Screenwriting : Choice of Genre... by Jerry Doubles

I'm far from experienced in this and I enjoy dabbling in several genres from action / thriller to horror to comedy. However, I have heard that career writers typically specialize in one genre and focus on becoming the "go to writer" for that particular genre.

Violence and Gore is what I like, I'm writing a historical movie at the moment though and that's got me going back and forth to it. Abit tricky

It's not just that, the History behind the script I'm writing has GAPS in it which don't explain ''why did this happened, why did that happened'' so I am filling it in with plausible situations.

I am quite handy with Sci-Fic, animation and adventure--- my "actions" are not good enough!!

I totally agree I think you need to master something and bring those elements to other genres once you've eventually reached your stride.

I find my mind tends to create in sci-fi first, and fantasy; although I am presently doing material in Urban Gothic. I've even experimented with Victorian operetta (least the book part).

funny that, The historical epic im writing is based in 1812. Not many Victorian-style movies nowadays. it's all futuristic and ww2 now

I lean more toward relationship drama even in my action and thriller movies.

I agree here too. I've come back to the genre I originally started with after a couple years of exploration. I like comedy, specifically sitcom and it goes along with a brand I've hem hawed with "Life is way too short not to look at the lighter side of it." and I've come so far yet have so far to go." http://michaellburris.com

@Chip I'm writing the events before the burning of washington, around the time when US Army entered Canada. It ends when the US army leave Canada because the character the script is based on dies in the early parts of war

Dan, nice.

I hate those kind of horror movies with a passion...

Jean-Pierre, not in love with them either--

True.

Dan, nice one.

As part of my self-training I've made a point of trying a variety of stories: psychological thriller, black comedy, sci-fi, caper comedy, creature feature, feel-good family fare, biopic. Different genres call for different decisions with respect to pacing, characterization, audience emotion, etc.

The old saying "write what you know" is true. If your not a dark person your story on the Charles Manson story may ring hollow. But stretching is always good.

Mark, very true.

I tend to try and stretch. As mentioned previously I even did a stab at Victorian operetta. I also 3 years ago did an experiment in TV script format; more important to try and teach myself to finish a thought in 45 pages or less.

I don't believe in the "write what you know" adage. I think it is bad advice because quite frankly most of us would be pretty limited. I prefer "know what you write." There is a very important difference. "Write what you know" implies that you can only write about things you are already familiar with. "Know what you write" means that you can learn any topic. Immerse yourself in the research of what you want to write about. Study and learn. Know your subject and then you can release yourself to write about it.

Lisa, I know exactly what "write what you know" means and I believe it leads to the wrong conclusion. As it is stated, it means I can only write about a jet pilot if I actually flew in a jet. It means I can only write about shipyard workers if I worked in a shipyard. You may say it actually means something else but as it is stated, it doesn't. The advice "know what you write" means that if you want to write about jet pilots, interview jet pilots. Do research on jet pilots. Know your subject inside and out. If you want to write about shipyard workers, immerse yourself in their world through research.

With that being said if "write what you know" floats your boat and you attach a different meaning to it, by all means follow it. People have to be careful with the literal meaning of it.

Find YOUR genre. And stick to it. Write it all when you become "The One." Until then, write in one. And do it well. Heck, Shane Black wrote action even when he was "The One."

"Voice" is one thing, sales is another. By all means, develop your voice. BUT... If a rep cannot "pigeonhole" you, they have no way to "sell" you. "Jack of all trades" does not work in Hollywood.

Sounds like the general consensus and the best bet is to write what you know, attempt things you don't necessarily like to do and most of all have a focus of forte of which you have various works in. They always say the biggest mistake a new writer makes is trying to be too diverse. I think when it comes to fundamentals there is no such thing but when it comes time for submissions, meetings and networking a writer should know where their fundamentals has brought them too. I’m still learning and others might have a totally different take on this but I truly think that is where it is at. The fundamentals should eventually bring a writer out of that diversity conundrum to where they know who and what they are or simply find their voice. If a in a meeting I was asked for materials from different genres my response would be… “Yeah I have them but they were before I found my voice and I’m glad I attempted them because they were also what pushed me to find my voice.”

As an author; that would give me a good feeling. One of our greatest fears is letting our "children" go and having to walk away with the check.

I started out with only Sci Fi and Fantasy due to my background with comics and Anime. I'm starting to branch out to Action Adventure due to my Navy experience.

I write about action, conflict, love and lose. I am a human emotion kid of guy. This holds me in good shape for most genres. Not good at comedy or romance. But my skill set is reasonably transferable.

Such a great topic! For me, writing is a chance to explore. As a writer, I can go anywhere, I can do anything. Whichever the genre the story winds up in all good.

When I started out, I wrote in only one genre: horror. But now over the years I have expanded that a bit, and now can work in horror thriller, since fiction, film noir, and action. I even have outlines for stories that would end up being edgy art house indy fare. I still work heavily in horror/thriller "mode", but I can write anything except comedy. I believe that as a writer, by expanding your repertoire, you increase your value in the market. And that will lead to more work.

It makes sense today to write in many genres. Before, it seemed like a crime.

Emily, why that??

Alright Chip.

My understanding is thatyoushould choose the genre you are best at. You are trying to sell yourself as a certain type of writer.

So you don't subscribe to "write in different" genres?? What if a client asks you for a screenplay In another different genre, do you miss the opportunity complete or take the leap of faith? Lewis

Because writing takes so much time and emotional involvement, perhaps it's best to stick to the genre that excites you the most. What kind of books and movies thrill you? Maybe some people can, and do, write in several genres. It may reduce the learning curve and increase chances of success to focus on genre that you can't resist.

I tend to stick with what I feel more comfortable with (right now urban Gothic with a dystopian twist). I do find that you need to recharge every once and a while and attempt something new just to make sure everything's working.

I think that you should stick to your strengths. If someone asked me to write a comedy or horror script,I would have to be honest with them. It might not be very good script and damage you in the end.

The fortunate thing about being into comedies is that you can slash them with every other genre. Comedy/horror. Comedy/sci-fi. It's a good way to get around writing a broad range of genres....assuming you love comedy!

I tend more to love stories but I even included one in the first horror script that I wrote.

I use full blown parody/comedy/satire every once and a while as a palate cleanser. It helps keep the mind going in the right direction. Favorites so far; "Chill Blaine, Woman of the West" and of course "Austin Taceous: World Spy".