Start me up: Lean screenwriting for American entrepreneurial cinema

    Authors

    A. K. Gay

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Screenwriting

    Keywords

    lean screenwriting; lean startup; entrepreneurship; script development; minimum viable product; MVP; validated learning; SCREENPLAY; Film, Radio, Television; Literature

    Abstract

    This article proposes a new approach to script development modelled after lean software development practices and entrepreneurial startup principles. First, it argues that the Hollywood mode of production and its methods of project development, when applied to microbudget film-making, are inherently wasteful and fail in the face of extreme uncertainty and unpredictability. Second, it argues that entrepreneurial screenwriters and writer/film-makers can adopt lean thinking in order to eliminate waste from their creative labour and enhance learning at every stage of development and production, adding value for their audience. Finally, it argues that inexperienced writer/film-makers are particularly susceptible to the false security of the 'blueprint' metaphor, often clinging to an original plan even as it fails them. The flexibility inherent to lean thinking, on the other hand, not only reduces waste but also enhances creativity and collaboration, increasing a project's chances of success.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Screenwriting

    Volume

    5

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2014

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    259

    Last Page

    275

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000345284000008

    ISSN

    1759-7137

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