Screenwriting : What the??? by Anthony McBride

When Steven Spielberg was asked who the three greatest directors of all time where he said John Ford, John Ford and John Ford. A master in the art of the Western. I would watch his films and study them to see the foundation of the genre. Then look at shows like Deadwood to see the modern take on the genre. That's an exciting plan. :-)

Nathan Woodward Thanks a bunch. I'm popping open my genre books to get started.

damn I have one western but no musical thanks for the info brother

Watch "Paint Your Wagon" and be inspired.

I have a script based in the early 1900s, but it's not western. is that close enough?

Westerns haven't been too popular with the general public lately. Maybe there aren't any good ones being made or they are just going straight to streaming. Musicals are also a question mark. West Side Story and Joker 2 were travesties and ultimately disasters. If Wicked has revived interest in musicals, I wouldn't bet the farm on them. Wicked is based on established characters. An original musical would be a tough sell.. You won't be getting any competition from me. Go for it!

It won't hurt you to write outside your comfort zone

I just started writing my first western and am having fun. I grew up with westerns. They were so common that i had not been interested but saw a writing assignment, mis-read it, and started writing. I've done most every other genre so at 76 this is exciting. Did a musical earlier and enjoyed it as my writing partner on this project was deaf and we only had a week to write it.

as you should! currently have one of each in the works.

I love westerns and had a producer request it. I think they’re hot right now.

Nancy Wilkinson Yeah. It sounds like my rep is on point. I'm starting to map it out now.

I suppose the first question that comes to mind is why did your rep suggest those genres?

I've seen numerous calls for Western scripts even from indie producers. I'm trying desperately to think of a story to tell for the genre.

Jerry Robbins on here has sold a western that got produced and he was recently brought in to write one that was shot around a month ago.

For over ten years now, I've seen people state that westerns don't sell, yet I swear it's the genre I see the most activity for - especially in terms of getting funded. As ever, you have to look at the bigger picture, beyond that of what's being released in theatres.

Artistic voice will always shine regardless of genre. The key thing is framing a story around what you write best.

A new adventure!

watch Oklahoma.

Annie Get Your Gun is a western musical. Seven brides for Seven Brothers, Finian's Rainbow, and Oklahoma may be good starting points.

I am co-producing my animated/live-action musical, The MicroCosmic Cartoon Show. This is a new genre across the boards but, what the hey, forge a new path!

2025 - Maybe my novel "2050" which is being looked at by a production group to be a movie minght just make it to the big screen. I wrote it 20 years ago, published in 2007, and who knows, maybe it will be produced. Bottom line, all your creative sould, never, ever give up I haven't at age 89 because maybe...maybe...maybe. Keep creating folks.

This sounds awesome! I would totally do it! But I understand not knowing about either one. I would start doing some research and go from there

Wow! Awesome! There is so much American history that has not been produced to remind today’s generations what life used to be like. With a little research, many stories can be brought to life.

Awesome Anthony. Go for it. I had a challenge from a producer in 2024 to write horror which I had never written, and it has worked out well.

Asmaa Jamil I also wrote a horror script in 2024. It was the best thing I ever did and performed well in the contest circuit.

Great Anthony. Mine is a horror series and I am part of the writer's room.