Chapter 1: The Importance of Knowing Your Genre

If you're aiming to write within a specific genre, it’s essential to fully immerse yourself in it.

Over the years, I’ve connected with many screenwriters, and one commonality stands out: a deep understanding of their chosen genre. This is a crucial lesson for all writers.

When crafting an original screenplay, a thorough grasp of the genre’s essence is vital. This knowledge influences every part of your creative process—concept development, character arcs, brainstorming, plotting, tone, style, atmosphere, voice, pacing, and more. Each genre has its own set of patterns, tropes, and conventions, and being well-versed in these is crucial if you wish to adhere to, subvert, or innovate upon these norms.

For instance, if you focus on action narratives, familiarity with the action genre is a must. Similarly, comedy writers should have an in-depth understanding of comedic conventions, and science fiction writers must grasp the intricacies of sci-fi storytelling. This principle applies across all genres, sub-genres, and hybrid forms.

Several reasons underscore the necessity of this knowledge:

1. Understanding a genre equips you to recognize what has been done previously, helping you avoid unintentional duplication of scenes or pivotal moments from past films. While homage can be a respectful nod, replicating a well-known moment can signal a lack of depth in your genre knowledge to industry insiders. Conversely, possessing extensive genre awareness can increase a potential buyer's comfort level with your work.
2. A solid grasp of your genre can spark inspiration from existing films. Consider Quentin Tarantino; his films often pay tribute to countless predecessors, including casting actors from those earlier works to honor them. Smart references to iconic moments in prior films can serve as effective homages, allowing you to benefit from the success of those films.
3. Knowing your genre helps you gauge your affinity for it. If you find yourself easily engrossed in horror films, for example, this likely indicates a passion for writing within that genre. Conversely, if engaging with a particular genre feels laborious, it may be a sign to explore other storytelling avenues that ignite your creativity.

Moreover, there's another significant aspect of genre knowledge: Hollywood tends to categorize writers, which can be advantageous.

If you establish a reputation as a writer of sports dramas, you'll likely receive numerous offers in that vein. Similarly, if you become known for broad physical comedies, you’ll attract projects within that genre. However, if your niche is a bizarre blend like a period piece about polar bears that communicate in Norwegian subtitles, your opportunities may be limited.

The industry thrives on shorthand. People within Hollywood often categorize writers based on their strengths—whether it be dialogue, character-driven narratives, or frustration comedies.

This categorization stems from how studio executives perceive writers—as problem solvers. When faced with a project that requires a new perspective or rewrite, they often seek writers with proven experience in the relevant genre. This makes sense; studios want to invest in writers who have established credibility in the genre of the project at hand.

Agents and managers also play a role in this dynamic. They tend to prioritize securing the most straightforward deals for their clients. If your portfolio showcases action-packed thrillers, landing a gig for a lighthearted romantic comedy might prove challenging, as your representatives are unlikely to pursue such mismatched opportunities.

Adam Kolbrenner, a manager-producer and founder of Madhouse Entertainment, highlights this in an interview:

"The true value of a manager lies in their ability to guide you and ensure you don’t waste time on projects that don’t align with your strengths… Understanding your voice, the stories you wish to tell, and how we can collaborate effectively is essential."

Your representatives are not only concerned about your next writing opportunity but also your overall career trajectory. While some writers successfully navigate multiple genres, most tend to hone in on one area. This focus becomes your pathway to sustained employment in Hollywood.

Consequently, exploring genres—through watching films and reading scripts—can reveal where your true interests and talents lie. If you’re aiming for recognition as a genre-specific writer, ensure it’s a field that excites you enough to commit to for several years. After establishing yourself, you’ll have the freedom to branch out into new genres or mediums, perhaps even funding your creative reinvention.

Ultimately, the first step is to understand your genre fully. The primary categories include Action, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction, and Thriller.

What genre resonates with you?

Comment Archive

For more insights from the "30 Things About Screenwriting" series, click here.

Chapter 2: Exploring Genre in Screenwriting

The first video, titled "These Are The 6 Genres Every Aspiring Screenwriter Should Know" by Scott Kirkpatrick, delves into the fundamental genres that every screenwriter should familiarize themselves with. Understanding these categories is crucial for honing your craft and finding your niche in the industry.

The second video, "What is the Role of #Genre in a #Script," discusses the pivotal role genre plays in shaping narratives and how it influences audience expectations and storytelling techniques. This understanding can greatly enhance your screenwriting skills.