Screenwriting : We all write for the screen. Does it matter which screen? by Steven Harris Anzelowitz

No it does not bother me. Netflix has become like an indie studio. They will make or buy non-studio stuff.

Writers have no say if a project is for theatrical or cable/Internet streaming distribution.

Personally I think the future of movies is direct feed to a home TV. $30-$40 a movie. Cheaper to stay home than go out to theater.

Amazon, Netflix, Google/Youtube, Apple, Facebook and other current and emerging New Media companies make or will be making films, scripted series and non-scripted series for many years to come. It's probably a good idea for writers to pay attention.

I'm not sure I'd pay $30-40 to see my own movies! :D Although that's definitely about what it costs to see one in theaters these days (given transportation, concessions, et.al.). I think theaters will always be around, but they'll be IMAX (or whatever), they'll cater to tentpole spectacles, and there will be even fewer than there are now. People like seeing BIG movies with an audience.

As long as I get paid I could careless where they show it.

I put up an audio playlist on iTunes of audience members opening plastic candy wrappers, chewing popcorn with their mouths open, and talking out loud – for those who watch movies at home and want the theatre experience. ;)

Scot Michael Walker:

Yes, yes it does matter. Personally I'm with Dan - as long as the check don't bounce, I care not. However writing for traditional TV is a lot different than writing a FL film. When writing for TV - half or full hour slots - your primary (only) job as the writer is to deliver the audience to the commercials; then hold 'em 'till the next set - that's your job and it dictates a certain format. Get over it.

A.S. I kind of agree but they still have to sell commercials and the commercials have to appear somewhere during the show.

I just did a quick look and what I found is 6 different screenplay templates and 5 different TV templates - Just for TV: BBC screenplay, BBC taped sitcom, 3 camera, half hour sitcom and 1 hour drama.

I'm a writer. Doesn't matter to me if what I write is for Netflix or CBS or Universal. I love the differences.

D Marcus- Differences and opportunities. Very much agree. Thank you, Sir,

Dan M is somewhat correct, but I think a writer has an impact on where a film goes. If you think of a script as a raw resource, like a piece of timber to be shaped into something. Cheap plantation pine will be treated differently to a rare piece of mahogany. Some scripts are destined for theatrical release. A contained slasher that can be shot on an iPhone probably not.

Craig

Writers have 0 impact or 0 power. If they did, they would be Producers or stake their own money. Only a few gifted Writers get a Star billing over a Director or Actor.

Some types take belligerence to an entirely new level, AS. Don't fret over it. :D

Dan MaxXx - You are right. My plan is the Woody Allen path Writer/Director/Producer. But as you know "Show Me the Money" is a challenge. And I am from Brooklyn I will keep at it. Not looking for power,. Just looking for passion. This 64 year old will keep at it. "Whatever it Takes"

A. S. Templeton Doug Nelson thank you for your comments as well.

good!! keep going mate :)

Craig. Unless the writer is the producer they have zero impact.

Before Woody Allen was a feature film writer/director, he spent about 10 years writing TV comedy and Stand up Comedian. He had a comedy track record before somebody bankrolled his 1st movie.

Merits of the big screen and small screen tend to merge as quality of HDTV goes up. But 3D is still one advantage the big screen has.

Dan MaxXx - Yes Dan this I knew I watched his 2 part documentary on NETFLIX. He first wrote gags for the local columns in the New York dailies when he was a teenager. Than he was a stand up comedian. Then he wrote and acted in 3 summers at Tamiment in Pennsylvania. Than He got offered to write the screenplay for "What's New Pussycat". And finally he got the backing to write & direct his first film "Take The Money & Run". My Uncle Hy Anzell acting in over a dozen films with him. I have had one face to face with Woody here in the neighborhood. Although I am not ready to go over Monday night when he is with the band just yet. But he does know what I am up to just have to time it right. At best I am hoping for a letter of introduction so I can attach some of the Actors that have worked with him. I get that it will still be challenging to get funding, But I just have to keep going.

Dan MaxXx - Oh I left out that he worked with Sid Ceaser as a comedy TV writer for a while along with Mel Brooks.

The film My Favorite Year was inspired by Earl Flynn's appearance on My Show of Shows, and was exec-produced by Mel Brooks. What a blast that must have been....to have been a part of that crew....back then. So many greats came through the Sid Caesar doors. That crew just kills me.

Bill Costantini AKA "Cholent Boy" You have a great memory and knowledge of the works of Mel Brooks. Not to mention Woody Allen, Neil Simon, & Billy Wilder. As you are aware these are my major muses. I hope you do understand about why I am keeping my Network METRO NYC/ DUTCH. These are people that are already signed on as freelance cast/crew for my (3) copyrighted screenplays plus (1) documentary. My 4th soon to be copyrighted comedy script 'AMSTERDAM 74' is picking up new DUTCH cast & crew everyday. Now all I have to do is get the courage to go speak to Woody at the Cafe Carlye one Monday night when he is with the band.. I am just going to ask him for a suggestion. And yes I have spoken to him before in the neighborhood. And yes he

knows I am Hy Anzell's nephew @imdbpro. And yes he does know I am a screenwriter. I hope when you do come visit NYC next time you will redeem your deli sandwich credit which at last count was the following: (1) pastrami on rye. (1) corned beef on rye, (2) kinishes, and (2) cel-rays.

A.S. - I agree with some of what you say, but not all. The writing is important, it's true but creating a really fine show (TV or Film) takes a whole lot more. There's Directing, acting, cinematography editing... It's a team sport and one bad monkey can screw up the whole thing - I've seen it happen. I too no longer attend the "proper" cinema unless it's a premier of something I've participated in.

It's true that the half hour sitcoms are written in segments to capture and hold audiences for the commercials but think about that for a moment. It takes a lot of writer knowledge and skill to pull that off.

Lol

Easy solution for writers who hate commercials: Do not write for Showrunners and Exes on network TV, tell your Agent to sell your scripts to only commercial-free programmers. In fact, don't attend MIP TV in Cannes this weekend. Them working "pros" are sell-outs to art :)

Dan: in the forests of idealism and fantasy, you are the most hardy of lumberjacks.

I must be the elitist here. I live in wine country and I appreciate the subtleties of a gently oaked Chardonnay, the complexity of a fine Pinout Noir or the peaty smoke in a well aged single malt Scotch; All imparted by wooden cask aging. I'm not much into modern box wines. I have a number of acquaintances who feel similarly - I don't think we're quite ready to be relegated to the shrinking boutique niche yet.

Dan M, an even easier solution is to not be a writer at all. The world needs counter clerks and truck drivers:)

TV is hardly "boutique," and streaming is far from "boxed wine." I love you, Doug, but you sound like Bryant Gumble asking, "What is an e-mail, anyway?" :D

I'm quite picky when it comes to wine. I can afford what I like because I'm not so picky when it comes to writing. they pay, I write. Because I am first and foremost a writer. In a way I envy the person who can turn down paid writing jobs because it doesn't fit their personal esthetic. I can't afford to turn down jobs.

I read the OP's question as referencing template difference between the big/little screen facets in the visual arts industry. My answer is that there are differences and it behooves the writer to know and utilize the appropriate format - BASICALY, LEARN THE DAMN RCAFT!

D, fortunately I managed to retire moderately comfortable so I don't need the money from writing. Instead, I try to aid new writers and directors become established. I guess I do this for lack of a good provocative hobby.

Momma taught me to never argue with a fence post.

Steven, I definitely would not say no. I am writing, because it is a talent that I want to make my second career. I have a nature high when writing and absolutely love the work! In fact, there are a lot of things I do on deferred pay that may not ever come to light. Screenwriting is a God given talent that I enjoy. Yes, I'm with ya! Go for it!

Kinda interesting how media viewing has evolved....or devolved, depending on your point of view....from big screen to mini-screen. Personally, I'll never watch something on my phone screen. It's just too small for me to enjoy and eliminates the spectacle and magic of cinema for me. I'm a big-screen kinda guy and always will be.

At the same time.....many young people watch everything on their phone screens, don't own televisions, and don't even go to movie theaters. And at the same time....more big-screen movie theaters are being built all over the place, complete with lounge seating, alcohol service, and food service brought right to your seat.

What a wonderful world that, even with these major differences in our species, we can all live harmoniously....at least most of us.

The way I see it. It's a great way to live the American Dream. Yeah, things do change as time goes by, but staying persistent and sticking with what your target audience wants to see will get you to places.

WOW!! 43 comments. I want to thank everyone who has shared. From what I have read so far I think everyone has their preferences on where their story be told. But now we have a new ingredient in the mix. The impending WGA strike. The next few months will be very interesting for all of us. Bottom line we are writers this is what we love and this is what we do and it sure blows the pants over telemarketing!

I agree 100% Steven. You're a screenwriter because you write your work to be presented on a screen. Whether it's a 5 inch mobile screen or a 300' silver screen. If the story captivates the screen size is irrelevant.

After writing the script? How to master getting info get to produce your film?

How to master the funding phase?