Screenwriting : So we're all just screenwriters now? by Jae Taylor

Hey, Jae Taylor. I've seen some writers become writer-directors and directors become director-writers, but I mainly see writers writing and directors directing. The Tinder for writers seeking directors and vice versa is right here on Stage 32 (without the dating). Writers can meet directors and vice versa in the Lounges, Browse Section, Jobs Section, Blogs, Meetups Section, and Writers' Room.

I just posted about this. About how filmmakers fail in their efforts to emulate Neil LaBute or Ed Burns because they can't write as well as those two. So they make beautiful films with weak stories. So I guess the reason there's no writer-director Tinder is because the filmmakers are already in love ... with themselves.

A lot of directors don't have the self awareness to say "my writing is weak."

I'm not a horror writer but speaking in general, it does seem that it's a bit easier for directors to get the support/backing they need to produce a film than it is for screenwriters unless that screenwriter becomes a director or producer.

I am going to look at it from their POV. On Reddit there are 1,600,000 people on the screenwriting sub. So let say a 1,000,000 real accounts.

How many of those people are good?

How many of those have material that is ready to go?

How many of them want (or demand) creative control, “you cannot change my script, you’ll break it”. This is a common flaw for many writers.

Let’s say 5%. So 50,000 screenplays. Sounds great. But you have to wade through 950,000 others just to find the good ones. Not the right one, just a collection of good ones. Now sort through that 50k.

These people don’t have paid readers. They are doing it themselves.

Now think of all the stuff that convinces people writing is easy. Books, videos, formula.

So why wouldn’t they save all that time and headache and so it themselves.

From my experience, all directors (and most producers) fancy themselves writers as well.

I’m a horror screenwriter and I don’t want to direct. I love writing. You can find directors, especially on this platform. Networking is key. Get to know each other and your work and start from there.

I’m a horror fantasy screenwriter sound engineer n animator that needs a computer.. cause my last broke… I could do a whole movie using tik talk YouTube n drone footage with alien invasions being the hype… I wrote ideas that need to expand from life n magic coming from plants to military experiments in history causing alien invasion raising heaven n hell with a saw coaster tripod lazer 2012 theme park extravaganza…. I haven’t found many people that think alike or I inspired but I’m excited to work with people who are down

I'm with Desiree Middleton . I have no interest in directing. And as a writer, I understand that sometimes alterations need to be made to meet the needs of the medium, as well as the budget. I think the only time I would object would be if it's my book series and they're about to cut a character or detail that I know will break the story because it's important to the climax in the final episode. But I would totally be open to adapting how that character or info is presented. I would hate to see my project get scrapped because I was being stubborn. That would be really stupid on my part. LOL

I wrote my sitcom "BOYFRIENDZ" and then acted as director when we shot our pilot season for YouTube. I found that as the creator of the work, I didn't mind sitting in the director's chair because as the writer I knew exactly how I envisioned each scene and was able to kinda the guide my actors when it was needed. However, pulling double duty was a lot of work so if given the opportunity maybe assistant director LoL.

Maybe the reason is that screenwriters understood they can also direct and produce their work (and it's so much fun). I'd be happy to work with a director but it's just so hard to find the right person

Seems now you gotta do more than just write, you gotta be multitasking: Produce, act, shoot, edit. More job skills makes a person valuable to employers.

As for quality out of the gate- very few become global names from jump; no shame learning at the bottom of whatever occupation.

To build on what Dan MaxXx said. You have to be more. Everyone keeps asking “how do we attract attention”, this is the way. Have the skills and understanding of more than just a writer.

...I guess I better dust off those photography skills, then. I wouldn't mind doing a little acting, but I'm probably getting a little long in the tooth for that, now. LOL

The landscape is consistently shifting and one has to be able to adapt to make a footprint. Including wearing multiple hats. Lamenting about how filmmakers have zero story will make people just not want to work with you. Focus on something positive! If you feel you have a better story, make your own film and see where it goes! Best wishes to you!

I think some people are missing the point here. Filmmakers are best served by producing the strongest script they can get. Look at how many films get entered in the festivals, and look at how few of them get deals. It's tough. Filmmakers need to do everything possible to increase their chance of success. And that starts with the script.

Made my last short in 2010 and won my first directing award of it. It's a too much hustle even when doing it as a hobby. Now, I contribute only by writing and I like it as I do my running...costs nothing, exercises body (mind in this case) and is seemingly never-ending.

@Jae Taylor - I think your question is an insightful one in that it highlights the overall lack of respect in the industry for the contributions of writers. Everyone thinks that they can do a better job.

As a Writer following Trends for the last 30 years, I find it coercive to ask Writers to become something else. I don't see these questions being tossed around elsewhere. I don't hear these comments. If you're a cinematographer and it's not working, produce your own content. If you're a Director and it's not working, produce your own content. If you're an Executive Producer and it's not working, produce your own content. If you're a Casting Director and it's not working, produce your own content. It is a FACT that nothing happens without the script, but somehow (On the Film Side, not TV), there is a consistent rumor that the Writer is NOT VITAL to a Project. How can a script be the FOUNDATIONAL POWER for a Project, but somehow, the person who created the script, is an after thought?

Wow, some great answers. Thanks folks. My takeaway is 1) Network more with Directors. 2( try and find directors that respect what screenwriters do. 3)

I think stage 32 could be that tinder.

You're welcome, Jae Taylor. Your takeaway #3 didn't show up.

I think the problem is twofold. There's the industry's well-known disdain for writers coupled with the fact that it has never really taken the horror genre seriously. But horror is a genre that has always attracted writer/directors, perhaps more than most genres. John Carpenter, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, George Romero, Dario Argento, to name a few. Now we have the likes of Ari Aster and Jordan Peele who are writing and directing solid and thought-provoking horror movies.

Back in 2004, I managed to get my first screenplay, a horror movie, optioned. It eventually came to nothing, but at the time they were willing to let me, who had never directed a damn thing, direct the movie. I convinced them that I was the best one to do it since I understood the story and the visual demands of genre better than anyone. Looking back now I can see that it would have been madness on both our parts to press ahead with that plan, but the point remains. Horror is a delicate genre, so easy to do badly (80% of horror movies, frankly, are terrible). You need to 'get it' and often the writer does.

Richard Lamb A lot of horror directors also lean on strong DP's and crews, too ... most horror films are bad but a really good DP can make a bad horror film passable.

Scott Sawitz Absolutely.