Screenwriting : How far are you willing to go to make a film? by Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal"

Do you mean "artistic integrity" as in things I wouldn't write? There are some things I won't write no matter the money or opportunity, such as rape.

I think of myself as one of the last of the real Indie filmmakers/writers. Fortunately I can afford to not give up my artistic (or any other) integrity for anybody or anything - at all. I feel for you if had to face such a dilemma but I'm confident that you are the better for the ordeal.

I am with Maurice Vaughan , I will need some definition on the term. I don’t mind making chances. But if the change will ultimately destroy the story I will defend it. If they own it, sure it is theirs to do whatever they like.

I had a director that wanted a police thriller rewritten to be something like “Saw”. I said “I am not the guy to do that rewrite”. They got a new director.

If it's your job (pays bills, feeds kids) yes, why not...otherwise, daydreaming is free...

Many great artists and writers have lived from hand to mouth, which did not prevent them from creating masterpieces. I still hate those moments though... when what is necessary does not overlap with what is moral.

Define "compromise your artistic integrity" please. Because that could mean any one of a million different things.

It simply depends. If you ask me - because of polorization - to not let the suicide-bomber who wants to kill the US President-elect be a Palestinian -- it would politically be wiser to let the terrorist be an Albanier. If that kills the core of my story, I would say hell, no!

I would do anything to produce a script that I strongly believe in.. I am facing it now with a 20 minutes short film.. I can't find a budget and whenever I try to leave it behind I can't because I strongly beleive in it and some people also started doing the same.. Therefore I will try to find a way to produce it, so people would hear it and people would see it inshaa Allah

Phillip, Depends on. If I have the rope around my neck, yes. I need to pay my bills, because no one will do it for me...:)

Thanks, Dan MaxXx for HARDY!!!!

I agree. Tony!!!

That is such a tough question... I think it all depends on what the 'ask' is and how personally attached I am to the project. What choice did you make?

For me, artistic integrity is don't fuck with my work when I didn't authorize it. If I'm not happy with the results, I don't want to move forward on a film project. I'm not living paycheck to paycheck, so (for the time being) I can afford that luxury. That said, if I was on a multi-million dollar film project, my integrity may be more flexible as long as someone doesn't ask me to bag on religion or subscribe to some woke bullshit I disagree with. There are also moral boundaries I won't cross, such as torture porn. I hope that clarifies my post.

Thanks for explaining, Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal".

"For me, artistic integrity is don't f with my work when I didn't authorize it." If I'm working with a writer or director as a partnership, I'm with you on that. If I'm writing for someone as a job, I have no problem with them changing things without my say.

I'm with you on this: "...if I was on a multi-million dollar film project, my integrity may be more flexible as long as someone doesn't ask me to bag on religion or subscribe to some woke bs I disagree with. There are also moral boundaries I won't cross, such as torture porn. I hope that clarifies my post."

I wouldn't be willing to compromise my integrity as a writer... But I'm always willing to take notes and improve my craft as a writer at a producers behest. Sometimes one artists compromise is another's improvement

If you're a writer and got the financing, then you call the shots. If you sell your script, move to your next one. No control so you don't have to worry about artistic integrity.

Maurice: Thanks. I know enough about you and listening to you talk that you wouldn't write anything that would scar the viewer's eyes. As far as work-for-hire, I'm much more flexible. I did one in May/June based on treatment and endeavored to bring the director and producer's vision to life. The only thing I had to do for that one is trim it from 133 pages to 103 pages. I told the filmmakers upfront that their treatment was too long and detailed, but I would script the whole thing and let them decide what to cut. However, I was given much discretion during editing as well. Easy people to work with.

Unc,

But as far as someone else making changes to a script I’d written.. yeah I’d be ok with that if I was getting professional wages. I wouldn’t love it. But I could deal.

I’ve been writing the “don’t-eff-with-this” stuff as novels basically for that reason.

You're welcome, Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal". "I know enough about you and listening to you talk that you wouldn't write anything that would scar the viewer's eyes." I appreciate it.

Projects are so much easier when people are easy to work with. :)

Life is a Risky Sport..We really do not know what we getting into or bump into, but learning from the best of the best is always great such as having a great screenplay vs. than good. I continue to explore and willing to learn from Trustworthy people. Screenwriting Journey is also something new to me, challenging but fun. I really enjoy thinking deeply, that is why I am constantly willing to get out of my comfort zone , dive in and swim in an open sea until I reach the horizon. When I write something I write with my whole heart and soul. I sure want to keep my words and am expert's or Trustworthy feedback so you know what adjustments are needed for as long the message remain the same.

Very inspiring comment, Leonor!

Indeed, "as long as the message remains the same."

Thank you. Mauricr and Rutger! I am inspired and on Fire! Im glad to be here.

Philipp to answer you question again , I have actually started the Preliminary process of making my own written screenplay. I started with a blank sheet of paper last month, ito refresh my memory i rrsearched online for the best of thest sharings to learn some great tips, I sharedbmy idea to my professional creative partner who says Just do it prepare for it..So and I wrote all tbe bullet points of what I actually dreamed about, snd need to do for the process I Downloaded a FREE Screenwriting app and started it. Because of my excitement, I posted without rralizing my big mistake that a Good Samaritan noticed that my format is wrong... That was the starting pointt of me being more UNSTOPPABLE with my new screenwriting inspiring journey. He actually gave me hope. Now the first part of my Synopsis of my first screenplay has been sent to U.K. The Narrator that I normally hire as needed. My script has been reviwed yesterfay, by Creative partner and sn author before I sent it to A Screenplay consutlant yesterday. I may not have all the Much DOUGHS but I certainly do not want anything to be done for FREE because I value every artist's time. Nothing else more I want to say but I am grateful to be here. everyday.! And grateful to be guided by my creative partner since 2021.

You're welcome, Leonor.

Leonor:

Thanks for sharing with us.

Dan:

This isn't work-for-hire project. This is an optioned screenplay where someone wants to change the most critical scene in the story. Since I did not option away my editorial rights, I told the parties I'm willing too compromise to a certain degree, but beyond that, I'm willing to walk away. And this is the time to do it before any contracts are signed. Personally, I'd rather walk away and not make a film I won't be happy with. I respect your position, but for me it's the opposite. My artistic integrity comes first and business aspects come second.. And, I'm willing toaccept the consequences of my position.

Dan: I'm going to disagree. This option is a right-to-shop only, and they have no contract that will allow them to continue without me on board. The option states that the producer and I have the right to negotiate our separate deals. My wife is a California attorney that says they can't move forward. So I think I'll be alright.

You're welcome Philipp!

Uncle Phil - I'm a little confused. It's not a work-for-hire project, it's an optioned screenplay. Has any money changed hands here?