While at an Asian film festival some execs asked “Is your script just another Hollywood story about an American beating up Asian bad guys?” That really hit me. So in my script “Dragon Hunter” I promoted the Asian gangster’s brilliant and deadly American girl-toy to the main antagonist. In today’s rising female-led films - could this be a selling point?
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In some way it could be. But my main concern is this: does the female protagonist/antagonist have to use her sexuality to get what she wants? How is she seen and perceived in the story? We all know sex sells, but is it always necessary. And I am curious, what do you mean by girl-toy?
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Yes, it could be a selling point. My understanding is that female lead movies are on the rise. :) Tayla makes some great points about the use of sexuality when it comes to female characters. "Girl-toy?" You had me at "brilliant," but then concerned me -- "sexy" is rather limiting. Could you tell us more about your character?
Depends on how cast-able the movie is.
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Genders are like oceans, they all have different characteristics. As long as your character is a female character and not just a male character with a female name, then why not write it. Just because it has a woman lead doesn't make it any more attractive. But I tend to write a lot of female characters, I feel they give me a bit more scope. As Tayla points out sexuality can be an issue. I have just had an interesting conversation regarding a female character and someone's opinion that she needed to be put in a sexually dangerous situation. This would never have been an issue for a male character.
Great comments guys. Tanya - The "girl-toy" is the power behind the gangster's throne. I've heard the phrase "Boy-Toy" been used to describe women offering themselves as sexual objects to men. Why not spin this around? In my script - the girl-toy is secretly bi-sexual but uses her wiles to manipulate her powerful boyfriend. But both roles (protagonist and (obviously) the girlfriend role) were always meant for women. Based on the feedback I got in Asia, I think making the antagonist an American - could be a selling point to an Asian audience. Thoughts? Thanks!