Choose Your Own Genre
Not too long ago, when I first started learning about screenwriting, I heard various opinions regarding choosing a genre. Some said to show range, while others said to find a genre you enjoy and hone it. From everything I'd read, sticking to one genre won the battle.
But, is it important to -- dare I say -- pigeonhole one's self within one genre? I enjoy writing horror and action, with comedic bits thrown in, when necessary. I can write both horror and action independently of each other, but I could never write an all-out comedy.
(As an aside, I have great respect for comedy writers. Creating humor on the page -- for 110 pages -- seems like it would be a challenge.)
So, fellow space travelers, here's the big question: When trying to break into Hollywood, is it better to stick to one genre, or is showing your range in various genres something to capitalize upon?
posted by DDog @ 12/09/2005 05:04:00 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Humm, I would say both . . . at once. Whatever genre you are currently working in, know the films in that genre for at least the last 20 years. Watch them all. Only then will you know what is cliché and what stuff of yours is original. It’s a daunting task, but at least it’s fun. When you begin writing in another genre, same thing.
I would say don't worry about it. Write the story you want to tell and don't give two shits about the genre. The most important thing is to write a good story and to write it well.
Haha, Robert’s probably right on the mark. But I would contend that my scenario is what you are competing against in Hollywood—people who know film inside and out. The writers there would rather write than eat. They have given up jobs and careers to move to Tinsel Town to pursue their dreams. Everyone there looks at us who live in the Diaspora as country folk who are not really serious about The Business.
And who exactly is writing in Hollywood? Everyfuckingone. When the Dominican busboy is driving down Hollywood Blvd. and sees a producer/director/actor walking down the sidewalk, he will jump the curb, park, open his trunk, and start taking out screenplays he’s written. “Oh, you interested in scifi? I have one right here.”
That’s what you are competing against.
So we have to level the playing field wherever we can. Typing away two hours a night in Starbucks ain’t going to do it. You might write the next Great American Screenplay and just happen to be in the right place at the right time. But that is certainly the exception.
Sorry for being Mr. Preachy. You probably realize all of this.
Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I've been getting the vibe that if you want to compete in this busines, you should move out to Hollywood. I'd like to, eventually, get out there and pursue The Dream.
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