... and for my next trick ? (002)

Though you never would have guessed it by reading my morose introductory blog, my manager thinks that I should be writing a comedy for my next project. She likes my “comedic voice” (it sounds something like James Earl Jones) and thinks she has the best shot at selling a comedy for me. The young producer agrees and adds that it should be a romantic comedy due to the success of recent romantic comedies at the box office. Also, there is a junior executive at a major studio that has shown interest in a particular “romcom” idea that I informally pitched him over a brunch at Jerry’s Famous.

My decision sounds easy, but there are a couple problems. First of all, I have issues with this romantic comedy that I pitched over brunch at Jerry’s Famous. Primarily, I don’t think there is anything funny about it. You see, the characters don’t have goals and there is no plot. Secondly, I haven’t even sold a script and I’m already worried about being typecast as a comedy writer. I don’t want to only write comedies. Granted, I’m in a much better mood when I write comedy, but I want to experiment working in other genres. For instance, I have a rough treatment for a psychological thriller that I want to turn into a script.

Third of all (thirdly?), I’d really prefer to write, direct and star in a film about the political turmoil in Lebanon and how it ties into the history of the middle east, especially the late 1970’s and early 80’s -- with a focus on religion, sports, and what it means to “be Lebanese.” I do feel that it would be beneficially to go to Lebanon before writing that film. I will put that one on hold… for now.

So, I must decide what to do next and commit to whatever that project is. I’m wasting far too much time weighing my options. Romantic Comedy or Psychological Thriller? How about a PsychRomThrillCom?