Screenwriting : “Development Hell” sounds like a HORRIBLE place. by Bill Brock

I've never had pea soup!

Hey, Bill Brock. Which tale has been the most helpful so far?

I could add a chapter of my own! lol

There's a 2009 documentary of the same name https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045642/ which is a really interesting watch. I assume book and film are related.

Maurice Vaughan I think the overwhelming theme throughout is the constant deconstruction of one's original script. It's an odd formula: We are instructed to create the BEST screenplay possible, only to have it torn apart by industry committee. Ah! ALL THAT WORK! For what? I've also become aware of the lowly status attached to screenwriters. Shockingly, we hold EXTREMELY small clout. Everyone else is ABOVE us. Uggggggggh. What a drag. One quote that remains with me: "Screenwriters are considered very low on the industry totem pole. How low? They exist on the part of the totem pole that is BELOW the ground." How's THAT for a sobering thought?

Yeah, it's a shame screenwriters don't get the respect and pay we deserve a lot of times, Bill Brock. And thanks for making the post. It reminded me I need to pick up a copy of the book.

Bill Brock I have had it happen to me first hand, on two movies. In the future I am angling for a co-producer credit to hopefully have a voice at the table, albeit I am sure, a tiny voice, but better than no voice at all.

Bill Brock, as a former Development Exec, I can confirm, Development Hell is very real, and it’s just as painful as it sounds. It’s the place where passion projects get tied up in endless rewrites, shifting notes, lost momentum, and sometimes… total radio silence. You learn a lot in the fire, but wow, it can be soul-draining.

Maurice Vaughan Agreed, Maurice. I just don't understand the universal lack of respect. Without the writer, there's NO FREAKING MOVIE!!!! Oh, well. Thankfully, I've had my career already, so there's no real need for me to "make it" in the industry. Would it be a blessing? Oh, yeah. No doubt. But does it HAVE to happen? Meh. : )

Jerry Robbins So sorry to hear this news, Jerry. Damn! Twice! Hey, I predict that "Third time's the Charm!" Wishing you THE BEST and thanks for sharing your experiences. Just remember-- The first two were just the rehearsals. The third is THE PERFORMANCE!! : )

Ashley Renee Smith OMG, Ashley. You had me at...... "soul-draining." That experience sounds like a triple-patty shit sandwich, washed down with a 40-ounce urine-flavored diet soda. I've always dreamed of a nice meeting where all the guys are "Rob Lowe" cool-looking and the ladies are wearing nice dresses. And we kick back with refreshing glasses of lemonade and talk about the calm, care-free existence of a small town. Ah! Chef's Kiss.

Colin Mummery Thanks, Colin, for the info. Would love to watch the doc, but can't find it anywhere. There are a few short scenes on YouTube, but that's it. Hopefully, I'll find a complete copy under my pillow tomorrow morning, left there by the Documentary Fairy.

Bill Brock Amazon sell the DVD.