I have 7 completed scripts (2 pilots, 5 features) and I've been pitching for about two and a half years. I get a lot of "strong project but currently not the right fit" from many producers on another pitch service and I've never received a "request" from my stage32 pitch sessions. Last summer I worked on some re-writes with a producer from MarVista on my young adult horror slasher however no option was signed and I'm kinda just sitting in stasis with him while we wait to see if this one network may pick it up. My comfort zone is horror and romcoms but my current roster of projects consists of a sitcom, a sci-fi series, a Christmas rom com, a standard rom com, a sci-fi thriller, a horror slasher, and a supernatural thriller. I always write whatever ideas grab my attention but should I stick to what I feel I write best or continue to show my range?
Screenwriting : Is it better to be a "niche" writer or a versatile writer? by Xavion Niles
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
Nobody here can answer your career advice- unless they can vouch for your writing/ are they employers. (Define pitching?).
Two half years is nothing. I know (me included), staff tv writers, published playwrights, journalists- all after silver screen & tv deals.
1 person likes this
Pitching meaning the pitch sessions available here and on Virtual Pitch Fest. Everyone says the best advice for a writer is to "keep writing" but without representation or connections, how do we know WHAT to keep writing? What's in? What's wanted? What are execs willing to take a chance on? I guess that's the reason I'm asking if it better to "stay in a lane" or follow whatever your heart and mind connect to.
4 people like this
Few writers can write everything and be successful. You hate to limit yourself to certain genres, but writing within your zone allows you to keep getting better at it. Jumping around, you might write 10 good, diverse pieces, but they end up being just good. Let's say I pitch a comedy, there's almost zero chance they will come back with, "What do have in sci-fi?". Write what you know!
4 people like this
There’s no right or wrong answer here. If you’ve found a strength in certain genres, that’s great. Keep pushing those ideas and challenge yourself in those genres. You can still explore others on the side to keep the creativity flowing. Good luck.
4 people like this
If you wanna be known as the "____ Guy," stick to that genre, Xavion Niles. If you want to write whatever genres you want, do that. I'm thinking about dropping the "Horror Guy" brand and writing whatever ideas grab my attention like you do. It's great to have a brand, but sometimes I get great ideas in other genres. I think it's harder to be a successful multi-genre writer than being a successful brand writer, but it's definitely possible to be a successful multi-genre writer.
2 people like this
Xavion Niles; Maybe it's not your stories, but your choice of characters. Like it or not, politics matters. Re-write some of your characters to include "intersectionalities", especially for the teen crowd and you may get a few bites. You can have the best screenplay in the world, but the question is not, "Is it well-written?" but "Is it commercially viable?" Dialogs can be changed, endings can be changed, but, if you're horror films kills the wrong protected category de jure, you'll be SOL. Just a thought ....
6 people like this
Try to think less in terms of genre and more in terms of tone. Wether or not it's better to be generalised or niche in your situation is impossible to answer, but you absolutely should be leaning into your voice, especially in spec scripts.
6 people like this
The proud owner of 3 thrillers, 3 dramas, 1 comedy, and 1 horror. I would get bored rather quickly if regulated to focusing on just one genre. I enjoy the freedom of choosing what sparks my interest at any given time.
3 people like this
I truly appreciate everyone's feedback! I've always gravitated towards what calls out to me even though I have certain genres that I love to write, I just never want to be put in a box and would like to be known as a writer who takes chances and goes outside of their comfort zone. Thank you guys so much.
1 person likes this
You're welcome, Xavion Niles. I understand. It can be hard to get out of a box once you're in it.
2 people like this
Xavion Niles Keep your chin up, bud. It's YOUR road, man. Drive as fast or as slow as you wish. With either speed you choose, be sure to enjoy the ride. : )