Producing : Controversial topics by Renee N. Meland

Stories are about people, not issues, about human experience, not political philosophies, so it depends what the project is. So if the story is focused on the struggle of a real person, their fears, their faults, their failings, their triumphs, and the controversial issue is a backdrop or part of their struggle, then there's good reason to do the story. If on the other hand the project's central reason for being is to take a position on some social or political issue, that has little to do with connecting audience to character; it is therefore a documentary work or polemic or propagandistic work, depending upon the position. If the former idea - most any director or producer will be interested in a good story which connects with people, especially if it involves some interesting backdrop/issue. If the latter, you will have to locate someone who thinks the same way as you on the issue you are trying to tackle.

That's a really good point. I think I did a good job with keeping it about the characters and how they handle the situation that they are thrown into. I didn't want to do a political piece by any means. I more enjoy addressing "what if" situations. Thank you very much for your perspective!

To echo Shadow's sentiments, storytelling is inherently subjective, through your character's point of view, through the director's point of view, and eventually through the audience's point of view. If you want it to remain objective, you should either be teaching a lesson or reporting the news. That's not to say you cannot explore both sides of an argument, or present it in a way that encourages empathy and understanding, of course. I think the answer to your basic question is still - yes, a producer will take on a controversial issue through a project provided that it aligns with their own mission (just like the mission statement of a company). Just be sure you are clear about your agenda and you are clear about theirs.

Thank you Karen "Kay" Ross ! Definitely something to keep in mind. I don't want it to become a political piece so I would have to definitely make sure whoever I collaborated with is on the same page. Thanks again!

Renee, I'm no producer unfortunately but I can say this; In my 30 year history as an avid movie watcher I did not came by a film that was not controversial in some way...I didn't watch Driving Mrs. Daisy, through but some say that's controversial movie too.

Movies are what they are because every one of them probes the taboos and controversies of our society and that's why we love movies. Even Lumieres first shown film back in 1896 was controversial - showing women at work in factory.... WOMEN AT WORK???

So my point is, you pitch your idea as any other no matter how controversial it is. You just need to be concrete and bold...and of course have a great script ready.

Wouldn't bother me at all. Obviously the script needs to be worthy.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Martin McDonagh writes controversial material all the time. In Bruges had plenty of Homophobic dialogue. Seven Psychopaths had plenty of misogynistic dialogue. Three Billboards had plenty of racist dialogue. And he even took a shot at "these Fox News fucks".

But his remarkably sharp biting writing style easily helps us get so caught up in the story that we overlook it. Be brave when you write, but write good.

Every screenwriter should have one “Fuck it” screenplay in their portfolio. Some piece of writing that reveals your craft & voice, your point of view of life, only you can write.