Screenwriting : Screenwriters, do you consider producing as well? by Beth Fox Heisinger

Dear Beth Fox Heisinger:

I think as a writer you are already a producer to a degree; So, in your own mind, you are already producing the elements of the movie with words.

Now in terms of jobs, especially with how society is evolving, in regards to automation, I think entertainment and the arts has a fantastic opportunity to grow and blossom more so than it already has; The more movies, books and plays, and others that get made the more people have jobs, and continue to have jobs. I think producing is just another avenue anyone can think of.

Albert Einstein mentioned that imagination is more important than knowledge; I think with writing you can push the boundaries of anything, whether that be fictional or non, and getting more scripts produced would help push those boundaries. Now the more people who can and are able to produce, the more this happens. A win-win for society.

So, is there a need? No. Is there an opportunity? Yes.

Just some thoughts.

God Bless.

Sincerely,

John German

YES. The script doesn't belong to the Writer. Belongs to the production. The more job skills a person brings to the table, the longer he/she stays on the production.

Yeah, I agree, Dan M. And, sorry, John, but I do see it as a practical need: 1) by being a capable producer you do bring more to the table as a possible collaborator; and 2) by better understanding what it actually takes to produce a film, that alone will better inform your writing. ;) ....And the more enticing reason: 3) you may be able to produce your own work—of course there's the harsh reality of funding. Lol!

Dear Beth Fox Heisinger:

Producing and knowing the aspects of producing are two different things; Knowing various elements of the film industry is a good thing; Learning, all around, is good. Having an imagination on top of all of that - even better.

But a practical need, no. But knowing and the possibility of doing producing, yes; That I would agree with.

It all starts with the writing, regardless; Without that - there is no production; Wearing multiple hats is fantastic, but without that script, all those other hats are pointless.

So, if you still disagree in some aspects we'll just have to agree to disagree.

God Bless.

Sincerely,

John German

Yup, we disagree, John. ;) You seem to be missing part of the point... I'm not just talking about wearing "multiple hats." I'm talking about making films, making your own work... Instead of waiting around for someone else to do it. If/when you watch the above interview... Part of the reason for learning various aspects of production, and/or considering to take it on yourself, is to see your work actually come to fruition. ;)

Anyway, I'm actually considering doing a short right now... I may have some possibilities, using what's around me... But we'll see. It's certainly not an easy task. And it just may not work out. The above interview further emboldened my thoughts on the matter, and recently watching Jordan Peele's "Get Out" has got me all fired up. Lol! ;)

Dear Beth Fox Heisinger:

Making your own film is wearing multiple hats - seeing as how you would have wrote it and made it; It also has nothing to do with waiting around for someone else to do it - that's basically overly generalizing. Many different factors come into play when making a movie, and waiting for someone else to do it really isn't one of them.

Obviously everyone wants to "see" their work come alive in some sense.

So, you said we disagree, so let's leave it at that.

If you go on to produce your own scripts - good; I wish you the best on producing, and may you captivate the audience not only with the written aspects, but also the entertainment value you bring to the screen.

God Bless.

Sincerely,

John German

John, I'm well aware of the factors, not generalizing, nor trying to make straw man arguments—I said "not JUST talking about wearing multiple hats" meaning: in addition to that point, and also, etc. But I'm not going to argue semantics. Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated. :)

Any other screenwriters considering producing?

if you've never done a movie, short or feature, how do you know what you're doing is right or wrong? This is show business. Writing is just a job. Writers get replaced all the time.

I'm happy just writing for now, I have a family, a full-time (relatively well paid) job and zero experience behind a camera or any other role in actually making a movie. I'm an insomniac so I find time to write in the witching hours.

So, I say best of luck to anyone who wants to try to produce too, more power to you, but not for me.

Yeah, that's a good, practical point, Dan M. The above interview rather took the position of steering your own project, especially these days... That it's really difficult to break through, and because of that many aspiring screenwriters may therefore need to consider producing themselves. ...Just something to ponder. I've always had an interest, but I know and understand many writers just wish to write. ;)

Anthony, yup, to each their own. ;) Although your work is so great, who better to produce it other than yourself? Just a short, perhaps? Maybe?—hint, hint. LOL! ;)))

Dear Dan MaxXx:

You could say anything "is just a job"; Writing isn't just a job though, it's what starts everything. It's like an architect for a building; Without that architectural design that building doesn't get made. Without that script, the movie doesn't get made in any sense. It's the story and script that drives the movie just like the architectural design drives the building. Every person who ends up being a part of creating it is important. Again, they are just jobs, but important jobs.

I think everyone on this site probably has watched enough movies, whether they know it or not, to take things in from what they have watched.

But everything comes down to the story; Is it captivating? Will it entertain and capture the audiences attention?

I've mentioned this before, all writers are the Ted Mosby's of the film industry; Building a captivating world or story to resurrect imagination and emotions within people. From there, anything is possible once that is set.

So to all the writers, do not lose hope, do not lose faith - basically because there is an entire world of some people who will try to do that for you. So, keep moving forward, writing, producing, whichever paths you choose, to find all of those yellow umbrella opportunities.

God Bless.

Sincerely,

John German

I did five shorts (only two decent, and only thanks to someone else helping!) before deciding to work on my craft. I recommend scribbling down an idea, getting a camera (seen the movie done on an iPhone?) and shooting it. Then, and this is the part that improved my understanding of movies the most, edit it. It's amazing to see the end result, because you realise how difficult it is to transport what you "see" in your head as a writer and what the end result is. Even better asking someone else to do it - I am planning my kid to film for me as a chore when big enough! Haha!

Producing means bringing a whole different set of skills to the table - the business, financing and marketing issues. My observation is that many/most/all the young 'uns in this forum are pretty naïve to the realities of filmmaking in general. I used to think I was fortunate in that I have the ready cash available, I have the equipment and I have some award winning scripts - what I lack is local talent.

Thanks Beth, and I did kinda produce one... realising I had no actual knowledge of anything other than writing I tried to figure out a way I could make something anyway...

The result was TXT M, a short film that uses no camera, no crew and I managed to make it all myself... https://vimeo.com/channels/txtac/

Not really sure this counts as producing my own, but I gave it a go... and one of these days I'll make some more using similar technique as I have a few more ideas.

Thanks for commenting, Martina. That's great that you have done five shorts--wow! ;)

Yeah, Doug, I've been fortunate to have people close to me to pick their brains, some Indy producers/directors. We also have a family friend who does digital special effects for major studios... It's been great to get his perspective on production as well. ;)

Haha Beth, I never said good ones thought! No really nowadays with the technology around, anybody can make a short movie...it's making a great one that's hard! :)

I don't think it is a necessity but it certainly would help a screenwriter understand why they should and shouldn't do certain things when writing a screenplay. Even if they just did a breakdown of one of their screenplays and schedule they would probably learn a lot.

Anthony, I just watched your short...now that's cheating! Haha just joking, brilliant idea, only thing is I don't understand the end! What did Granny mean?

Beth, I agree that a screenwriter should put themselves out there into the world of production. I don't think someone can rely solely on screenwriting and expect to make progress in the entertainment business. I'm writing screenplays but also producing and will be directing a web series based off my Assumptions book series.

Thanks for checking it out Martina, glad you liked the idea.

Granny 2 is what she has her lover listed as in her address book, so her txts to him don't look like they're going to a bloke. The twist end of course is that her husband was Graham all along and the kidnapper has just got rid of the obstacle that was stopping her being with her lover... least that was the idea.

If I can figure out how to do it, I'll post a short little film that was made for absolutely nothing. It was shot on a Canon T2, outside with no lighting whatsoever. It's not a particularly good film, but it's an example of what you can do for nothing. How can I put it up here?

You can post videos on your profile page. ;)

Couldn't agree more, Fiona and Izzibella. ;)

If I had the money I would

Hey Beth, great topic.

I recently - very recently - decided to work to produce my own little project rather than hope for someone else to do so. Back in the early moments of this century I wrote and produced 4 short no-budget Indies. At the time I swore I'd never do it again, due to the immense work involved... but here I am all these years later incredibly proud of the fact I did indeed put them together myself. For my money there's nothing like the feeling of having produced your own project on your own terms. This year working on this project should prove really, really interesting. Write on!

Thanks for commenting, Ted. That's great! Hell yeah, write on! I'm excited for you, and couldn't agree more. ;) All your previous work/struggles/experience/knowledge, all of that will inform and benefit your current work. I wish you the best with your project, and look forward to seeing it. :)

...Yeah, I hear you, Trevor. Funding is often a major hurtle to overcome. One that may put my hopes on hold. :/

I have six projects in various stages of development and pre-production but if I am lucky two or three will make it to the finish line. If I had it to do it all over again I would have used one of my lower to medium budget film scripts to attach a director or a second unit director with a lot of connections in the business and use their connections to package a project and find an executive producer to come in with the money. If someone could keep the cost under $1M or $2M that would not be all that difficult to do if you have the right director.

Dan: you could undoubtedly give some very valuable lessons to aspiring/novice writers when it comes to producing.

(Not you, Dan): If I were an aspiring/novice writer....I'd focus solely on becoming a Master Writer. There is like a 150-point checklist for pre-production/production/post-production duties. Bradley Gallo spent years perfecting those duties in professional organizations, and built some serious relationships on his way to becoming CCO of Amasia. That's not to say that the average aspiring/novice writer can't do that, but please be aware of the processes, and the relationship building.

If a writer is frustrated that they can't sell or option their scripts, then there are probably reasons for that, and that are related to the writer's story-telling and marketing skills. I would never attempt to jump into producing just because I couldn't get anyone interested in my scripts. Probably the only thing worse than being a half-ass writer is being a clueless wannabe producer. But if a writer does decide to add the "producer" shingle to their current state....please learn what a producer actually does.

Good Luck and Happy Writing, All!

A great thread, Beth. Since most of us who write have difficulty coming up with the $$$ to start producing, it's important that at least some of our scripts are written specifically for a no-budget to low-budget production. In other words, it must be intentional. And a full-time job isn't an excuse. The best rental rates for equipment are over weekends, Friday thru Monday counted as one day, not three. Almost anyone can afford to shoot one weekend every month or two until their film is finished

Bill, the implied baseline assumption for this thread are those awarenesses. Not suggesting anyone jump into anything unprepared. However, I certainly will not tell someone not to pursue an endeavor of their own choosing. That's of their own volition. ;) One can learn from Mr. Gallo's experience—absolutely! And, no doubt, I'm sure Dan G could teach many of us a thing or two about producing. Lol! ;)

Erik, yes, great point, writing for a particular budget is a must. ;) Yeah, I've looked at some rental options... And with a solid, practical plan anything may be possible. ;)

Great topic and good points all around. I'm looking to produce 2-minute sales tools. For example, I met a screenwriter on Twitter yesterday who produced the first two minutes of his thriller feature and had it optioned within weeks. I may do something like that with animation for one of my comedies or produce its trailer.

I just might try the "producing-your-own-thing"... thing. I'm going to see if I can film the first five minutes (teaser) to my TV Pilot, and the trailer for one of my features. It'll be educational and fun. All out of my own pocket, so hope the quality will be there. Wish me luck!

Funny that I just posted on this very subject when I saw this post! I actually am producing my own movie and finding it to be quite an enjoyable, if time-consuming, experience. After two years of getting nowhere with a high-budget sci-fi blockbuster screenplay, I decided to write a horror/thriller with a lower budget in mind. It took only a couple of months before I got interest from a producer and director out of Wilmington, NC, and now I am signed on as not only the main writer, but also as a co-producer. We are still in the money-raising stages, but things have been going full-steam ahead and I can't wait to get started on pre-production!

Sounds great, Deanna! Yes, some have done shorts to show possibility, or what a project could be. I think it's a good tactic if done really really well. Have you seen the short for "Lights Out?"—a quick search on Google brings it up. Anyway, Sandberg, along with his wife, Lotta Losten, created the initial short which went viral, which then lead to the development of the full-length film. :)

Here's a site for inspiration. It features shorts from around the world: https://www.shortoftheweek.com/. ;)

Congratulations, Toby! Sounds like a great project. I look forward to seeing it! ;)

Beth Fox Heisinger Thanks for the tip about "Lights Out." Will Google it. :-)

I have produced a few shorts and have a project management background so producing is easy for me. Raising money. That may be the only thing I struggle with. But I can see a way through that as well.