonuses include experience in improv, stand-up comedy, or sketch writing, particularly with engagement for Australian and US audiences.

Work Culture and Expectations

You should be someone who maintains a collection of jokes that may have been cut but valued, and who prioritizes the product’s success over preserving every punchline. The ability to refine scripts for the best commercial impact is vital.

Application Instructions

Applicants are encouraged to submit a tailored cover letter addressing why this role at Otherside suits them uniquely. Please provide:

• A brief explanation of your fit for this specific opportunity.
• Examples of your three funniest commercial scripts written solo, including identification of your original lines.
• An overview of your day rate or per-script charging method, and your realistic turnaround time for crafting a set of three 30-second scripts from detailed briefs.
• Note that all applications are reviewed carefully; generic letters will not receive responses.