"At Whit's Inn" has been a great learning experience thanks to all hear at S32. After pitching and getting notes, I had to decide, "R" or "PG". After a few days, I decided with the "PG" version. I first wrote it as a raunchy comedy. After a major rewrite, I'm now at the polishing stage once again. This is my 1st, but I did continue to work on my 2nd and 3rd scripts. Do you like to switch back and forth on scripts? How many screenplays do you have in progress? Have any of you made such changes? And if you did, why and what made you decide to make that choice?
Screenwriting : From a "R" raunchy comedy to a "PG" romcom. by Alan B. Cox
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Who told you to switch from "R" to "PG"? If they don't stick around or have a financial stake, I wouldn't do it. It's just opinions at this stage and that's the trap of notes- who are you writing for?
Havent seen a recent raunchy "PG" American comedy.
Horrible bosses, hangover, Bad moms, Girls trip, 40year old virgin, Animal House, Deadpool, American Pie - all R rated romcoms.
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I agree wholeheartedly with Dan MaxXx. One of my friends - who also happens to be a writer - has a very wonderful and accurate saying, "Consider the source." I also agree with what Quentin Tarantino says, in that, he is the audience. If you love that genre and are a fan of it - are extremely familiar with it - chances are you know what the audience wants. I also feel a lot of people like to give "Notes" just to give their opinion, be it valid or not. And, I've read plenty of well-written scripts, I had a small modicum of notes for. Some very little. But, I think if you ask the average person aspiring to be a screenwriter - and I mean NO DISRESPECT by this comment - they will find a way to come up with notes. CONSIDER THE SOURCE: I have certain writers and producers that I show my material to: 1. One is a writer-filmmaker I respect very much. 2. Another has produced more than 40 pictures. 3. Yet another has won two Oscars for producing Best Pictures. 4. Yet another is a producer I am working with. These people don't need to come up with " notes" to justify an opinion. They get the genre I am writing in, and they have had success in the industry and understand the ins and outs. It can be dangerous just to ask 10 people on a board for feedback. No disrespect intended for anyone. And, this coming from someone who wrote and directed a short that qualified for the Academy Awards, has worked with two Academy-Award Winners and produced 13 pictures with more on the way. Again, this is not meant to insult, but rather to help. Identify the people who understand the genre you are writing for, have had some modicum of success in this industry and then ask for the feedback. I can only say, this is what has worked for me. Hope this helps. GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! ;)
There are other ideas I have for scripts too, but one at time may go quicker. I've made notes and started writing for another, but this could bog you down. I can get inside a story better if I live with it instead of juggling scripts. If you have problems why don't you walk away from it for awhile, get a fresh perspective and see it from a different angle next time.
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Although not the only factor to consider, keep in mind that, on average, "PG" rated films make significantly more at the box office than their "R" rated competition, which translates into higher demand for "PG" comedy scripts. If you'd like to read 80 pages of stats high-lighting this and similar issues, call 805-383-2000 for a complimentary copy of MovieGuide's annual "Report to the Entertainment Industry".
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On the other hand, an "R" rating seems almost a prerequisite for certain types of films, such as war stories like "Saving Private Ryan" or classic horror titles like "Get Out" or "It".
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Agree with Sam B and Dan M. I don't make changes for anybody unless they have skin in the game. One man's vomit is another's apple pie.
Phil, I might have to use that - LOL: "One man's vomit is another's apple pie." Is it wrong that I like that? LOL ;)
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It depends too on your very own personal compression ratio. Personally I don't write "R" rated stuff, but that's "just me". It's true that the "PG or G" rating attracts a larger audience but that must not be your driving force - or you're headed down the wrong path. I take notes all the time - some from respected sources, some from folk who don't know their nose from a hole. I extract what I think is good; trash the rest. Serious rewrites are only done for those with a few shekels on the line.
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I was watching one of my favs on a main TV network - Goodfellas - they dubbed on the F#$%s with fringn and so on - some stories need to be the actual people and events being told using R rated language - My humble opinion
Currently, have two scripts in the barrel. I like to keep it dirty until i have to clean it up.
I write the story the way I want to write it and I don't worry about the ratings. I don't make changes to my script until someone has skin in the game and I am getting paid to do the rewrite.
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Dan. The script was teetering on the R vs PG. I actually brought this up. They would not suggest which route to go. They said it was my choice and only my choice. I've heard here over and over to get it made. I thought the best chance to get it made was to make it PG and made on a low budget. I also agreed with the concerns in the note. Remember I'm learning here. I'll take the good with the bad. P.S. I used the raunchiest scene in my 2nd script.
With scripts, I try to err on the side of PG to PG-13. With novels? I tear that $#@% up, man. XD
-G.R.B.
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FYI - Good thing Pulp Fiction didn't try to be PG-13. My point is, it all depends on the story. Some Rated R scripts will never be PG-13 and vice versa. And, when you try to make them that, you can remove the heart of the story, or the realism from the dialogue.