The dark side of the screenwriting profession

Although Vietnamese cinema is on the rise with products attracting audiences in both cinema and television, according to filmmakers, it is not easy to find a good script despite the large team of screenwriters.

IS THE SCRIPT THE MOST IMPORTANT?

It can be seen that recently Vietnamese movies shown in theaters have created an explosive effect in terms of revenue, but the quality can be said to be "mixed" while TV series are always in a state of "unstable" quality. This is due to many factors, but most opinions agree that the script is poor.

Screenwriter - film producer Nguyen Cao Tung

When Thanh Nien reporter asked a screenwriter (who asked to remain anonymous) whether the script is the most important part of a film project, this person indignantly shared: "People often say that, but if the script is considered important, why is the screenwriter's salary low? There are films where I am the one who receives the lowest salary on the crew, lower than the new workers in other stages even though I am already a "veteran" screenwriter. Does no one see this absurdity? They see it all but ignore it. So as long as the salary paid to the screenwriter is not high, never say the script is important."

This screenwriter also believes that in Vietnam, the position of the screenwriter in a project is very low, so they cannot decide on content issues and the catchphrase "the script is the most important" is just to... assign responsibility.

"I've met directors who declare: "Just give me a few bullet points and that's it", or "Just write a few words for me"... With such a disrespectful attitude towards words, how can we say "the script is the most important step?", this person was upset.

Screenwriter Vu Liem (Deputy Director of People's Public Security Cinema) believes that the script is the first step in the process of producing a film. However, many producers today focus on factors that attract audiences such as famous actors, visual effects, or promotion, while neglecting the investment of time and resources in the script writing stage. Moreover, the process of developing a quality script requires in-depth research, creativity, and many revisions, but this is often shortened to meet production schedules or save costs. "If we are determined to consider the script as a "law" on the set, a solid foundation to limit editing and not compromise if we see that the film does not follow our original intention (withdraw from the project or refuse to follow), then gradually I think the screenwriter will have a position. However, the film is a collective creative product, individual screenwriters who want to be the leader must convince everyone to follow their ideas. In developed film industries, the screenwriter is often the producer. In Vietnam today, I see that this role is starting to be combined in some film projects. This is a good sign," said Mr. Vu Liem.

"CHEAP" REMUNERATION

According to Decree 21/2015/ND-CP on royalties for cinematographic works, fine arts works, etc. and other art forms, the remuneration for screenwriters accounts for 2.25 - 2.75% of the total production cost of a feature film.

Screenwriter Pham Dinh Hai is teaching a screenwriting class.

PHOTO: NVCC

According to some screenwriters, currently, for a 45-minute TV episode, screenwriters are only paid 5-10 million VND. "Many screenwriters have to write 3-4 projects at the same time to make a living, leading to a decrease in quality. Without proper investment and inadequate remuneration, it is difficult to demand dedication. Script writing is a job that requires brainpower and time, and cannot be done according to output like an industrial chain. Not to mention, each TV episode can take 4-7 days to write and edit. If calculated by effort, this is a very low level of payment. Only those who are truly passionate and willing to sacrifice will pursue it long-term," screenwriter and film producer Nguyen Cao Tung shared.

According to screenwriter Pham Dinh Hai, to pay a screenwriter a fair salary, the producer must fully understand the screenwriter's work and calculate based on the screenwriter's working time, then multiply it by the screenwriter's current income, plus a percentage for opportunity costs, rest costs, and labor regeneration costs...

Screenwriter Vu Liem

"The screenwriting class I studied in had 20 people, many of whom were talented because they were selected from 400 candidates with the entrance requirement of having attended university. But for various reasons, mostly because of the "cheap" income, in the end, only I became a screenwriter, while the other 19 people were producers, directors, lecturers, journalists, book editors... They were the talents that the screenwriting industry could not retain," said screenwriter Pham Dinh Hai.

According to Mr. Nguyen Cao Tung, there needs to be a suitable level of remuneration for screenwriters to feel secure in their profession, have a space for experimentation and criticism, have incubators and creative camps to exchange, learn, and research script ideas. Screenwriters must also proactively connect with directors from the beginning to write in line with the direction of the director and producer. Build an ecosystem to support screenwriters: training - connecting to develop projects, protecting copyrights, finding stable output for screenwriters. (continued)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/goc-khuat-nghe-bien-kich-phim-185250730225722226.htm