Hi everyone. Lately, I've been asking myself a difficult question regarding my own creative path, and I would love to hear your perspective on it.
I have started my journey in this industry by focusing directly on a feature film, which is part of an intense thriller, action, and fantasy trilogy titled Suplicio. As I develop this universe, a doubt arises: Is it ambitious—or perhaps reckless—to attempt a project of this scale as an emerging screenwriter?
I know there is a very strong tendency in the industry to start with short films and more modest productions to gain experience. That is why I am asking those of you with more experience: Do you believe there are 'required' steps that a screenwriter should follow before aiming to produce a feature film, or is the key simply in the strength of the vision and its execution?
I truly appreciate any perspective or advice you might share from your own experience. Thank you!
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Hi, Emilio Briceño. Hope you're doing great. One of my first scripts was a big-budget feature script with a huge story. I wasn't skilled enough to write a script like that, but I didn't have Lounge posts, webinars, blogs, feedback, etc. like on Stage 32 to help me. If an emerging screenwriter has these resources and puts in the work writing and rewriting their script, they can write that kind of script. Writing short scripts (before or while writing that big script) could help the writer become skilled enough to write the big script too.
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Don’t write a trilogy. Write stand alone complete pieces. Then you have three pieces to sell. By all means plan what a trilogy would be but DONT write it. Stand alone is the way to go. Trust me.
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Maurice Vaughan Hi Maurice,
Thanks for taking the time to share this! It’s great to know I’m not the only one who dove right into a big concept early on.
I really appreciate your advice on using shorter scripts as a practice ground while refining the main project. Having access to platforms and feedback like this definitely makes a world of difference.
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David Taylor Hi David,
I completely see where you're coming from. From a business and production standpoint, standalone stories are definitely a safer bet for buyers.
I made sure that the first entry in my project delivers a complete, satisfying story on its own without requiring a sequel to make sense. Planning the larger arc while keeping each piece commercially viable as an independent work seems to be the sweet spot.
Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective!
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Unfortunately, a big-budget spec script by an unknown writer has an infinitesimally small chance of ever being bought, let alone made, no matter how good it is. That doesn't mean you shouldn't write one. If it turns out to be a great story well told, it could work as a writing sample and help you get representation and/or paid writing gigs.
The smaller the budget and the more contained the story, the better the chances it will end up on a screen somewhere, especially if it's a great script. And especially if it's a horror.
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You're welcome, @Emilio. I agree with David about writing three stand alone scripts.