With the apparent demise of cinemas and distributors preferring to output via streaming services, should those aspiring to write for the big screen recognise their scripts are more likely destined for tv/small screens? What implications might this have for script writers? Do we think this a permanent trend?
Screenwriting : Big or Small Screen Writing? by Clive Martin
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
2 people like this
Although the big screen is making a comeback from the pandemic, streaming is here to stay. A same day home/limited theatrical run will be the new norm. We as writers and filmmakers, have to also understand that it's not just a theater/streaming battle, but also a generational one. Yougner Gen Mils. and now especially Gen Z, only know small screens. So it's a losing battle to think our stories are only destined for big screens. We need to think of stories as just that, stories we want to be told, no matter the format or screen size.
2 people like this
It's a huge financial ding for screenwriters, not only box office but rebroadcast here and abroad. Unless you're hired to work on franchise Star Wars/Marvel movies, dvd sales market is dead. Supposedly there will be Work strike next year as Wga board of execs want streamer companies to pay more salary upfront and pay residuals based on views.
Basically, the future looks bleak for new and current screenwriters to have a career, without having side jobs for income just to survive.
2 people like this
Great question Clive, I’m interested in the replies to this.
4 people like this
Shouldn't have any implications. The goal is to still write the best script you can. Distribution channels change seemingly by the minute. Where it plays should be irrelevant to the writer.
1 person likes this
In the Uk, I was involved with the first National Cinema Day (1996). At the time the fear was that the new DVD format would decimate cinema sales. As it was, cinema stood it’s ground and survived. My hope is that the public will realise the uniqueness of the cinema experience.
1 person likes this
I guess one impact relates to themes and production values - i.e. which scripts work better and are more cost effective for Tv/streaming formats.
1 person likes this
The size of the screen, for me, is irrelevant. A single story that resolves an issue, is a feature film. If you watch it on TV or at the Alamo Draft House, makes no difference in how I write it.
1 person likes this
it is relevant to income... but I guess many here don't want $$ after a movie/tv show is produced and ends on a streamer channel that pays 0 residuals to writers.
2 people like this
Many nowadays established authors started "small screen" (short films)...good thing to leave impression, costs almost nothing to make...fine example is this writer/director David F. Sandberg...his ultra short 0 budget "Lights Out" won the internet with coupla million views on YouTube only...that brought attention of the right guys...and he's in now...
My short script "Cutoff Time" brought me an offer to rewrite feature script for a promising Dutch director...got it to the right pair of eyes, next thing I'm into middle of negotiations...which as usually jammed at the $$ part...but that's another story...