14Shari at 2014-01-28 14:25:40:

Only 1 family movie script sold? Wow, and here I'm writing a family movie. Well, let's hope for the better because I'm not giving up on my story and also not on the next one, also a family story.

Scott at 2014-01-28 14:47:47:

Remember a couple of things, Shari. First, these genre designations can be squishy. There may be some movies classified as Action Adventure or Fantasy, even Science Fiction that are at least in part targeting family crowd. Second, these numbers are only spec script, not pitches and other types of acquisitions, so you can be sure there were other family projects that got sold. Third, studios ALWAYS are looking to maximize breadth of audience, so they will ALWAYS be looking for family projects as best bet to nail 'four quadrant' demos. Fourth, even looking at these tabulations for 6 years, you can see that these things ebb and flow, so no knowing whether family might have a spike in spec sales this year. Finally, as long as it's a strong story concept, you have to write what you're passionate about. That is the single best way you can infuse your pages with vitality and life. So stay the course! We need more great family movies!

Ange Neale at 2014-02-03 00:34:11:

Yay drama! Fills my heart with joy, too, Scott. Character and story-driven movies made for GROWN UPS with IQs over 100!!! You'd think H'wood was filled with slow learners. We had a little Black Board discussion recently about the demographic that turned out in droves for 'Philomena', and made it hugely profitable: predominantly women who grew up going to the movies every Saturday night and probably had their first kiss in the cinema. Maybe there's hope for mine yet, with its strong female protags and a story that expects the audience will have at least one functioning brain hemisphere. Thanks for this post, Scott!