Writing the same film...

[pepperdine]

Hey,

My question to your good selves is this:

Do you ever find yourself writing the same film?

You brainstorm for ideas and despite your promise to write a different genre with different character dynamics, you somehow notice that you've fallen into the same crevice and you're writing a different version of the last feature you churned out?

I tend to write films I'd like to see. I like buddy movies. So I wrote one. Loved writing it. A thriller. Great fun. It's been optioned and I can't wait for it to be made. Then I wrote another one, a drama, but...with two strong male characters. It's a different route but...it's another buddy movie.

Now that I'm brainstorming for a new project - I'm gritting my teeth and steering myself towards different character set ups and dynamics - buuut, the ideas that appeal to me have two strong male leads ie Father and son, brothers, best friends, boss and junior...etc.

So, is that it for me? Am I doomed to be a one hit churner that no one will ever consider for other projects? Or is it a good thing? There are writers out there who only write Sci-fi and would never consider a Rom-Com or a children's story, etc and they can make a living, etc.

While being encouraged to flex my writer's muscles in ALL genres and situations, I'm really struggling to pull away from what comforts me and...well, writing the kind of film I'd like to see.

Does that makes sense?

Anyone with the same problem and what are your views on it?

[mscherer]

pepperdine,

First, congrats on being optioned -- good to hear. I have to tell you that being optioned is -- at a minimum -- one of my goals for the year. Good luck.

As for your question. I have always heard -- and, again, I have never sold, been produced, etc. -- whatever genre you sell in first, that is how you are labeled. Sell a thriller -- you are a thriller writer. Sell a comedy -- a comedy writer. Etc. Etc. Etc.

I know there are exceptions and if you are very talented and able to call your own shots in Hollywood, you can write pretty much what you want.

For the rest of us mortals.........

Keep Writing!

[Deleted]

Congrats on being optioned!

I love reading about others success. It keeps the internal fires burning.

Write what you are passionate about. If you write something you hate and try to force it, the work will suffer.

Maybe after your third script you will become passionate about something other than buddies...not that there is anything wrong with that.