To genre or not to genre? Typecasting the screenwriter

Ayodeji, J ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4745-7086, 2017. To genre or not to genre? Typecasting the screenwriter. In: Valente, AC and Capucho, R, eds., Avanca / Cinema 2017. Avanca: Edições Cine-Clube de Avanca, pp. 250-255.

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Abstract

Typecast verb:
1. assign (an actor or actress) repeatedly to the same type of role, as a result of the appropriateness of their appearance or previous success in such roles. "he tends to be typecast as the caring, intelligent male".
2. represent or regard (a person or their role) as fitting a particular stereotype.
Typecasting in the film world is an expression typically applied to the actor. This paper will discuss how typecasting for the screenwriter should be seen as a positive shorthand enthusiasm for the work from that screenwriter that has resonated. The psychology of the narrative surrounding typecasting is ordinarily one as something that should be resisted “if you don’t want to be typecast, then you need to fight it every step of the way and never give up.” (Cooper, B. 2013) Whereas it should really be seen as an advantage, as something that gets the screenwriter the job. “It’s a type of “typecasting” that is actually great” (Miyamoto, K. 2011). Genre is a shorthand method of communicating with your audience and to be typecast as an ‘action’ writer, or ‘comedy’ writer is what has led to the incorporation of the script doctor ‘polish’ typically associated, often negatively, with Hollywood big budget productions. The script doctor is no recent phenomenon. By investigating selected screenwriters and through analysis of their thematic concerns, psychological interests and career performance trajectory, this paper will argue for a positive reframing of typecasting for the screenwriter. “and don’t worry about being typecast until you’ve gotten a movie made” Writer, (Go, Big Fish, Charlie’s Angels) John August. (2007).

Item Type: Chapter in book
Creators: Ayodeji, J.
Publisher: Edições Cine-Clube de Avanca
Place of Publication: Avanca
Date: 2017
Divisions: Schools > School of Art and Design
Record created by: Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added: 14 Dec 2017 15:20
Last Modified: 07 Jul 2020 08:08
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/32197

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