Screenwriting : Script Genres??? by K.D. Stout

K.D. There is a lot of demand for low budget, limited location horror.

Thanks, Phillip. I forgot about horror.

I'm with Philip. I, also get from time to time request for faith - based screenplays, from InkTip.com

Read the trades for sales every day... and look at what is making money every weekend (strangely enough, producers are often interested in making the kinds of movies that make money - much easier to get financing if a film in the same genre made a ton of money over the weekend). But here's my advice on this stuff: Write the kind of films you see in the cinema every week. If you can't wait to see ZOOLANDER 2 and HOW TO BE SINGLE, why would you want to write a horror film just because that genre might be hot? Obviously, they are making comedy films, too - so write what you regularly pay to see in the cinema!

I like your point, William.

Thanks, Jorge.

That's kind of a tricky question. Are you asking out of curiosity or to ascertain the best genre to write something that has the best chance of selling? I think westerns and musicals might be a tougher sell than, say, a low-budget horror story - but at the same time, everybody and their uncle are writing low-budget horror stories these days. Even my uncle Ernie is writing a low-budget horror story, and he's been dead since 1993. If you're asking that question because you think you'll have your best chance to sell something in the hottest-selling genre...you're probably also going to face the greatest amount of competitors as well. And from people who've probably written 10 or 15 scripts in that genre. And have connections to producers in that genre. I stick to what I know best; what I can write the best; and hope for the best. Good luck, K.D.!

Agree the better way to ask the question is to first assess what your own skill set is, and then to figure out how to position/brand yourself and your work within the market. That said, every studio is looking for tent-poles. They have to release summer blockbusters and holiday blockbusters. Granted, many tent-poles are adapted from IP with pre-awareness.

But when they are looking for baby writers to do the first few drafts on those IP tentpoles, they are looking for tentpole skill sets. Whatever genre you break in with will end up being your genre for a while (branding). So it's always best to write the type of movie you pay to see in the cinema every week, so when you get stuck in that genre at least it's the kind of movie you enjoy watching.

Completely. Writing is hard enough. Play to your own strengths.

Low-budget horror is hot right now, but keep in mind that unless you're funding and filming your story yourself it can take years for your script to be produced and distributed. What's hot today may not be what's hot by the time your story is ready for theaters. My hunch is that it's best to write a story you're passionate about, whether or not that's what is popular at present.

Write to your strengths for now. Like William said, read trades, read what gets picked up. As big as the horror genre is right now, I am not a Horror writer so. Write what you feel and don't worry so much about what genre is hot. Just write what matters most to you.

i think you should actually concentrate on what you are good at, not what is trending.

When I was the first to post in this thread, I examined the essence of the question, which was which genres appear popular right now? So, I suggested horror. This doesn't mean you have to live and die by it. I use a specific trade source and I pitch to people looking for certain types of stories each week. Typically, three to four different things. I looked back on several issues of this outlet and every week producers are looking for contained horror and thriller scripts. Therefore, if you're pitching what you think is the next Lord of the Rings, you may have issues getting someone to look at it. And, you can very well write what you "feel like" writing and find that it can be a difficult way to break in to the film industry or make connections. I have several "tent pole" scripts in my backlog of work. Last year, a producer read "The Immortal Jack the Ripper" and said it was the best thing he'd read out of several hundred scripts. However, he also said he could never raise the funds to make that script; but I have another idea and would you be interested in writing it? In this instance, I wrote a script about the overseas sex trade called "Seven Days in Istanbul". Often times, as William mentioned, the script you submit will merely be a calling card to get you in the door with someone who has connections or the resources to make a film. About a month ago, one of my associates sent my big budget sci-fi script to a horror director in New Zealand and he loved the script. He also said he could never get this big budget project made. So I said "how about we come up with something you can get made?" He got back to me with his ideas for a concept two weeks ago and last week I spent several days forming those ideas into a detailed story synopsis. Again, the first script and a second limited location horror script I wrote last year turned out to be work samples for this director to read. And he's really jazzed that I like his idea and would spend timing shaping into a story. Last year, I wrote two passion projects. But even in doing so, I deliberated on the proposed script ideas to first consider if they were marketable. Believing that historical stories with largely African American actors would be a niche market, I wrote them. Two of them got me in the door with Tyler Perry Productions and one of those scripts made it to the President's office and was read by him and the VP. They liked the script but were very concerned about the price tag for undertaking such a project. I was disappointed but also tickled pink when the VP sent an email back saying "I'm a fan of the writer." Because for me, it's about making connections and getting your name out in the ether. It's also about the process of building relationships. And consider this, there are very few people who are an overnight success. We all love the Diablo Cody story of her hitting big with her first script. But she first made a name for herself with her journalistic work and book about being a stripper. There are many more examples of people like Matthew Weiner, who waited seven years to see “Mad Men” come to fruition. It's far more comfortable to write what you like and write what you know. However, I contend if you're not afraid to challenge yourself, leave your comfort zone and consider taking on any genre, you'll likely increase your chances of getting one of your scripts made into a film. But no matter what you do, always endeavor to be original.

I'm going to quote Michael Hauge: ..concentrate on how well your stories reflect your own truth, and how deeply they touch others." This is my goal as a screenwriter and I also follow my instincts. We have all learned something, here, from one another, you now, my dear K.D. will take at heart what you believe will work for you intuitively. You are part of a great community of talented artists from all over the world.

Phillip presents in a very insightful way how a writer tries to make their work known to people in the film industry. You notice how he doesn't mention "Getting in the Door" to Hollywood, because he's not trying to get in a door, and knows that there isn't such a mythical object. There's thousands of doors. Everywhere there is a producer, there is a door. Phillip has probably knocked on more doors than the Mormons. And he's had quite a few of them opened, as you can see. Good for you, Phillip. I would disagree with Phillip's views about writing in a comfort zone, though. His comfort zone is drama, period, even if he didn't know it until he read this sentence. Some writers are quite adapatable to any genre, and learn what they have to learn to write competently in that genre. Phillip is one of them. I've read a couple of his scripts, and he's just as competent writing a low-budget seedy action drama as he is in writing a big-budget prestigous historical drama. Some writers aren't wired that way. To go from low-budget horror writing....to mid-budget action writing...to big-budget sci-fi or historical drama....is no small feat. Each genre has its own ways; its own critical elements to learn; and its own inner rhythm and language. And I'm not talking about just set-up, A-story, B-story, and resolution - I'm talking about those inner wirings that make comedy truly funny; that make horror truly scary; and that make sci-fi truly fantastic. I would caution any writer attempting to jump genres like Phillip has to do their homework like Phillip has before making such jumps like Phillip has. "Measure thrice, cut once", as the old saying goes.

Thanks, Bill. You have a point there.

The OP simply asked, "Does anybody know what genres that are popular right now???" This does not imply that she's asking as a writer. Maybe she's a screenwriting instructor checking out the marketplace to inform her students. Maybe she's prepping a podcast about genres. Maybe she's a Set Designer revamping her portfolio. That's why I tried to answer the original question in my initial post. Every studio needs tent-poles. Not every studio makes horror movies. Not every studio makes Oscar contenders. That was my tact. Granted, the OP didn't specify that she's asking about the studio marketplace, so maybe I've just wasted everyone's time and given the least helpful answer of all. :-)

Thanks, William. I usually write Young Adults, (plain) Drama, and Sci-fi.

Thanks for your tips, Regina. You were not wasting my time. I was enjoying reading everyone's answers, including yours. I am a writer, and I was seeing which sells more. I wanted ideas what kind of stories I could write. I normally write Young Adult stories, but I haven't been seeing too many YA drama TV series and movies lately. I only notice that they are on the Disney Channel. Which is fine. In a way, I was wondering if YA scripts are starting to cut down.

You are right about that, Molly.

Thanks, David. I don't write horrors either.

Thanks for those kind words, Jorge.

Thanks Bill. A little mutual admiration society but... you are not only the funniest person I know at 32, you are also one of the most supportive and industry savvy folks that we're blessed to have in the community. Your knowledge of films, actors and writers is also astounding. And as far as having fun with threads, you are a Kingpin!

Aw, Phillip...that's nice and all....but where's my 20 bucks? And I gave you the 50-dollar plug...just so you know. Seriously...I just know a little about stuff. Mexican soap operas are my real forte, but everything I write here comes directly via carrier pigeon from CJ Walley. He's the real brains of the outfit. I'm just the fingers - and the guy who has to feed the carrier pigeons. They sure can eat. It's kinda strange, though, how they can make it from the UK to Las Vegas, but can't make it from the table to the pigeon litter box. I gotta talk to CJ about that - my kitchen floor is like a skating rink.

I agree with Phillip and Jorge. Horror is always usually in demand, probably because everyone has an inner need to be scared witless. A kind of armchair adrenalin roller coaster, to enjoy with beer n popcorn.....or whatever food craving is required to accompany the scare. Reading one up in the thread, about "Mexican" films, I went to a very interesting seminar with Carlos Gallardo who made El Mariachi for around 600 Mexican dollars in 90s. This opened the door to Hollywood with producers funding Once Upon a Time in Mexico and Desperado. (Who can forget Johnny Depp and Antonio Banderes). As Bill said "there are many doors and many producers", so short film makers get your film out there. @Bill CJs carrier pigeon is on borrowed time, CJ has an enormous controlling cat that might just rip the birds to pieces. Phillip is right, we get a blast of much needed wit with you Bill.

Superheros. But you shouldn't follow trend. Focus on telling a great story is our goal.

@Tao Hi wasn't focusing on super heroes.....merely pointing out an original script made with not much money can go anywhere. Folks can make a short with hardly any funds, but Quality will out!

That is great, Dominic. :D

In terms of what's selling, female protag/ensemble projects are still hot right now, romantic comedy is starting to come back, horror and thriller are always sellable.. but don't write to meet trends - write to start them!

Young Adult Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia Sci Fi is hot right now, but especially in publishing. Maybe you could write the novel then adapt it to screen (like they did for The Godfather). I'm considering writing one under a female pen name. Good luck!

I worked in a multiplex for over 7 years and you be amazed of the amount of customers who ask me what movie was hot or good of the 16 that were playing. Mind boggling with the internet. Horrors and female driven stories were always a hot ticket among 13 - 27 age demographic, which made a big chunk of attendees.

Thanks, Danny.

I agree Mike. trends do come and go. Sometimes, it gets confusing what is in and out at each moment.

Thanks, Steve. I had my first two YA novels completed. I wanted to write a script now... Haha... Good luck to you.

Hi KD, I'm don't know which "YA" space you're in. I was surprised to see you say, "I haven't been seeing too many YA drama..." Of late, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, THE SPECTACULAR NOW, PAPER TOWNS, etc. have lit it up. Google those movies. That said, it certainly helps to have a bestselling book to launch the appetite for adaptation. Similarly, ABC Family (now Freeform) has a long-running hit show in PRETTY LITTLE LIARS (also based on books). And shows on MTV like TEEN WOLF and SCREAM which star teen characters are arguably in the YA space as well. It's actually a very bright time for YA. But that also means you're competing against a bunch of bestsellers and pre-awareness properties.

Huge for YA. But again, a bestselling author. http://deadline.com/2015/07/john-green-fox-2000-the-fault-in-our-stars-p...

Regina, you are right about that list... I guess I forgot about those TV shows and those movies. Thanks for the link.

Perhaps the applicable lesson is to know your own market. Try to be an expert in your space if you're trying to sell/work in that space. Don't try to be a jack of all trades, master of none. Don't try to be the pitcher and the catcher; just try to be the best pitcher you can be. Know your market, your forte.

I never know what is popular but I do write in a lot of different genres.

I'm with you, Dan. I'm a screenwriter, when stories come to me, I open heart to them and do my best to give my characters voice and hope their journey inspire and touch my audience, the same way they touch me and teach me.

Cross genres like Historical Romance/Zombie movies are pretty dead. Oh wait - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies opened yesterday. Yeah, baby! I hope they eat Elizabeth.

All are nice but pay attention to vintage settings - 70-90's years - as background for stories... Analyze top movies.

Funny isn't it how we like to eat dead things and zombies like to eat living things?

A fresh observation.

Glad to see a romance (The Choice), a historical romance-zombie movie (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), and a period piece-musical-comedy-action drama (Hail Caesar) make the top six in the box office numbers this weekend. Who said romances, historical romance-zombie films, and period-piece-musical-comedy-action dramas are dead?

Owen - I'm always glad to see a film generate box office receipts. It was probably aimed at the audience of Seth Grahame's book of the same name that the movie was based on. It was a best-seller on the New York Times. He's quite the creative dude. And it gives me additional hope for my Romance-Horror Mashup, Romeo and Juliet and Jack the Ripper. "Oh Jack...you removeth the head of my Romeo with one swifteth slice. I hate you, Jack...I love you, Jack...I hate you, Jack...I love you Jack..."

That's funny - we are talking about zombies now. Haha...

K.D. with Bill, no subject is off limits, except porn, here I mean. But that's why we love him or I love him at least.

K.D. If it's a great script the genre doesn't matter. Westerns were supposed to be dead and then along came THE REVENANT.

I guess you have a point, Jack.