Screenwriting : “Meta horror film?” “Meta commentary?” I looked up the definition and still can’t figure it out. by Bill Brock

Here is a definition: 'Metacommentary refers to commentary about commentary, providing insights or clarifications on a text's language, structure, and meaning. It helps readers understand the author's intent and the context of the arguments presented.'

Sounds like typical academic writing. Lots of fancy words, no content.

I call BS on anything meta. Your reviewer is in love with his own voice. 'Look how smart I am! I will write lots of meta comments, and i don't have anything original to say, but I will sound profound!'

And i love the reviewers who copy and paste this:

The writer didn't make me care about the characters.

And how does this reviewer suggest one should do that? They NEVER offer any concrete suggestions. It's just BS.

Lee Child writes easy to read books, with no extra words. He is also a former screenwriter. But there isn't any meta in them. He must be a failure!

Also the 'pun intended'...look how smart I am! It's just a reviewer in love with his own voice. And I'll bet he has unusual eyebrows... a sure sign of narcissism.

Here's an article that explains what Meta Horror is, Bill Brock (www.popsugar.com/entertainment/meta-horror-movies-49203002). I've heard the term before, but this is my first time looking it up.

Jon Shallit Thanks, Jon, for steering me in the right direction with your stellar observation and comments. Agreed on your take of the feedback. It does reek of the “Holier Than Thou” tone. Never heard the term, Meta, before. So, how could I possibly practice it in my writing if I can’t define it?

Food for thought.

Jon ShallitMaurice Vaughan Once again, MV, thanks so much for sharing this article, which allows me to get a better feel for what Meta is, and why some Stage 32 producers absolutely hate Meta.

OMG! THE BLACKENING sounds like a lot of fun!! Here’s the weird thing: I’m definitely NOT a fan of the SCREAM franchise. I saw the first two and that was it. I was DONE!

Because this was a written pitch that follows our lead character, an actor-turned-serial killer, who attends a horror convention, managers and producers may think it’s a horror comedy. IT IS NOT. The kills are brutal, and yes, our “leading man” is charming with a few comedic quips, but trust me, he’s ALL business when it comes to putting the brakes on his targeted victims’ lives.

Self-referential.

You're welcome, Bill Brock. THE BLACKENING is a lot of fun! I'm not sure what your written pitch looked like, but maybe use different words to show that it's a serious Horror and not Horror Comedy.

"Meta" is a term people use when they want to seem smarter than they actually are.

By setting your story at a horror convention, you’re inviting the audience to view your movie as a commentary on horror movies, hence the meta comment. If you didn’t intend it to be meta, but the reader sees it that way, you probably just have a lot of well executed horror tropes.

Why is your script set in that world? What’s the big picture, what are you trying to say?

It would be a good idea for you to watch Leslie Vernon, Cabin in the Woods, Tucker and Dale vs Evil. Then look at your script again and see if it’s worth leaning into the meta aspect.

I know this is mythical land where unions are mafia organizations in disguise, readers trumpet how smart they are instead of providing well-considered feedback and nihilism frequently rules, however:

The (contrived) script might be leaning too much on cleverness or self-awareness instead of telling a grounded story. It might feel like it's constantly winking at the audience which some see as distancing or niche. The script may be appealing primarily to other filmmakers or people in the business — which narrows the audience and may come across as self-indulgent or overly niche. Haven't read the script so just a shoot from the hip.

As writers, a suggestion to accept criticism quietly instead of knee-jerk protests of how wrong is the person who we paid for valid commentary. Or at least stop whining about it.

Mike Boas Hey, Mike. It’s set at the horror convention because the lead character is an actor attending to promote his new movie. That’s it. Pretty basic. No symbolic meaning. Spending the day greeting fans, attending autograph sessions, photo ops, and Q & A’s as the body count rises during his down time.

I just longed for something DIFFERENT. No haunted house, no stormy night, no satanic possessions, no unknown killer lurking in a dark field, trying to break into a cabin. Just one gorgeous, sunny Saturday in Los Angeles.

There have been 8 national Finalist and Official Selection recognitions attached to this script. One producer I met last month at the Pasadena International Film Festival requested the script and we’ve shared phone conversations. Plus, just last week, I received an email from a lit manager, requesting this script along with two others after reading loglines on my Stage 32 profile.

I can see how a horror film revolving around a horror convention would be considered meta. The Scream films are meta (just remembered the second one literally starts in a movie theater playing a horror movie and people get killed there, so that's super duper meta). Even the beginning of Night of the Living Dead "They're coming to get you, Barbara" is meta.

Now, 'meta commentary'... I don't know how that works. Then there's satire also being meta, but on purpose, I guess.