Monday, January 31, 2011

Why Not Start Out Writing a Comedy, Or Better Yet, A Novel

Around Hollywood, everyone is talking about how hard it is to sell a script these days. Budgets are tight. And the big new trend: no one is buying dramatic scripts.

Basically all those dramatic movies that have won awards in recent years are based on bestselling novels. "Atonement", "Precious", to name a few.

These are stories that were already proven to be popular in book form. 

So how to break into Hollywood? The comedy.

What is still selling is comedy. That is, broad comedies. But one of the best forms for beginning screenwriters is the romantic comedy.

Romantic comedies are typically big at the box office. So if you're thinking of writing a screenplay, I'd suggest writing a romantic comedy. You can learn more about how to write romantic comedies by taking a class at yourplotthickens.com.

But if you have your heart set on some great dramatic story, might I suggest you write your story out in novel form. Then you can publish that bestselling book -- then write the screenplay for it once it's already been accepted and lauded in novel form!

2 comments:

  1. I completely agree with this post and I'm really enjoying your blog so far. Too bad I live all the way over in Florida or I'd love to check out some of your classes. :)

    Keep up the good work and good luck.

    Jayson Kretzer
    http://wannabeheroes.com/

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  2. Thanks so much for commenting and following. We will be offering online classes soon, in case you are interested.

    BTW, your web-based comic idea is very cool!

    Best,
    Lara

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