Screenwriting : Development Exec / Producer Q&A by Whitney Davis

Thanks Whitney for taking the time to join us and answer questions. When you’re considering a script, what are the biggest deal-breakers that make you pass, even if the premise is strong?

A script can have a great premise but still lack that spark and passion that I look for from the storyteller. I read first and foremost as a lover of the art and craft! I want to be entertained. If I can’t fall in love with the story, I can’t make someone else, you know?

Thank you for being generous with your time, Whitney! What are some industry trends you're able to share about what buyers want?

there’s no time limit so ask away Screenwriting fam! I’m happy to answer tomorrow!

Hi, thank you so much!

In your experience, what gives a project the best chance of getting noticed—ideally in a way that isn’t too expensive? I’ve already sent out a few cold emails, and some people did respond saying they liked the project, but that my location was an issue. Is location really that important? Do I realistically have any chance coming from Hungary?

If you could give writers one piece of advice that immediately raises their chances of being taken seriously, what would it be?

Hi, Whitney Davis. Hope you're having a great year so far! Thanks for having this Q&A! What's one way a writer can grab your attention in a script?

Whitney, thank you for offering your time here. As someone who blends technology and storytelling I find that grounding speculative ideas in believable detail can make a premise sing. In your experience do scripts that treat emerging technologies with authenticity catch your attention more than those that use them purely as flashy plot devices?

What would you say is the best way to start navigating the industry as a screenwriter?

Great to meet you Whitney Davis and thanks for kindly offering your time to the community. To me, theme is core. With that in mind, what themes spark your interest? Thanks in advance!

OK, I"m back, LOL! Happy Tuesday. I'll go in order that questions were asked! I think I'm pretty different when it comes to my approach to the work. I'm incredibly passionate about this work and truly believe in the power and responsibility of this work we all do. Geoff, to that end, I try to not pay much attention to industry trends and what buyers are looking for. After years of chasing moving targets and mandates that ultimately lead to dead ends, I only chase good characters and stories! The industry has know idea what it really wants. I'd rather focus on supporting great creators and their amazing stories and finding a way to get those in front of an audience.

Hi Sanna! Of course you have a chance coming from Hungary! The world is getting smaller and smaller everyday.

Your writing on the page is what's going to get you noticed and YOUR story in the meeting is what's going to get you the job. Forget what Hollywood seems to be buying and producing right now, it's going to take some time to get your script produced and by that time the industry will be doing something else. Focus on writing that piece that's burning in your belly and calling your name RIGHT NOW! That's the one that's going to get you noticed. Go buck wild! Go crazy. Put some wild shit in there. That's the stuff that will get you noticed. I like it a little bit ratchet myself!!! LOL.

What's up John Fife?!? That's a name right there! One piece of advice! BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY you in your writing and in your life. Don't worry about the critics--in your head or otherwise. Authenticity is EVERYTHING, lay it all out there.

Hi Maurice! 2026 is already lifin'! It's feeling like this work is more important than ever, right? Stories that grab me are the ones that have memorable characters, take risks, feel universal yet specific, speak to something on a deep level without being preachy thematicallyand leave us with a message, lil joy, hope, escapism or something. I know that's a lot, lol. Also, as a Black woman, I'm like a moth to a flame when the characters are from marginalized communities (Black, Queer, POC, Disability, Veteran and etc.)

Greetings Eric! You're spot on. If I read something rooted in some type of tech and I like it, I will often find myself going down a rabbit hole doing my own research on said tech. Grounding these worlds in reality as well as giving the characters emotional arcs and lives outside of their 'labs' makes the storytelling compelling imo. Also, remember you have to sell these projects to folks who will have A LOT of questions and notes about said technology, lol! Making the sci-fi aspects as believable and grounded makes for good film and TV.

You're right, Whitney Davis. Thanks for the answer! All of them! They're definitely gonna come in handy. I hope you have an incredible 2026!

Hey Chris W. Starting out in the business you've already done something great in joining this awesome community! Also continue to work on your craft, write everyday even if for a few minutes. Study the greats and be a student of the business. Read the trades even the foolishness of the industry is worth being aware of. HA! Also, if there's a junior college in your area that offers writing classes, take them! I took a class last spring and I LOVE it. I really discovered and fell in love with my voice. So many writers can write but haven't found their voice. If you can find that, you're halfway there. XO!

Hi Leonardo! Yes themes! They are everything in a story and the little hooks that connect us to the heart of the art. I'm a Black woman, wife and mother so I'm drawn to exploring complex female characters that have to do with those identities (never from a traumatic experience unless it's universal). Stories of hope and redemption feel important in this season. Rom Coms are back which is exciting and I'd love to see a new gen of John Hughes-esqu films from a different lens. Those coming of age films dealt with more than getting laid for the first time but identity, class, authority, rebellion and etc. I could go on and on! LOL

Great stuff Whitney Davis. I love John Hughes' body of flicks!