The Screenwriter Struggle and How to Break Through
Sep 18, 2024
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Franklin Leonard, the founder of The Black List, joins the conversation to unpack the evolving landscape of screenwriting in Hollywood. He shares insights on the impact of recent strikes and the decline in studio development on aspiring writers. The discussion delves into the challenges of gaining recognition and the rise of biopics in the industry. Leonard emphasizes the importance of nurturing new talent and producing original content. Plus, there’s a fun prediction about the box office performance of the upcoming 'Transformers' film!
The decline in studio-level research and development has significantly reduced opportunities for aspiring screenwriters in Hollywood.
Utilizing innovative networking strategies and platforms like The Black List can enhance a writer's chances of success despite industry challenges.
Deep dives
The Impact of Streaming Corrections on Writer Employment
The podcast discusses the current challenges faced by screenwriters, particularly in the wake of significant changes in the film and television industry. It notes a marked decline in production, with reports indicating a double-digit drop in production filings, which has led to fewer opportunities for writers. This contraction is attributed to various factors, such as the rise of streaming platforms and increasing production costs, which have altered how film and television projects are developed. The discussion emphasizes that while writing jobs have become scarcer, there are still opportunities for those who are willing to adapt to the new landscape.
The Role of the Blacklist in Writer Discovery
The Blacklist serves as a crucial platform for aspiring screenwriters to gain recognition in a highly competitive industry. Founded by Leonard Franklin, it highlights outstanding unproduced screenplays, making them visible to industry insiders who could potentially greenlight projects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of having a uniquely exceptional script as a means of standing out among many submissions. Franklin underscored that many writers underestimate the competitive nature of breaking through in Hollywood, with the odds of entering the Writers Guild being significantly lower than other elite professions.
The Essential Nature of Talent Development
The podcast points out the dangers of neglecting talent development within the industry, stressing that the long-term health of storytelling in film and television relies on nurturing new writers. It highlights that a shrinking pool of writing jobs diminishes the chances for emerging talents to gain experience in writers' rooms, which can stifle creativity and diversity in storytelling. The conversation raises concerns about potentially losing a generation of skilled writers if the industry fails to invest in up-and-coming talent. The need for a robust support system to develop junior writers is suggested as a remedy to ensure a thriving and varied content landscape in the future.
New Strategies for Aspiring Screenwriters
The podcast provides insights into effective strategies for aspiring screenwriters looking to break into a challenging market. It suggests that dating a screenplay to be truly exceptional, while also relevant to audience interests, can increase the chances of getting noticed by industry professionals. Beyond creating a stellar script, networking remains crucial, as getting scripts into the hands of people 'in the system' can lead to opportunities for meetings and potential deals. Innovative avenues like social media are discussed as complementary methods for sharing work, increasing visibility, and connecting with industry insiders who can champion their scripts.
Matt is joined by The Black List founder Franklin Leonard to dig into the state of screenwriting in Hollywood and how the landscape has changed over the past five years and since the strike. They discuss the decline in research and development on the studio level, how this has affected aspiring writers, if there is room for optimism, and if it's still possible to break through (2:25). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for the movie ‘Transformers One’ (26:03).
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