Screenwriting : Stick with one genre or multiple genres? by Rick Hardin

I started out writing drama and action with my partner, but then I was hired to write a thriller and horror! Go figure.

I simply write what I feel is my strongest voice at the time. If you are a story teller just focus on telling the best story. That is my .01 cents worth of advice Rick. Good journey and I hope to be seated in a theater one day watching a film that bears your name. Peace and respect.

Agree with John. Write the story you feel led to write. If it fits into more than one genre when you approach the industry for production, that is a plus because it gives them multiple ways to market it.

Hey Rick, my understanding is that you do want to "brand" yourself as a writer. Have a genre or two that you really write well in. Most of us do have an area that we naturally gravitate towards. Me, I lean towards drama and thriller. Of course, write in all the genres if you so choose! It's always a good thing to show versatility too. :)

My mentor is Lew Hunter from UCLA (Screenwriting 434) he has me writing in as many genres as possible. In his era, the studio employed a stable of writers, and they needed to be prepared to write whatever they were asked. His goal is to demonstrate my versatility, since assignment writing is an important part of being a working writer.

Thanks for everyone’s comments that's what I LOVE about Stage 32! I asked this because I’m currently in a scriptwriting class and the teacher was adamant that a beginning writer should focus on one genre to make themselves as proficient as possible, and prove that you understand that genre and can produce good material. Then move onto other stories types. I agree that logic does have some validity. I tend toward action/adventure but mix it up with variants like a historical action story or an action thriller; I even have a romantic comedy I’m working on. So like many of you commented I go where the muse takes me.

Hi Rick. I have met several well established agents who have insisted that writers should stick to one genre, however, I have then gone on to the agents website and checked their client list and their clients are covering several genres? I tend to stick with thrillers and comedies, but I will not be shoehorned. I will write whatever I feel to write.

I have specs across multiple genres, but most of the assignments I've landed have either been sci-fi or came as a result of one of my sci-fi scripts. Sometimes the genre chooses you. But always be writing specs across different genres.

If you write novels, it's best to stick to a single genre. The reason is that you are trying to build an audience for your subsequent work. If you write a well received horror novel and follow it up with a Victorian Romance, you've now alienated those who read your first novel, and have entered a realm where you have no established fans or reputation. With screenplays, it's different. You are trying to sell to one person - the producer who will buy it. The primary thing is to write the best story you can, because quality and a great story is all producers are looking for. Remember that the guy who wrote Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid also wrote The Princess Bride (and All The Presidents Men). Tell the story that grabs you, no matter what the genre.

Origins to create something new and original and do something completely different may produce icon orignal first of the kind. I like to experiment with creativity. I try themes on all levels of genres up to the challenge.