I just read this on a few websites with screenwriting articles. They advise against writing in these genres as they are the worst you can write and will get rejected...I have a few scripts in these very same genres, so this made me a bit sad. Are they the worst possible genres and those screenplays cannot be "used" or are these just opinions? Thank you for taking the time to read and answer this!
Screenwriting : Are Fantasy, Sci-Fi's and Horrors bad specs? by Victor Titimas
Are Fantasy, Sci-Fi's and Horrors bad specs?
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The two spec scripts I sold were both horror. So that's what I'm writing these days. :)
I call bull. Write in the genre you are comfortable in and enjoy writing. This sounds like some stuck up drama snob looking down his nose at genres that don't meet his standards. They are wrong.
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I'm definitely not an expert on the topic, but I'm repeatedly told that spec scripts end up mostly serving as writing samples. I'm pretty sure as long as it's a good script it's a good writing sample. Plus, regarding horror specifically, I've actually heard the exact opposite. Apparently it's the genre that sells well globally and is very much in demand.
I would think there's more a worry about cost vs. modern comedy and drama.
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Horror is a hot genre, if you love horror you should definitely write it. Sci Fi can be a little tricky because it's such a big tent, so there are some things like STAR TREK inspired space ship stuff that may not be a good idea. Fantasy may be a problem, because when you look at every modern fantasy film it came from a novel. That's an odd genre for a spec script these days. But Fantasy can also be a big tent, and you may have something that's not a LORD OF THE RINGS clone and may be interesting. The main thing is to make sure your concept is original. A clone of STAR TREK or LOTR is not original. You want the idea at the core to be different.
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Yeah, anyone telling you NOT to write horror...probably hates you. Fantasy is hard unless there's a book or graphic novel that it's based on. Sci-fi is selling, but it really depends on the story and budget and hook and world. Especially with sci-fi you need a really different angle and hook that is going to stand out and blow people's minds.
I subscribe to the InkTip newsletter of producers seeking scripts, and at least at that budget level (almost always under $10 million, and often under $1 million) the most common things I see are horror, family, foreign action, low-budget sci fi (e.g. Moon)... and then of course oddball specific stuff: Harriet Tubman biopics from Canadian writers, etc.
Victor, those sites were giving horrible advice. Write in whatever the heck genre you want. Even if it's a Fantasy Drama set in 1876, if it's your passion piece that shows outstanding writing, it will get noticed. It may not get made, but it will get noticed and get you other writing gigs.
"worst you can write?" If you are a horror or fantasy writer then write that genre. Its madness to force yourself to write what you just don't feel. If someone put a gun to my head and said write a rom com my brains would be all over the wall. Write what you write. Some of the best money making flicks out there have been micro budget horror
Good writing is magic. It sucks you in. The pages turn. You care about the people and the world brought to life in your mind my the images and actions of the players. Do that. Create good writing, and don't worry about the genre.
They may be bad specs, but in the U.S., the lower budgeted, independent sci-fi movies are the most interesting thing hitting the theaters here.
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I never set out thinking I would write horror, but it's what I was asked to write and now that test screenings went well and a studio may be interested in distribution, we're talking sequel!
look at syfy and all their crazy summer movies.
Syfy recently bought the rights for science-fiction book series The Expanse trilogy ( quadrilogy now) by James SA Corey. I hope they'll have enough budget to make it right. They also bought the rights for Spin by Robert Charles Wilson fingers crossed as well for this one. I clearly prefer this trend if I have to compare it to "Sharknado" stuff. For science-fiction in general, I would say if you have a clear idea of the vfx cost related to your project(s), it could be very helpful. Keep in mind that independent science-fiction movies are most of the time difficult to market, because studios in general have more leverage on that Department. For instance, it's heartbreaking to see a movie such as: "How I live Now" passing by almost unnoticed. Despite the fact you have one of the best narrative ellipse I saw for a nuclear explosion. As usual, I digress!!! :)