Screenwriting : The female protagonist by DAvid Rorie

Write the story that you have. Don’t change it to meet some notion, it will come off fake. Create a character from page one that doesn’t need saving. Sorry if it sounds like I am having a go.

But the story should dictate the characters. It is a intertwined relationship. The characters actions. build the story.

A person will impact their environment. Their sexuality and gender will influence how they behave.

In arts u get to do what ever you want except what's not allowed...kinky, yes?

I think nothing's wrong with "woman in peril" theme...yes been done to death, but there's always a curve ahead you can do that no one sees coming...

Like this new Netflix reality show based on "Squid Game"...like in a sea of zillion reality shows what can they do that ain't been done? They offer the biggest prize in TV history...

...And don't get me with the moral of this...we only live in the world we deserve ;)

Treat every choice you make as though someone is going to question you about it. If a manager or producer asked you why you chose a female lead for your script are you going to have a story driven/personal reason or will it just be "I thought it would be more marketable"?

If you like stories about the guy who saves the girl then write that story. It'll ring much more authentic.

As someone who's written female led spec scripts since 2012 and made three female led movies, I can assure you that what the industry likes to say and how the industry likes to behave are two very different things.

Yes, there's a lot of noise around material that's progressive but the markets, particularly on a global scale, are inherently conservative.

Most of the opinions online are from aspiring writers, talent, directors, journalists, influencers, etc but don't stem from those on the frontline, i.e sales agents and distributors. Compounding this issue is the discomfort those people have reporting on the reality as its not what many of the loudest and most critical voices out there want to hear.

Who is your target market? Only you know and since you are The story creator write story based on your vision and don't derail your creativity by focusing on other people's demands. The problem with the belief that you should be able to write about any character is you often end up with weak characters. You should spend time figuring out what kind of people you find interesting, look at the people around, take reference notes of characteristics, quirks, talk to them get their life stories. Then use elements from them to create interesting characters. Often times real life is stranger then fiction. If you can't decide on a male or female lead, then write two scripts of the same story, one with a female lead and one with a male lead, and adjust elements of the script for a male or female. I know you're going to say "that's too much work!" . However that's what a writing instructor I had heard ago would have me do if I was faced with such a dilemma.

When I was a script reader I come across, maybe four script that had compelling characters. Also, three readers had to sign off on a script for it to be considered.

Point taken. I really like Elizabeth Francois's advice on your question. Good luck

The biggest issue I have is “save the girl” you have straight away hinted that you think that is her only function. I was at a football match with my wife. I guy (he had too much to drink) spilled a beer on her. (side note: My wife was in law enforcement). He looked at me and apologised. I said “don’t say sorry to me, she is going to kick the living shit out of you”. He ran off.

The major difference I exploit between male and female characters is how that assist people. If I talk to a female friend about trouble in my life I get “how can I help”. If I talk to a male they say “what do you want me to do”. Men want to fix, woman want to empower. Just something I have noticed in my life.

The story should tell you who the main character is. Whose actions are causing the story to happen? Who is the active character? If the story is happen to your characters rather than because of your characters, that is a far bigger fish to fry.

Hi David,

A lot of good other responses, I just wanted to offer that "both" is an option as well--Mr. and Mrs. Smith, for example, or (arguably) Romancing the Stone., among others. If your story is about the couple as you said, then write both sides as strong, distinct characters with agency--they can both be the lead.

Think about who these characters really are, at their core. Does the female really need saving? Maybe the guy thinks so, but he's wrong. Sometimes I'll set up a situation in my mind and then just sit back and wait to see what the characters do. They quite often surprise me, doing something really unexpected but completely in line with who they are.

In my experience, the reason people are actively asking for a female lead isn't that the industry doesn't want to tell male-led stories. It's because the execs that want male-driven stories don't need to ask for scripts they already have. Scripts with male leads get sent in every day and they still get made more than those with women, trans, and non-binary leads, so they don't have to search as hard. Execs who want to feature lesser-seen protagonists have to dig to find scripts that feature them and are well written and marketable.

In terms of what you're "allowed" to do, you're allowed to do whatever you want or need to do to make it a story that shows your skill.

In Independant films female protagonists from a financial position are preferable.The bottom line is an A-list actress costs a lot less than an A-list actor.Rather than making either a male or female protagonist perhaps you might want to consider doing something similar to what was done in the original Star Wars.Where Luke comes to save the Princess and she takes over her own rescue.That dynamic is rarely seen in scripts so if you can pull it off it may make your script stand out.It also alows you to show a feminist ideal without being preachy about it which certain production companies may appreciate.Just a thought anyway.

After writing your outline you really knowing your story, you should know who your lead is before you start writing your screenplay.

On "Are we still allowed to make a script with a male lead?"

This is a question I feel reflects the 'overcompensating" we often see nowadays.Now a lot of movies have female leads. And it works! Many hit movies. But the answer to your question still is as it allways was: if your lead perfectly suits the story, is the logical chooice, for all I know, choose Papa Smurf to be your lead, if you did your job well he will be impossible to replace for any other smurf; get your daily dosis of Film Courage (knowing that even they don't have the Holy Grail) and check out Jill Chamberlain's "Fat Tootsie" -- video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aprQXvWRXU"

Then there is Craigs "The story should tell you who the main character is. Whose actions are causing the story to happen? Who is the active character? If the story is happen to your characters rather than because of your characters, that is a far bigger fish to fry.

For what it's worth, I fully agree, but then to make it all even more confusing:

What's most important? What came first? Story or character?

Answer. Non of the above, because in any story CHARACTER 'IS' STORY.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ697JJaCmo

Just a thought, but couldn't someone that shows interest in your script ask if it could be adjusted for a female lead? If that's what they want? Especially since these types of protagonists don't fit the usual female stereotypes.

I feel it is the STORY that is the "boss" that decides whether it is a male or female lead. The STORY is King! Or Queen, if you prefer.

Hey DAvid Rorie - great question. I know that a lot of buyers have over-bought on female-driven projects and now they are looking specifically for projects with male leads (across all genres). In fact, I know that Sarah Cornelius as said that she is looking for strong projects with male leads (particularly older male leads). She is hosting a pitch session very soon if you would like to run an idea by her for feedback: https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/pitch-sessions/Pitch-Sarah-J-Corne...

While a male lead saving a damsel in distress has been done thousands of times, it still can be fresh. If you approach it from a unique angle. My advice would be to do what feels right to you. What excites you more? Which protagonist would be easier to write? Of course you could also try dual protagonists and tell the story from both a male and female perspective. That might provide some comic relief as he tries to rescue her and she rolls her eyes at her "hero."

If you have a creative vision or an inspired idea, follow it. Following inspiration is never, ever a waste of time. Just remember to make sure all your characters get their due. Respect them as characters with value to bring to each scene their in and I really believe you'll be fine.

I like the idea of the dual protagonists. Fresh and different.

I love writing for female leads but stay away from cliches when creating characters. Great writing trumps everything and that transpires when a writer crafts compelling roles with a unique voice. I write characters first and never get hung up on the imaginary expectations of Hollywoodland; especially gender tropes.

CJ Walley has some great insight about the reality of the industry. This is not good or bad. It just is. Also, many people have some good advice as well. In the end, you are the writer. Make it as authentic as you can and see what the world says! Good luck.

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I really appreciate it! I finished the script in only 2 months! I got scripts notes back and the reader said "it was refreshing to see such strong 3 dimensional female characters in the thriller genre" !

I agree with Dan and the group. Don't be concerned with what sells. Write the story how you want to write it. What makes a story different is not the gender of the lead, but what your unique voice and story is. Stay true to YOU!

Congrats on finishing the script in two months, DAvid Rorie! Congrats on the great notes too!

DAvid Rorie Hi DAvid, I never ask for permission to write my characters. I just need to make them believable. I always start from the get-go with who the lead protagonist/antagonist is going to be. Anyway, that's me. Just be confident and write what's inside you.