The writer in movies is about as low as you can get and you really are a hired hand. You are paid a lot of money to be treated like dirt.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I really think that as good of a job as you do as a writer, you're absolutely indebted to the actors that have to deliver that material.
Work is good when people are responsible, and in low-budget movies a lot of the actors don't want to be there. They're there to build a resume.
Other writers, producers, and directors of low-budget films would often put down the film they were making, saying it was just something to make money with. I never felt that. If I took the assignment, I'd give it my best shot.
Developing films with directors, developing films with actors, is a poor percentage play for a screenwriter.
When you work on a movie, especially an independent movie, it's a lot of work to make it! It's not just our job as actors - so many people are working so hard, and even the littlest movie takes a lot of work.
There's more pressure as a writer. As an actor you usually just go, do your job, and go home.
Pretty much, the writer's in charge in theater. Of course you're in charge with the director, but no one can change your words. People can give you notes, but you don't have to take them. In Hollywood you take them and you cash your check and that's your job. It's very different.
I have come close to producing films. But generally by the time they hit the screen, there's about 50 people with producer credits, so what's the point. I usually find scripts I like with no money attached and take them to producers that I know and try to raise finance.
When I'm writing a movie, it's usually pretty close to what the movie is going to be, which is just a luxury of being a writer-director.
When you makes movies, you usually make good money. But it is also a very tough job. Once you enter the public's eye, you have to be aware that you give up a huge part of your own life. And it is never a job from nine to five.