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Ok, so can a script ever be unmarketable because of storyline (not formatting). I know there are films out there that push the boundaries. But very few ever really smash them. How many sectors of society can you offend in one film.
I've written a script (still needs some polishing) which I think is unmarketable as a film, and am thinking that I should rewrite it as a story. Basically it could be offensive to christians/catholics and also deals with child murder and necrophilia. Really dodgy stuff I know. I've not put anything in that wasn't essential to the storyline. But I'm not sure whether to bother working on it anymore, after all it's kinda pointless if no-one will touch it with a barge-pole.
Opinions greatly appreciated.
Box? what box? No-one told me I was supposed to think inside a box!
I say if it's a story you're wanting to tell then finish it, whether you'll be able to sell it or not. Self-censorship isn't something I agree with. Everything has a market. It's difficult to say without more detail on what it's about but I say go with it and if no-one wants the finished product at least you've produced a script that you meant to.
I don't think anything is unmarketable based on its storyline. Christian and Catholic groups had problems with the DaVinci Code, Jews had issues with The Passion of the Christ, and here we sit years later after both of those movies pulled in major bank at the box office and one has a second installment on the way. Child murder and necrophilia have been done before as well.
The trick is to find someone who has the stones to do a project that may come off as controversial. They're out there. It's just a matter of finding them.
Long story short, the way something is written would make it unmarketable before its subject matter does. My opinion anyway.
Jordan wrote a short once for the horror/milk OWC. It is to my knowledge the only script ever to get a warning by Don for being disturbing. That one is currently being filmed by a female director in Germany.
I also agree with Bert, there is no envelope left to push. Especially if you are only out to shock people. You should concentrate on writing a good story instead. If that story requires sick and vile imagery it will be accepted. There's a shortage of good stories, not violence, gore, politics, religion and such.
Thanks for the response, it's given me a new lease of hope for it.
I should point out this was never intended to be a "shocker", and I don't think it comes across as such. I just wasn't sure what the feeling about the child necrophilia thing would be. From the responses here I'd say that it obvioulsy isn't as big a deal I feared it might.
It is integral to the story, so I can't cut it.
I guess I'll finish it up. And post it here, to see if it's worth sending it out.
Thanks again.
Box? what box? No-one told me I was supposed to think inside a box!
My first question would be: Why is it your working with dodgy stuff? There has to be a reason and I think there you will find your answer as to whether to pursue it or not.
My opinion is that writers shouldn't write for shock value. That's just gratuitous.
We can't get away from the fact that we live in between two polarities and some writers decide to take on the challenge of writing on that extremely evil side of the spectrum. It exists or the words wouldn't exist to describe them.
The most important thing I think I can say right now is: Give your characters motivation. Don't just write dark stuff because it's dark.
I think the unmarketable aspect of screenplays is not based on offending but the nature of the idea.
A script that is happy, fun loving and "simple" is more likely to be made these days than something that is fresh, new and exciting.
In my own opinion I think of myself as someone who writes for a niche audience and could never be one of those people who everybody loves and can do no wrong.
It is all about story and not shock value or writing what sells.
I think I'm going with the majority on this one, Pippo. I recall, in 1992, when Reservoir Dogs went to Cannes, and literally divided the audience. Half of the viewers were blown away by the originality, and the other half were shocked by the violence. But you compare the ear-slitting of Dogs to the masochism of, say, Hostel, and you see how far desensitization has gone.
I'm very curious to see how necrophilia is necessary to the storyline. Are you planning on posting this "unmarketable" monster?
PLEASE review my first SimplyScripts submission....
Hey Pippo; Just write your script; give your muse the room to do what she wants; you're the primary audience- If you don't have a blast telling your story, odds are no one else will either...
Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently - Dove Chocolate Wrapper
I maybe should have pointed out that it's a Supernatural/horror story. It refers to actually events (hence the child necrophilia, murder, mutilation) which I've toned down as much as possible. No graphic scenes, just flash shots, implications and after shots. It doesn't happen all the way through either, just in the first half of the story.
I agree that the shock tactic films some of you have mentioned (res.dogs, hostel, etc), pull off the whole adult audiences desire for gruesome/violent. I'm not sure doing the same to children that graphically would be acceptable. I don't want to create something paedophilic after all.
And, Yes, Dr. Mc. I'm hoping to post it here (once I've finished polishing, editing adding etc).
Once again, cheers all for your responses.
Box? what box? No-one told me I was supposed to think inside a box!