Daily Writer

By Alicia Sekhri

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#41・ Nov 11, 2021

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Alicia Sekhri

@aliciasekhri

“Big budget movies can have big budget perks, and small budget movies have no perks, but what the driving force is, of course, is the script”. – Morgan Freeman

TV: The state of the horror genre

Hollywood Reporter released an amazing podcast episode for Halloween, featuring 5 showrunners discussing the state of the horror genre on the small screen. This roundtable discussion is about creating thrills and chills on a weekly basis, tone challenges, and how violent is too violent.

“When we’re killing a villain everyone wants to see die, we go with gore”

– Walking Dead showrunner, Kang

Proof of concept

“If you get a chance to produce your own thing, you should definitely do it.” I heard this advice so many times. But how can you do so with a limited (or nonexistent) budget?

Kyle F. Andrews

@kylefandrews

I encourage writers to try and make small-scale shorts and webisodes because it's a great way to demonstrate how your skills translate to the screen, a wonderful opportunity to learn on-the-job—and a chance to control your work in a way you often can't in the larger industry.🎞️📽️

6:31 PM - 7 Nov 2021

Did you use to shoot movies as a kid?

If yes, you probably didn’t care if the sound, the acting, or the light wasn’t great. Or maybe you did (I did), but you filmed it anyway.

How about you use the same philosophy today? I know it’s easier said than done. But think of ways you could pull this off. Maybe you can write a low-budget script (keep it short and one location only) and ask people in Filmmaking groups on Facebook if they’re interested in helping out.

You’d be surprised. Many other filmmakers (directors, actors) also need a portfolio - and your script might be a great opportunity for them.

For example, I met two amazing people on Stage 32, and we’re working on a short film (with $0). Collaboration can be a great way to advance your career.

Another cool solution might be creating a podcast. Many podcasts have been noticed by major studios and turned into TV shows.

Netflix gets into gaming… a bad choice?

Harvard Business Review wrote a story about Netflix’s latest move: offering games on its streaming platform. This story explains why gaming isn’t necessarily the best move for Netflix, and what could have been done differently.

First, gaming doesn’t seem to match the behavior of users: 45% of consumers reported scrolling their phones or multitasking while watching Netflix, but gaming is a more “lean-forward” activity that necessitates 100% of our attention.

In addition, HBR reports that by offering games for “free” (read: it’s not a premium feature), the platform sends the wrong message: their gaming offer makes a timid debut that isn’t worth additional bucks.

The writers suggest some moves that would have served the company better, like:

Netflix could create a separate set of channels within the existing platform, unlocked by a premium subscription. Netflix could acquire a messaging/community platform like Discord, where gamers currently congregate to connect and talk about gaming and organize communities of superconsumers to connect. It could acquire Patreon, where creators share and monetize content and use it to allow superconsumers, actors, directors, and other show runners to connect directly with other superconsumers. Superconsumers could help improve the authenticity and quality of the Squid Game Korean-to-English translations. All of these would easily warrant a price premium to the current subscription. (Source: HBR)

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Happy writing! ✍️

– Alicia

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Alicia Sekhri @aliciasekhri

Thoughts, advice, and support for ambitious screenwriters and storytellers. 🎬

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