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Choosing Your Screenplay Genre

by ScreenCraft Staff on April 27, 2014

The Allfather of Screenwriting (John Truby) will tell you, “the key question that all screenwriters should ask themselves is: how do I write a script that Hollywood wants to buy?” With humble fear of being smote, I would argue that a much more important question should come first. What is inside me, clawing to get out?

 

In truth, genre has the power to separate most writers in to two very distinct groups…

 

Action, thrillers, and comedies, please take a number, we’ll call you when we’re ready. Sci-fi and westerns, allow me to be the first to crush your dreams. Back to your day job. Now serving #2,384,997!

 

Therein lies the conundrum. When you sit to face the blank page, are you hoping to create a pay check for you yourself, or are you obeying the mildly schizophrenic voice that will not allow you to sleep until you allow him to run free in your laptop? Don’t get me wrong, a paycheck is handy every once in a while. I like eating. But to have even the slightest chance at standing out amongst the millions of screenplays, filling tablets and weighing down desks throughout Hollywood, you have to scratch the itch.

 

If you can’t help but sit through the Man With No Name trilogy whenever it comes on, then you should absolutely take a stab at a Western. If your dreams take place in Gamma Qaudrant 9, allow the Sci-Fi to spill out on to the page.  Those are the screenplays that will get noticed, and being noticed is what will get you produced/represented/paid.

 

There is no way around having to choose a genre, but I wonder if instead of asking if this genre will get me paid, ask if it serves your story best. Ask if this be the correct vessel to carry your precious cargo. Or even more importantly, as John August says, “the right genre is the one that will actually get you to fire up your word processor, rather than surf the internet.”

 

How do you choose your genre?   Let us know in the comments below or tell us on Twitter!

 

Guest post by screenwriter Nick Schober.  You can find him on Twitter: @NicSchober

 

Do you have a screenplay ready to get Hollywood's attention?  Be sure to check out our genre-specific screenplay contests - with industry judges and prizes tailored to your genre!  

 

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