Quoted from KevinLenihan I used to think that what a writer should do was show his versatility by writing in different genres. Plus I wanted to explore different kinds of stories, it was a lot more fun. So that's what I did. I have horror, fantasy, western, comedy, period, and kids stories under my belt. But I was wrong. From what I've seen in interviews with pros...and the logic of it is convincing...is that it's all about branding. If Director XYZ is looking for a writer for a horror project they will look at established horror writers. If Studio A is looking for someone to do a thriller project they'll look at established thriller writers. So having a genre helps you establish your brand. I'm not saying writers shouldn't try different things, but branding is important and something to weigh.

What I don't understand is why you can't be branded as a writer who can write any genre because you're good? Or be branded as a character development writer? I guess a lot of producers don't look for character development writers, though.  

I'm not saying these things from experience, Dan. But it seems to be the opinion of every pro writer I've seen. You have to think about from the perspective of the producer or director looking for whatever genre.

I'm not saying to do this, and to be honest, so far I have not either. But it does seem to be the smart strategy.

It makes sense, doesn't it? I want a writer who will do a big, dumb, action spectacle for an A-list director. The producer in me searches out either Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci, or I look to David Koepp. How about an Oscar bait period piece? John Logan or Peter Morgan. Political intrigue film? Billy Ray or Matthew Michael Carnahan. Know what I mean?

It makes sense, and maybe some day I'll follow what makes sense. Unfortunately by the time I knew this was a good strategy from seeing what the pros say, it was too late, I had done multiple genres. And I'm still kind of doing it because I have a bunch of different stories lined up that I want to do. Oh well.

I'm still so new that I don't know what genre I like or write the most. I watch all types of movies. I fall into the category of writing several different genres....maybe that's why I'm a jack of all trades...master of none *sigh*

Thriller, horror, comedy, drama, or TV Sitcoms, I'll give anything a go as it is how we learn.

Don't be scared of getting out of your comfort zone.

I like human interest stories that have a touch of comedy to them.  Something like "Silver Linings Playbook."   I think I was drawn to writing material like that after I saw the movie "Breaker Morant."  Brilliant piece of writing, and acting, and I was hooked.  It's taken me a long time since then to get to where I am, but I think I'm on the verge of something, which I can't talk about at the moment, but it's pretty exciting!

Gary

I've written scripts based on very loose ideas that pop into my head.  One fantasy feature script I wrote was based on a short I wrote for a OWC.  A dark comedy I wrote is based on a short I wrote just to show Janet how to use Final Draft.

A rom/com I'm struggling to write now is based on a single scene I wrote in a family comedy script that I wrote a year or two ago.

You don't always choose your story... and you certainly don't choose the genre.  Sometimes, iot chooses you.


Phil

I write what I know or what intrigues me or what I most enjoy watching on the screen or reading in a book. I don't chase the latest "hot trends" because I wouldn't be any good at it, and the story wouldn't ring true if I weren't completely dedicated to it. I have to write something that I'm familiar with and that I would actually be interested in if written by someone else.

Mind you, all of this is predicated on the amount of research involved. I like getting details right. So if I am highly interested in a topic and have what I feel is a kick-ass premise for that subject material, I'll read a few books on the subject if I'm not already comfortably immersed in it, and visit some blogs, even travel to an area to learn more about it--but within reason. Therefore, unless I get an academic who's an expert on 17th and 18th century navigation and overall living to help me out on that time period, my YA pirate story will never be written. And I'm okay with that.

For now I'll stick to crime/procedurals, horror, and comedy. Genres I really enjoy watching/reading and am pretty well versed at.