Hey Everybody, Just posted my intro and this is my first question. I’m on the hunt for a manager. I’ve read tons of articles/posts about finding one. Everything I’ve read has mentioned something about having an established portfolio of polished scripts in a single genre. How important is the single genre part? I write what I’m inspired to write. My first script was a modern day fantasy series pilot. I’ve rewritten it more times than I can count and worked with a coverage group to polish it. My current WIP is a feature length zombie parody. (which I’m really enjoying writing btw...whenever I’m not actually working on writing it, I’m thinking about writing it.) I have a sci-fi’ish/comedy’ish pilot planned. I also plan on writing another feature after that that I’m honestly not even sure what the genre would be. Drama possibly? I guess my question is, am I just too all over the place to land a manager? Does my muse hit the sauce a little too heavily? I’m hoping to have enough put together by the end of the year to start seeking out a manager.
Screenwriting : The Importance of a Writing in Single Genre by Joseph Donahue
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I just joined and am still fumbling my way around with the iPhone app. I need to add one. I’ll do that soon.
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I don’t necessarily want to limit myself. It just seems, based on articles I’ve read, that managers prefer someone that is more focused on a specific genre.
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Personally, I write when I have a story I want to tell. I don’t sit down thinking that I want to write a specific kind of script in a specific genre. I don’t think I could do that. It would probably end up coming across as forced and dry.
You need to research Agents who accept the type of material/genre you write. Also Check out scriptrevolution.com and get your material on it. Its free and founded by member here CJ. I don’t think it matters if you have fingers in different pies with writing, because there are instances where cross genre/hybrid sells. What matters is “Have you written something GOOD.”
My pilot is on script revolution, but I haven’t really done anything to promote it being there.
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Here we are now. Entertain us.
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Dude you are now here on Stage 32 and with over 500,000 creatives in the industry you can find most anything you need here. Do some pitch sessions and join the writers room and much more. Happy networking!
Thanks! I need to try out doing some pitches.
Thinking about it from a business prospective, both yourself and places wanting good scripts, I'd think you'll benefit more from being able to write quality in different genres so you can have a wider range to land employment as a writer, and persons wanting writers and scripts want someone who can satisfy a number of genre needs. The market's taste always switches, so having someone who can switch with it is a plus all round.
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Well, the pro advice that I have received is more attuned to Dan M's point: be focused or excel in one or maybe a couple of genres or themes or styles that are related, etc, develop a specific voice. That's a good way to get attention—at least to get started, make a name for yourself. Being a 'jack of all trades' and a 'master of none' is not necessarily a good thing. Of course, being able to write in any genre is beneficial. It may be a good thing to work specifically and then expand as you go. But it truly depends on talent, voice, skill, specific situation, circumstances, professional contacts, goals, and personal experience. ;)