Screenwriting : Writing for myself by Craig D Griffiths

Yes Craig I do have a project that makes me happy

Although I am not a good writer, I always write for joy. It, indeed, simply makes me happy. About Sherlock, I was thinking of getting a bit more suspense through "who did it" in one of the screenplays, but have to make choices, can't have your cake and eat it.

And a hundred percent Sherlock Homes, maybe no, but a lot of films nowadays contain several genres. Thank God, because I love a good "who did it story."

Since 2016, all my specs are written for myself first and foremost with no consideration of commerciality. However, now that I'm on the producing side, that's changed somewhat. I'm far more motivated to exploit the marketplace these days because I know I can make that script a reality, go through all the fun of making it, and have it help pay my bills. Before 2016, I had fallen into the trap of trying to write what I thought the market wanted and that was pure heartache.

Thank you all for commenting on this. I have to say writing is my real joy. But like CJ I have a commercial ghost lingering. Things like reusing a character may bring costs down, INT NIGHT is nearly always less expensive than EXT NIGHT etc. But getting fingers on keys in my joy. I don’t know if you saw Green Book, the main character is a world class concert pianist. But in one scene he plays piano in a tavern rather than a concert hall. He loves the freedom. This script is my tavern.

Barry John Terblanche it is good to see you on here again. Your ME story feel like a “there I said” moment. I just feels good to say it.

Rutger, I like how your story tracks. I think it has tension dripping from every cell of it’s being. Being a good writer is subjective. I wouldn’t cross the road to slap Michael Jackson, but other people would die for him (another music metaphor).

Thank you everyone. I will post this on script revolution as soon as I have stopped the self indulgence of creation. Thank you CJ for SR, the only success I have ever experienced is from your magnificent creation.

Hey Craig, sometimes the best stories are from the specs you have a great joy writing. "A Quiet Place" was an idea since 2005 for Beck and Woods. It took them another 10 years. You're right about period dramas but the producers of "Downton Abbey" were impressed with the unexpected worldwide success of the show. The Sherlock "train" as you say, can still catch a niche audience.

Yes, I've seen Green Book and I totally get the analogy, Craig. I guess, what I wanted to get at with my original reply was the balance between business and personal that you allude to.

Thanks for the kind words on Script Revolution. Many like you have experienced the same. One feature sale, one feature option, and two short sales reported to me only last week.

True Ramus. But I love London. I think it is a great walking town. I spent several weeks there. So this is a greatest hits of all my favourite spots. I call out bridges and buildings and have action on the Thames. It is complete self indulgence.

If anyone ever buys this I will buy everyone on the thread more than one drink. I’ll even fly to your favourite bar to purchase it for you.

That being said, it is some of my best writing. Lately I have gotten very comfortable with my style. I am alway sparse, but I have grown to be a little conversational. Don’t know if that is good. But it is me.

Craig, I'm one of those writing for the joy of it. (Writing these scripts puts a smile on my face. Always has.)

Any, any, any project I can cook up makes me happy...and if any project of mine makes others happy, that's cool, too.