If You Worked in the Movie Biz, What Would You Want To Do?

[MiC. UHD]

Man, I would love to be apart of such a creative process like making a film. Particularly, I'd like to see myself writing. It's already a passion of mine (songs, poems, etc.). It would feel so gratifying watching a movie on the big screen, and seeing the actors apply life and personality to mere words I had at one point in my head. THAT would be my dream job. Hopefully, one day I'll choose to pursue it.

[remake]

Writer. I love writing scripts.

[Al_The_Strange]

I always fancied being a director.

On the other hand, I would probably love to be an editor, cinematographer, sound effects guy, special effects guy, or an actor. I have played around with writing novels, so script writing would probably be up my alley too. Also, voice-acting would be freaking sweet!

Guess I should move to Hollywood.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by DiscoDan

Personally I would want to write the screenplays. It'd be awesome to see a vision come to life like that, and to be responsible for the Entire story, every character and every scene, not just bits and pieces.

I wanted to be a screenwriter too, until I read one of J. Michael Straczynki's books on the subject. Apparently, many writers are treated horribly in the film industry, often falling victim to "Hollywood accounting" practices, by greedy individuals and/or studios that don't want to pay them adequately, or treat them fairly. In the same book, he also said that the majority of screenplays are rewritten, and the changes aren't always minor. From the top-level execs, to the actors, and almost everyone in between, there's always someone who thinks they know what's best for the story, even more so than the one who wrote it to begin with. As a result, the only way I'd submit my ideas is if I was contractually granted complete creative control. I don't mind constructive input, but having to deal with endless "red tape" would tick me off like nothing else.

[remake]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

I wanted to be a screenwriter too, until I read one of J. Michael Straczynki's books on the subject. Apparently, many writers are treated horribly in the film industry, often falling victim to "Hollywood accounting" practices, by greedy individuals and/or studios that don't want to pay them adequately, or treat them fairly. In the same book, he also said that the majority of screenplays are rewritten, and the changes aren't always minor. From the top-level execs, to the actors, and almost everyone in between, there's always someone who thinks they know what's best for the story, even more so than the one who wrote it to begin with. As a result, the only way I'd submit my ideas is if I was contractually granted complete creative control. I don't mind constructive input, but having to deal with endless "red tape" would tick me off like nothing else.

I've read so many scripts, and most of them have been changed in the final product of the movie. In fact, the only script I read that most of it's contents haven't been changed is JENNIFER'S BODY, believe it or not. Just a few lines were changed, but I'm guessing by Diablo Cody herself, to remain relevant.

[Trekkie313]

F/X, make-up...pretty much any old school special effects.

[Moviefan2k4]

Originally Posted by victim

I've read so many scripts, and most of them have been changed in the final product of the movie. In fact, the only script I read that most of it's contents haven't been changed is JENNIFER'S BODY, believe it or not. Just a few lines were changed, but I'm guessing by Diablo Cody herself, to remain relevant.

Well, my general opinion is that when a screenwriter submits their own original screenplay to a studio, any and all rewrites should either be done by the original writer directly, or they should have final say on what changes are made. If a writer is hired to do their own take on an established franchise, then obviously, different practices would apply...but with regard to original material, I think the studios should trust the screenwriters a lot more than they currently do. After all, they're the one who thought it up to begin with, which usually means they'd know the story better than anyone else.

[Caesar Will Rise]

Director/Actor/Maybe Writer

[nefilim]

being insulted by Christian Bale

[rkolinski]

Cinematography because I have a creative eye!

[Scarriere]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

I wanted to be a screenwriter too, until I read one of J. Michael Straczynki's books on the subject. Apparently, many writers are treated horribly in the film industry, often falling victim to "Hollywood accounting" practices, by greedy individuals and/or studios that don't want to pay them adequately, or treat them fairly. In the same book, he also said that the majority of screenplays are rewritten, and the changes aren't always minor. From the top-level execs, to the actors, and almost everyone in between, there's always someone who thinks they know what's best for the story, even more so than the one who wrote it to begin with. As a result, the only way I'd submit my ideas is if I was contractually granted complete creative control. I don't mind constructive input, but having to deal with endless "red tape" would tick me off like nothing else.

If you can, you should check out some of the extras on Alien Anthology. The process is kinda described as you say here. Very interesting. It helps me know how critical writing is to the making of a movie. And also how certain people try and take the credit for something they shouldn't have.
On the flip side, the extras on The Social Network show how filmmakers embrace and involve writers in the making of the movie. It seems like Aaron Sorkin is given free reign on how the movie develops. I'm sure this is the exception and not the rule.

Yeah, if I had the talent, I would like to write too.