Hi all! I'm a screenwriter trying to figure out the next steps to take with one of my projects. So my question is, producers, how would you feel about taking on a project about a controversial issue if said issue is handled objectively? Thanks!
Producing : Controversial topics by Renee N. Meland
Other topics in Producing:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
5 people like this
Stories are about people, not issues, about human experience, not political philosophies, so it depends what the project is. So if the story is focused on the struggle of a real person, their fears, their faults, their failings, their triumphs, and the controversial issue is a backdrop or part of their struggle, then there's good reason to do the story. If on the other hand the project's central reason for being is to take a position on some social or political issue, that has little to do with connecting audience to character; it is therefore a documentary work or polemic or propagandistic work, depending upon the position. If the former idea - most any director or producer will be interested in a good story which connects with people, especially if it involves some interesting backdrop/issue. If the latter, you will have to locate someone who thinks the same way as you on the issue you are trying to tackle.
That's a really good point. I think I did a good job with keeping it about the characters and how they handle the situation that they are thrown into. I didn't want to do a political piece by any means. I more enjoy addressing "what if" situations. Thank you very much for your perspective!
2 people like this
To echo Shadow's sentiments, storytelling is inherently subjective, through your character's point of view, through the director's point of view, and eventually through the audience's point of view. If you want it to remain objective, you should either be teaching a lesson or reporting the news. That's not to say you cannot explore both sides of an argument, or present it in a way that encourages empathy and understanding, of course. I think the answer to your basic question is still - yes, a producer will take on a controversial issue through a project provided that it aligns with their own mission (just like the mission statement of a company). Just be sure you are clear about your agenda and you are clear about theirs.
2 people like this
Thank you Karen "Kay" Ross ! Definitely something to keep in mind. I don't want it to become a political piece so I would have to definitely make sure whoever I collaborated with is on the same page. Thanks again!
1 person likes this
Renee, I'm no producer unfortunately but I can say this; In my 30 year history as an avid movie watcher I did not came by a film that was not controversial in some way...I didn't watch Driving Mrs. Daisy, through but some say that's controversial movie too.
Movies are what they are because every one of them probes the taboos and controversies of our society and that's why we love movies. Even Lumieres first shown film back in 1896 was controversial - showing women at work in factory.... WOMEN AT WORK???
So my point is, you pitch your idea as any other no matter how controversial it is. You just need to be concrete and bold...and of course have a great script ready.
Wouldn't bother me at all. Obviously the script needs to be worthy.