In the Hollywood of the past, the screenwriter’s job mostly consisted of sitting at a typewriter, chain-smoking, and producing script after script for the studios. Mostly, they were guns-for-hire, churning out whatever assignment they were handed; auterism was reserved for writer-directors, many of whom remained fascinated with the same stories, characters, and aesthetics throughout their careers. The screenwriters, meanwhile, worked on anything and everything, rarely getting to develop a recognisable style (with the exception of powerhouses like Aaron Sorkin).
Nowadays, however, screenwriters face a changing landscape in which versatility seems to be key. Simply writing screenplays isn’t always enough. With independent cinema struggling, many fledgling screenwriters have used Kickstarter and other alternate funding methods, creating exciting pitches and figuring out how best to sell their ideas directly to audiences. Meanwhile, many successful writers succeed through adapting their skills, writing excellent stories whether through film, television, or less-explored territory like video games and interactive media.
Are screenwriters less respected than other writers? Is the screenplay less of an ‘artistic achievement’ than other mediums? Perhaps the nature of collaboration – the feeling that the screenplay is only one piece of a massive puzzle – makes some feel that the screenplay is less worthy than, for example, the novel. However, given that screenwriters need to adapt and be willing to work to any specification in any medium, it seems that screenwriters deserve just as much praise and merit as any other writer.
– Harry Ford
Harry Ford - Comedian 