Reader Question: Is it better to specialize in one genre or write specs in several genres?

From one of my students and GITS reader Randall:

Scott, I am sure you have been asked this many times before (if you have a link on your GITS blog do tell) — do you think it is more strategic for a writer to specialize in one genre (for example my favorite to write is supernatural thriller/horror), or to create a package of say 3 specs with all three in different genres? For purposes of getting an agent, gaining a foothold through the entry door to the palace.

In theory, it may sound like a good idea to write a package of spec scripts representing different genres. Feels akin to the mutual fund approach — reduction of risk through a diversification of stock holdings.

However your goal with specs isn’t to reduce your risk, rather it’s to maximize your chances of getting representation and selling your script. Does writing 3 specs in 3 different genres help you to do that? Maybe. Maybe not.

There are several factors to consider.

First, while some writers may have the talent, background, interests, and personality to write multiple genres well, my guess is that most writers eventually focus on one or two genres. So upfront, you have to be honest with yourself: Do I have what it takes to write a story in this genre? That genre? 

Perhaps the best litmus test is comedy. While I believe it is possible to learn key insights into comedy writing, my experience is that someone is either innately really funny — or they aren’t. If you’re somewhat funny… or occasionally funny… that’s fine. But in order to write a kick-ass comedy screenplay, one that can compete against anything from Some Like It Hot to The Hangover, you have to be really funny. So while it may seem logical to round out a “package” of spec scripts with a comedy, unless you feel confident in your ability to be funny on the page, it’s probably not in your best interest to invest significant energy there.

[Note: You may look at the prospect of writing any story and not know with certainty that you have the ‘right stuff’ to do a great job. Never use that as an excuse not to write a script, as it’s always better to take a leap of faith, type FADE IN and see what happens. What I’m saying is specific to each genre, a gut check re your writing, creative, and aesthetic sensibilities and abilities].

Second, you should also consider the fact that if you write stories in multiple genres, you could suffer from the “Jack of all trades and master of none” syndrome. Conversely by focusing on one genre — in theory at least — you should get better and better at understanding and writing the nuances of that genre.

Third, no matter what approach you take, the Hollywood movie studios are going to typecast you anyhow. They put together writing lists and these lists are divided into genre categories: Action, Thriller, Comedy, and so on. So if they have a comedy OWA (Open Writing Assignment), they’re going to be most comfortable hiring a writer who has an established track record as a comedy writer and is on their comedy writers’ list.

However there are some decent reasons to consider writing specs in multiple genres. Certain genres may be hot at a given time, either because of a current box office hit or a studio / studios looking to beef up their development slate with this or that genre. Let’s say that genre is action. If all you have is comedy specs, maybe a rep doesn’t even choose to read you. But if you have an action script as well as a comedy, maybe they would be more inclined to consider you. 

Here’s a more important reason that has nothing to do with your marketability as a writer: By writing scripts in multiple genres, you get to test out which one feels like the best fit for you. You may think you’re a drama writer, but you have a great thriller story concept, and try that out. What if you suddenly discover you really like writing thrillers? You never would have learned that about yourself had you not tried your hand at it.

So if you want my bottom line advice, it would be this. I do recommend writing scripts in more than one genre in order for you to see which one resonates with you most. Once you get a clear sense of which genre that is, I would encourage you to focus your energy there. Immerse yourself in it. Watch as many movies and read as many scripts as you can in that genre. My hunch is that for most writers, learning to master writing in one genre is a clearer path to success than working in multiple genres.

What do you think? Do you focus on one genre? Or do you write stories in multiple genres?

Comment Archive