The Young Executive

There’s a new resource out there called SCRIPT SHADOW which reviews some the latest studio scripts out there.

Check it out: Script Shadow

Everyone who pitches a movie in this business will automatically associate it with proven successes. For example, “this is 300 meets DARK KNIGHT” or “This is SUPERBAD meets THE HANGOVER”. Its a common technique because of course people want to show where a similar movie had success. The problem with that mentality is that EVERYONE will begin to follow that trend, therefore after a movie like the Hangover is successful, every producer in town will be trying to sell something similar. The result? the market becomes saturated with hundreds of movies that are trying to be like the Hangover. The only way to have this kind of break out success is to be ahead of the pack. SET THE TREND! don’t follow it. Your idea should explore new territory and break the mold of typical material out there. Why do you think District 9 was such a success? It broke new ground.

Every now and then young people from around the industry learn how to centralize information to make it easier to look up. A recent one popped up around town that helps you keep track of the latest specs being shopped around town or open writing assignments (OWA). As for open directing assignments (ODA) that changes very frequently around town. These are projects already set up at studios that need a writer to come in for a rewrite. Really good resource if you want to know what new specs executives are reading around town.

Check it out:  Its On The Grid

Specs are original script ideas by writers. Not too long ago when the business had been flourishing, specs were sold every week. In today’s market this happens only very occasionally. The recent trend of pre-branded awareness has scared studios away from taking risks on original ideas anymore. Seems depressing news to hear as a writer right?

Scripts that have sold recently are those that adapt some sort of intellectual property that people recognize. Companies deduce that this method can be a safer bet when looking at the success of films such as Transformers. Now companies are developing for “known brands” such as Battleship, Space Invaders, ViewMaster, Asteroids, Lego, and Candyland. It’s a method of filmmaking that is more like reverse engineering.

There are a limited number of brands that can be bought or rebooted, therefore writers hold on to that hope. Eventually original ideas will have to be produced in order to ensure sustainable content for the future. Remember that movies like Star Trek, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or all these comic book adaptations are original ideas from the past.

The spec market won’t flourish as it once did since fewer productions are being made every year. Therefore it wouldn’t make sense to continue a high level of development. Less output means less input needed, pretty simple. The key is how to extend the life of original ideas among different mediums. Not just think about the film, but the TV show, video game, webisodes, etc. Strategize for bigger success then just one market.