Application Guide

How to Apply for Scriptwriter & Storyteller

at Kurzgesagt

🏢 About Kurzgesagt

Kurzgesagt is a distinctive German animation studio renowned for its high-quality educational YouTube content that combines complex scientific concepts with engaging storytelling and minimalist vector animation. The company stands out for its commitment to pushing creative boundaries while fostering a collaborative, purpose-driven culture that values togetherness and continuous learning. Working here offers the unique opportunity to contribute to content that makes complex topics accessible to millions worldwide while being part of an international, remote-friendly team.

About This Role

As a Scriptwriter & Storyteller at Kurzgesagt, you'll be responsible for transforming complex scientific and philosophical concepts into compelling, accessible narratives for their signature animated videos. This role directly impacts the company's mission by crafting the foundational stories that drive their educational content, requiring you to balance accuracy with engaging storytelling while maintaining their distinctive voice. Your work will shape how millions of viewers understand everything from astrophysics to existential questions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves researching complex topics through academic papers and expert consultations, then drafting script outlines that balance accuracy with narrative flow. You'll collaborate remotely with animators and producers via video calls to refine visual storytelling elements, participate in creative feedback sessions to polish scripts, and potentially review storyboards to ensure your writing translates effectively to Kurzgesagt's signature animation style.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Kurzgesagt Is Looking For

  • Demonstrates exceptional ability to distill complex scientific/philosophical concepts into clear, engaging narratives (showcased through writing samples)
  • Has experience writing for educational or explainer content with a proven track record of maintaining accuracy while being entertaining
  • Understands Kurzgesagt's specific minimalist aesthetic and can write scripts that translate well to their vector animation style
  • Thrives in collaborative environments and values creative companionship, as evidenced by past team projects or writing partnerships

📝 Tips for Applying to Kurzgesagt

1

Submit 2-3 writing samples that specifically demonstrate your ability to explain complex topics in simple, engaging language (preferably with a scientific or educational focus)

2

Create a mock Kurzgesagt-style script outline for a topic they haven't covered yet, showing you understand their format and tone

3

Explicitly address how you've pushed creative boundaries in past writing projects, as this aligns with their stated purpose

4

Mention specific Kurzgesagt videos you admire and analyze what makes their storytelling effective

5

Highlight any experience with remote collaboration tools and processes, as this is a fully remote contract position

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for making complex ideas accessible and how it aligns with Kurzgesagt's educational mission", "Specific examples of how you've balanced scientific accuracy with engaging storytelling in past projects", "Your understanding of their unique animation style and how you'd write scripts optimized for visual translation", 'Why their values of togetherness and creative companionship resonate with your work approach']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Watch at least 10 Kurzgesagt videos across different topics to analyze their narrative structure, pacing, and tone
  • → Study their 'Behind the Scenes' content to understand their production process and collaborative workflow
  • → Research their most popular videos versus newer content to identify storytelling evolution and audience response
  • → Explore their website and shop to understand their brand extensions beyond YouTube content
Visit Kurzgesagt's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would approach explaining a complex scientific concept like quantum entanglement to a general audience
2 How do you handle feedback and collaboration when developing scripts with animators and subject matter experts?
3 What Kurzgesagt video do you think has the most effective storytelling, and what would you do differently?
4 Describe a time you had to simplify technical information without losing accuracy or nuance
5 How would you maintain Kurzgesagt's distinctive tone while bringing your own creative voice to their content?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic writing samples without scientific/educational focus or failing to demonstrate simplification of complex topics
  • Not showing familiarity with Kurzgesagt's existing content library and distinctive style
  • Presenting as a solo creator rather than a collaborative team player, given their emphasis on togetherness

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Kurzgesagt!

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