When you are trying to sell a script, you will be more successful if you write what you know. When it comes to advising anyone who wants to write film and television scripts, the Internet and a host of real-world “professionals” have a lot to say. Some people will ask screenwriters to create scripts based on a recently successful idea, for example, the genre or the general concept behind a newly made movie. Others claim that the best way for writers to get noticed is to write scripts that are fast-paced, dramatic, and unlike any other ever created. Finally, others will provide completely useless writing styles for would-be Hollywood professionals – writing in front of a bonfire to enhance ideas, for example!
The truth is, screenwriters should write what they know. Ricky Gervais, creator of “The Office,” has consistently advocated for this position. For example, if you have never been to London, England and know nothing about horses, it would be unwise to write a script about a horse trainer in London. Personal knowledge and understanding of a topic will translate into a better script and improve the chances that someone will buy and produce your script.
To ease the concerns of fantasy writers reading this article, this does not mean that you can only write about fantasy in the real world. Instead, focus on the stories and events in the script that are family stories and events within this fantasy world. Sometimes you can metaphorically write what you know and apply something seemingly different to something familiar.