Screenwriting in the New Normal

Hi folks,

As productions open back up, and we strap on our masks to get back out in the world, it seems like everyone is wondering what to expect. What is this ‘new normal’ going to mean for Hollywood?  

Are films and TV shows with large casts a thing of the past? Are agents and producers still reading scripts? If they are, is this a good time to submit to them? Are companies still taking pitches?

Great questions!  And not a lot of answers.

I’m trying to figure out this whole ‘new normal’ myself (it would be great to have a crystal ball) but no one seems to have many concrete answers because things are evolving from day to day.

But, based on what I’m seeing and hearing (and experiencing myself) I thought I’d share some of my ideas about the current state of the industry, and a few ‘safe assumptions’ about the near future.

Here are a few tips that might help you navigate this unpredictable time:

1. Make friends with Zoom

Though you might be over Zoom happy hours and dinner dates, you probably have to make peace with Zoom pitches and meetings becoming the new normal (at least for now). Executives and creatives agree, it’s near impossible to take the “temperature of a room” without actually being in the room, and many buyers aren’t  ‘pulling the trigger’ on projects over Zoom (unless it’s an undeniably hot, timely project). But, it’s not all bad: any face time with producers or executives is a way to maintain a relationship, talk up your intriguing projects, and set yourself up for potential future work (not to mention the opportunity to have a professional meeting while still wearing your pajama pants).

2. Remember, we’re all in this together

Remember, screenwriters are not the only ones trying to navigate this crazy time - execs, reps, and producers are as much in the dark as you are. A lot of buyers don’t know what they’re going to be programming, so can’t possibly know what to buy; Reps can’t guarantee when their clients will work again (even those who were staffed on shows); and few producers know exactly when their projections will get back up and running. And everyone is concerned about keeping their jobs! If you’re waiting on the ‘green light’ from a potential rep, or a ‘yay or nay’ from a buyer on a project - try to be patient and compassionate. We’re all in this together.

3. Create, create, create!

Development execs and reps are still reading! Which means now is the perfect time to write and develop. We have all been stuck inside for months consuming more content than ever before, it’s a safe assumption that there is going to be a lot of demand coming up. So take this opportunity to put your IP together, sharpen your loglines, and finely tune your pitches. Make your material undeniably great so you’re primed and ready to pitch when buyers are confident again.

4. Don’t fall into the COVID Movie Trap

I think in the near future there will be a surge of COVID-inspired material from writers, which is understandable - it was  (and continues to be) an impactful time. But I think this trend, if it does become a trend, will be short-lived. So instead…

5. Polish off your Contained Screenplay Ideas

Right now, projects that are smaller and more contained are easier for production companies to take a chance on (for obvious reasons). This doesn’t necessarily mean everything you write or pitch has to be about two people in a house, it just means be realistic. If you were a producer right now would you take the risk of producing a movie that takes place at a crowded concert venue, or a ballpark? Check out my post, ‘Writing a Successful Contained Screenplay’.

6. Virtual Writers Rooms

Writers rooms aren’t stopping just because they can’t do it in person. There are plenty of writers rooms still working virtually, and that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. It takes a while to get used to the new format and vibe, but ultimately the work is the same. If you know someone in a virtual room, ask them how they’re navigating it.

7. ’Delayed’ is Not a Bad Word

If you are a writer who had a project slated for production and it got pushed, take heart, ‘delayed’ is not a bad word. One executive I know had to push every production planned for 2020 into December and early 2021. Production insurance doesn’t cover COVID, and no one in history has ever had to navigate this many safety restrictions on set before. It’s going to be touch and go for a while, but ‘delayed’ still means moving forward. 

8. Short term, Long term

Short term: I think we’ll be looking at small casts, contained sets, reduced crews and projects that can be made small but have a ‘big message’ or are undeniably funny, or thrilling despite their small size. On-screen, there will probably be a lot of animation and webcam chat shows; off-screen, studios and agencies are already being ‘pared down’ and will probably embrace a ‘bare bones’ structure (at least for the time being). CAA is still running, but keeping their Los Angeles, Nashville and New York offices closed until the end of the year.

Long term: Film and TV people are innovative. We’ll figure out camera tricks to have less people on set, we’ll still have scripted shows, and buyers will regain their appetite. Eventually there will be a vaccine and we will go back to some version of pre-pandemic ‘business as usual’. But until that time, write great scripts, get them out into the world, and find ways each day to move your creativity forward. 

For tips on how to stay positive and pro-active during this time read my post, ‘How to Deal with the Anxiety of Being a Writer during Social Isolation’.

What are your tips for navigating this ‘new normal’? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!