Hi 32'ers, Look, I get it. Netflix’s new mandate to simplify scripts for their endlessly distracted, phone-glued audience feels like a slap in the face to everything you hold sacred as a filmmaker. Subtlety? Gone. Nuance? Dead. Instead, we’re spelling out every thought, move, and emotion like a pop-up book for toddlers. But here’s the rub: if you want your script produced—and let’s face it, we all want to get paid—this is the hill we’re dying on.
So, pour yourself a stiff drink, and let’s dive into how to write a script for Netflix without sobbing into your artisanal screenplay notebook.
1. Embrace the Art of Over-Explaining
Netflix doesn’t trust its audience to notice visual cues, so why should you? Characters can’t just look sad—they need to declare, “I’m devastated!” Setting the scene with rich, evocative visuals? Nope. You’re now writing lines like, “Look at that creepy house. Let’s go inside!”
Yes, it feels like you’re dumbing it down. Because you are. But Netflix execs will eat it up, and so will their scrolling audience. Swallow your pride—it’ll taste better than ramen.
2. Simplify the Plot Until It’s Practically Flat
Complex narratives and multilayered characters are so 2015. These days, you’re writing for someone who’s also juggling TikTok, ordering Uber Eats, and arguing on Reddit.
Your mission: strip your plot to its essentials. Think of it like trying to explain your entire story to someone who’s already halfway out the door. Keep it linear, make it obvious, and—oh God, this hurts to say—ditch the artful ambiguity.
3. Dialogue: Now With 100% More Obviousness
Netflix wants dialogue that doesn’t just enhance the story; it practically is the story. If your protagonist enters a dark alley, they need to announce, “This dark alley gives me the creeps.” Subtlety is the enemy, and you are now its most reluctant soldier.
But hey, the silver lining? You won’t have to agonize over double entendres or hidden meanings anymore. Just slap the obvious on the page and move on. Creativity is overrated, right? (I just threw up a little writing that.)
4. Write Scenes Designed for Maximum Interruptibility
Assume your audience is scrolling Instagram when the pivotal moment happens. If they glance up for 10 seconds, will they understand what’s going on? If the answer is no, rewrite it. Every scene needs a hook at the beginning and a cliffhanger at the end because Netflix doesn’t just want viewers—they want multitaskers who think they’re watching.
You’re now a circus ringmaster, constantly shouting, “Look here! Don’t look away! Please, for the love of God, stay engaged!”
5. Add Just a Dash of Humanity (So They Don’t Think AI Wrote It)
This one’s for you, Reddit theorists who are convinced Netflix scripts are written by ChatGPT on a bad day. Keep your work human by injecting wit, depth, or a moment of real emotional resonance—something no bot could replicate. It’ll be the single thread of dignity you cling to as you deliver exactly what Netflix demands.
Final Thoughts (Because We All Need a Pep Talk)
Do I think this trend is a travesty? Yes. Do I want to hurl my laptop across the room while writing this? Absolutely. But here’s the thing: Netflix is the 800-pound gorilla in the room, and it’s not going anywhere. If you want to work with them—and get paid—this is their game. You don’t have to like it, but you do have to play it if you want in on this sh!t-show.
So grit your teeth, simplify that script, and take their money. And when the dust settles, we’ll go write something that actually makes us proud. Deal?
***Please leave a comment and tell me your thoughts on this. I need some real clarification as to the benefit to screenwriters and audiences. This seems to me to be the cinematic version of Ranch Dressing.
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I find that writing audio dramas has already helped me transition to this kind of thing. Because there are no visuals in a podcast, you have to be more creative about how characters are interacting with the world they're in, but still be pithy and succinct so that the story keeps moving. I think there's a medium to be had wherein you are not sacrificing everything of yourself as a creative but still accomplishing the goal that Netflix is stating, which is basically that they know people are not watching the visuals consistently. When I was a kid, I used to do my homework with Star Trek: The Next Generation on in the background. I have heard those episodes more times than I've ever watched them. But I know them like the back of my hand because of it. That's what I think about when I'm writing for audio. It seems applicable.
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This is great, —thanks so much for sharing! I agree that writers with experience in audio storytelling are probably best equipped to approach this effectively. Such a great point.
Your mention of doing homework to Star Trek: TNG brought back memories of when I watched it. Those episodes were so well-written that they never relied on clunky, overly descriptive exposition to convey something as simple as 'it’s cold out.' Yet everything was clear—you understood the action because the characters’ and script dynamics were so distinct, even without visuals.
On the flip side, I’d recommend checking out "Back in Action" with Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx on Netflix. It’s an appalling example of how "not" to approach these mandates—clearly not written by someone with your skillset. My god, what a mess!
Again, thanks for the great comment.
Thanks for the recommendation! I'll check it out!
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How frustrating for writers! I would respectfully coach writers to assert themselves and tell platforms like Netflix that they're not interested in "dumbing down" anything. Let's "elevate people" instead. The right platform will come along at the right time.
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Can you imagine?
INT. NETFLIX STUDIO - DAY
Netflix exec: So whaddya think?
Writer: I appreciate your time. Thank you.
Writer stands and walks out of the meeting.
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Man, this has to be a humorous joke. I am watching the Flowers of Alice Hart and I am noticing the pure genius of everything on the screen so rich and deep, 100% the opposite of what you are saying Netflix wants. McKee and Truby would roll over in their graves, oh wait they are still alive. Anyway, this is so sad. No writer should try to dumb down their nuanced script. it would be like asking Charlie Kaufman to write for Sesame Street (although I'm sure he would do something interesting with Oscar and his trash can.) Buy characters saying "I'm devastated!", My God that flies in the face of everything and is borderline Hilarious. No, it is hilarious. The removal of all subtext. Why even bother to write anymore if you have to write drivel you are embarassed by? McDonald's is hiring.
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Luke Rex Psy.D. Absolutely, and I really appreciate your insightful comment! Writers should never feel pressured to dilute their storytelling just to fit a platform’s latest trend. The audience is always smarter than executives give them credit for, and great storytelling will always find its way to the right home. Elevating people instead of pandering to them isn’t just the right move creatively—it’s the key to lasting impact and some modicum of financial success.
Wait until you see their latest move. Now they "might considewr paying you...or not" - Called an "If come deal" - I just wrote a Substack post about it. https://open.substack.com/pub/alexlemay/p/write-us-a-show-maybe-well-pay...
Readit and literally weep!
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Daniel Goudreau Haha, love the McKee and Truby line—glad they’re still around to witness the madness! You’re absolutely right; there’s still incredible, layered storytelling out there (Flowers of Alice Hart being a great example), which makes these industry mandates even more baffling. The idea of removing all subtext is beyond absurd—it’s like handing the audience a coloring book and insisting they only use one crayon.That said, the best writers will always find ways to push back, sneak nuance in through the cracks, and make something meaningful despite the suits trying to flatten everything. If Charlie Kaufman ever does write for Sesame Street, I’m there for it.