Title

Start me up: Lean screenwriting for American entrepreneurial cinema

Authors

Authors

A. K. Gay

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

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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