September 13
8 comments
September 13
8 comments
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Ah. yes. This was highly informative and I treasured the specfics on the Big Four vs. Streaming services.
I see this happening as a playwright as well. You go through years of development, rewrites and more.
So theatres are risk adverse as well especially when it comes to regional theatre, Off Broadway and Broadway
This gave me a great look into the steps to getting a pilot made and the overall process.
So, I can now put my brain on the other side of the coin from now on.
The proposal of laying a blueprint for a film, is such an efficient way to introduce the theme of this article.
Good to know that solid actions should be described with as little words as possible.
It is true that every action should serve the story. It’s great confirmation to know that, I’ve seen films with poor reviews from critics because they have so much displaced actions.
I appreciate the example of the dusty book. I understand how to construct actions better now because of that example.
The first was a good description but in comparison to the revised action description, I see how the revised description, flows better with reading a script.
I often get so caught up in writing that I may forget sometimes that the purpose of the script is for the camera shots.
The downfalls are so clearly comprehensible. Would you consider the same for animation-based scripts?
It is important to write with intention, I appreciate the information. This is very informative and helpful in regards to describing how to properly write and describe actions in a script.
I meant to put this:
I’ve only heard development hell existing with video games. That’s horrible that it is experienced with so many industries.
Often what is marketable for black screenwriters isn’t what black screenwriters actually want to craft. It really is important to have agents, managers and producers.
But it can also be a challenge to get representation that will make you marketable but authentic to your true writer self.
I’m reading this book on writing and pitching a screenplay that will receive a “recommend” or “consider”. Networks are as you mentioned very risk-averse and it takes multiple people reviewing and reading it before it even makes it to the development executive to become greenly.
Breaking down the process makes it comprehensible to how to break through to the 20-30 option then to the 5-10 that are actually developed.
I didn’t know New York had upfronts. I wonder if the streaming instead of depending on upfront ultimately cuts costs in half even moreso?
Thank you for the Panic link, this is great! I didn’t realize there was a way that you can look at what series are being ordered and the networks they will be on.
It is so interesting that streaming platforms are more inclined to pick up projects over the Big Four networks.
Even with more projects picked up with Netflix over Fox, I definitely do see that Fox could save more money in the end based on the fact that Netflix is often cancelling shows.
This article was fantastic and adds more to my knowledge account.
Wow, that really puts things into perspective. I feel like I need to really get on my grind to write more scripts. But it also a conundrum with writing about the Black experience vs the marketable Black experience. It also shows how hard it is to navigate this landscape without an agent or a manager to even get in the room.
I hope I don’t sound too much like a Debbie Downer!
You can have tremendous success writing screenplays that center the black experience and black people. Embracing the difficulty of the journey and preparing yourself for success isn’t being a downer. It’s being smart. Never let an obstacle define a goal and never choose a goal that doesn’t have obstacles. To be your best consider you are a catalyst for the change that will come. Look around you. In the room where you are right now there are dozens if not hundreds of examples of technology, services, conveniences, that were once considered laughable or impossible. From light bulbs to cell phones to frozen foods: you’re surrounded by miracles and examples of overcoming obstacles. Knowing the height of the mountain better prepares you for the climb. Keep your head up!
Hmmm…very interesting when you see the stats.
Thank you for this very insightful information, David! There is so much to digest, but this is extremely helpful for me. I am beyond grateful for the statistics you graciously shared in this article. The number of annual submissions for film and TV pitches was astounding news to me. The streaming platforms need content and I’m so glad that we, black writers, have this platform as well to share our stories. I hope Paramount Plus will get on board and have original shows and movies that have African Americans as the lead actors/actresses. This article will truly help me as I move forward. Knowledge is power! Thanks again!