On Writing : Show AND Tell...? by Pamela Jaye Smith

I think it's helpful for writers to know which networks want more "dumbing down" and which don't; in the pre-streaming world it was the cable networks that were considered to have more "literate" audiences and networks that were considered to have more of a...er..."simple" audience. My own observations are that Netflix is the inheritor of network television and Prime/Hulu/Apple+ more of the cable type. Good for writers to know who their show is geared toward!

Hi, Pamela Jaye Smith. I don’t think writers should dumb down anything in their scripts. The problem is people not paying attention to movies/shows, not the writing. I think companies and studios should be pushing writers to write incredible scripts full of amazing dialogue as a way to get viewers to stop scrolling and watch. And I didn’t know people scrolled while streaming. My attention is on the movie/show when I watch something. Netflix is one of my favorite streamers. I hope they scrap this idea.

I agree with Michael David - each streamer and distributor is different just like each network is. Where to take broad enteratinment vs premium, nuanced enterainment should always be taken into consideration. Netflix is a big box store of content looking for international audiences and wants to reach everyone, everywhere, all the time. Not a knock - just their positioning. How far that goes will be seen - announcing when characters walk into a room sounds like old radio shows.

On the subject of "Dumb Down", PLEASE remind me! Is it possible to view Netflix on phones instead??

You can watch Netflix on phones, Eon C. Rambally.

And of course! Momentarily I swore I was somehow out of touch with technology. Presentations are viewed on TV, phones, Tablets etc. Therefore generally should be at the highest professional levels possible!

Tell people to put down their phones! If the story is compelling enough and people care about the characters would it not draw their attention away from doom scrolling etc?

It explains so much.

At the end of the day, I'm going to write from the soul Pamela Jaye Smith. If I was working for Netflix on a show, I'd be a paid employee that would need to heed their request even if it's not something I would do on a spec. I would do it out of respect for the company who is paying me. Would I like it or agree with it? Not a chance. Nor do I believe that it's good for the audience. It kills brain cells and I hear those don't grow back. LOL

My first comment is a good example of, when you "Dumb Down" presentations. Q; Should anyone want that for themselves or "recommend" for another? Great conversations collectively!