Screenwriting : Writing a Drama is a hard sell? by Carrie Rasmussen

Sorry, but this article is too generalized and dismissive. People DO like to be engaged emotionally sometimes! See others face hard truths. Be moved. Be brought to tears (okay, maybe just well up, just a little). Yes, dramas are harder to sell because you have to work more to find the right people to produce it. Being a new writer certainly makes it more challenging -- but, isn't that the case for all genres? To me, it's more of a quality issue. Plus, what exactly defines a straight-up drama these days? Currently, other genre descriptors seem to be added to or joined with the tag drama, like; comedy drama; thriller drama; historical drama; fantasy/adventure drama.... I mean, how many "dramas" have yielded Oscar wins? Examples listed in order as just mentioned; Silver Linings Playbook, Argo, Lincoln, Life of Pi. You don't see many straight-up comedies or horrors, or even thrillers, bringing in the awards. Okay, okay, there was The Silence of the Lambs -- you got me there! Although, I've seen it listed as a "crime drama!" HA! ;)

Hi Beth! Thank you...I felt the same way but wanted to see if anyone had a different argument. It is so true...all different genres are being made and seen. Look at Blue Jasmine...not a feel good but outstanding performance by Cate Blanchett. Then there is The Heat...super funny and silly fun! Thanks for being a support and bringing a great argument. :)

You're welcome Carrie! Ah, good. I didn't want to offend. :) Yes, I read the article and thought, "Wow, how black and white can you be?!" Films today really seem to be more "gray," hence the use of several genre descriptors given to any one drama. Just last week, I was reading a statement from an agent saying what type of scripts he was looking for, and specifically, he was not looking for "straight-up" dramas. I realized, I wasn't sure what he meant? What is a "straight-up" drama? I wish he had given an example. Steel Magnolias? Kramer verses Kramer? Notice I'm reaching way way back to much older films. Anyway, dramas today really offer more range. :)

I agree. With the article to a certain degree. If you're a writer who is writing a spec script and blindly sending it to producers you may know or agents or anyone who will look at it really, people tend to look at audience appeal first, which means they'll go for the lighter fare if their concerned with the profitability of a story. However, as a writer with no representation or track record it's hard to sell any script idea to be honest with you (drama or not).

Hi Darious! Understand your point too. I think that it depends on who you are trying to sell it too. Big studios like high concept, I believe. More indie types aren't afraid of the high drama. Just some examples. You also brought a point to light. True it is a tough business and that is why we must keep our passion alive for story telling! :)

Hey Darious, the key is to NOT send out scripts blind. The article doesn't make that point. One needs to know exactly what a producer is looking for or what genre an agent prefers to represent. Every story has an audience. Some smaller than others. :) Yes, of course, a story with massive audience appeal is safer, however, current movies developed for mass appeal haven't been doing very well -- Pacific Rim, R.I.P.D., The Lone Ranger, White House Down, just to name a few. Again, I think it all boils down to a great story and most great stories lie in various types of dramas. :)

So true Anthony!!!

I think the issue here is in the 'straight' drama. I recently did a comedy writing course and apparently The major film distributors in Australia are all looking for comedy, romance and Rom com. Aristotle has a saying about drama without comedy and comedy without drama both being fakes ( terrible paraphrasing, but that's the basic gist!) so I think the key is to have some lightheartedness even in a dramatic situation

This article is only true until it isn't true, which could be tomorrow. If there is a thrilling concept and well constructed characters, then the story will find a home. But the problem is how a drama is pitched. If it's pitched like every other drama it will die and bleed in the room. If the idea is pitched with context then it will live another day. Today, we are seeing more really good dramatic writing than film. It would be better to see how these stories were pitched than to look at a dramatic script and only judged by that.

An excellent, well crafted story will always get attention. Period dramas and musicals naturally mean big budgets and that's always going to be a turn off for a producer. I disagree where the article says that people don't want to deal with emotional subjects or think too much. Every film you watch, requires some level of immersion, both emotional and intellectual, even at a cursory level. TV dramas are enjoying a huge resurgence at present, mainly because they are entertaining and emotional and intellectual engaging. The problem with most dramas, is the subject itself is not entertaining to begin with, despite all the emotional and intellectual weight it carries. This is certainly true of the latest crop of biopics, The Queen, Hitchcock and Lincoln.

The studios want product for 17 year-olds. They don't have a clue why ticket sales are declining year after year. The word dinasaur comes to mind when I think about the studios. If they had a clue they would put out quality product to the majority of people who have discretionary income to spend at the movies. I beleive AARP has over 45 million members...and I have a suspicion they like dramas just as well as anything else. Remember as Goldwyn said..."Nobody knows anything!" As soon as the tide turns, which it does every few years, dramas will be all the rage. Write your passion projects and don't worry about what some agent says...all they want is their easy percent. Make your own films and they will be crawling after you to beg for a handout. Go for it! See you at the movies...or at the VOD/streaming movies.

I couldn't agree with you more Curtis. I talked to my mentor last night at an artist reception and ran this by her -- she's a former V.P. of Development at one of the major studios. I can't say which one to protect her privacy. Anyway, I asked her about dramas, their sale, and what does it mean when someone refers to a "straight-up drama." And she said, "Sure, if you generalize extremely, one could say dramas are harder to sell than other genres, however, whomever generalizes that much has no idea what they are talking about!" Also, she said to me, "If an agent ever uses the phrase "straight-up drama" promise me you'll just walk away!" This is coming from a person that agents fought to talk to! She has heard it all from top level executives to bottom feeders!

In a nut shell, Carrie, the big studios all look for the quickest way to bring in the cash: franchises. Dramas don't make for good franchises. Same as westerns, just look at what's just happened with "The Loan Ranger".

David - you are so right! The big studios are all about the largest cash cows for sure!

Hi Beth! Amazing to hear about your conversation with your friend. Super encouraging and help to understand this business even more. Thanks for that! :)

Hi Curtis! great comment. I agree with you completely. Thanks for the encouraging words!

Yes, and it's sad that the studios have got to this stage, Carrie. The only way I've seen to bring a non-francise film to a major studio is to have a manager/agent/lawyer put together a package first that attaches a reasonably big name star who the studio can then rise the finance off of the big name.

As a writer I believe this notion makes some sense although I don't buy in completely. The current studio system has a really specific agenda and much of that agenda is based on old paradigms and corporate motivations. As an indie filmmaker, I believe drama can often be the best way for writers and directors wedge their foot in the door and demonstrate their talents. The lower budget indie world just seems to be a bit more accessible. You can't get your foot in the door on those "lighter" Hollywood pictures without many agency connections, a fairly large budget and several names attached. An indie drama can make due or even become hugely successful with one or often no major names attached and a much different production price point. I say write what you have the best feel for and play to the buyers who like that style.

Think about trying to write a script for which you have little passion...it's going to show and you won't be able to compete with those folks who do have a passion for that genre. I've tried and it doesn't work for me. I have to love what I'm writing. Maybe it can work for you. Either way keep writing and think filmmaking. There are plenty of producers wanting to make smaller-than-tentpole films. Most actors/actresses want great scripts. When was the last time you saw Meryl Streep in a tentpole blockbuster? They want great material. Do whatever it takes to get your great script in their hands. You can do it and don't let anyone stop you.

Great post Darren. I agree absolutely to write what you have the best feel for and then market it to those who will respond and appreciate. :)

No worries, very welcome. And, if you're are writing drama, once you're done and all copyrighted I'd love to give a read. Those are the kinds of movies I'm looking to make these days after a few too many years involved with the 100 million+ Hollywood mafia. Ha

Thanks Curtis....you are right passion does show...do what we do best right? Jack of all trades makes master of none! Thanks for the encouragement!

Hi Darren! Yes writing Rom-com right now but have a great idea for a drama. Will definitely keep in touch. It would be great to get some feedback once done. Great site you have by the way!

The reality is that every good script - comedy, action adventure, etc., - is based in drama. However, if you look at the stats, straight-drama scripts (which include period dramas, political dramas, and so on) accounted for only 8% of spec sales last year. Dramas are generally harder to sell because their hook is not as strong AND, devoid of genre-driven elements, they cater to an older audience (i.e. a thinking audience) that is much more discerning in their movie-going habits. While this should not be a deterrent from writing drama, it is something you should consider and take on with eyes wide open when you jump into your next project... That said, we are seeing a sudden trend of dramas about historical figures and political figures suddenly getting some interest out there.

I wouldn't concern myself too much with the article. While generally true, I feel that a writer should write about what they are passionate about. If you're a great storyteller and can pack an emotional punch, you may attract the attention of an A-list actor looking for a challenging role, and then the problem of "selling a drama" won't be such a problem. The great thing about showbiz is that there are no fixed rules. Persistence and perseverance will allow you to follow your dreams.