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This was very helpful for me. I like to write films I enjoy watching but now I have to considered the environment we're in. Most of the things I write is like Christopher Nolan's Sci-Fi flicks more than 10 years ago. I didn't realized I was kind of stuck in the past until I watched this video. I will definitely keep this in mind.

The truth is, something isn't "Actionable" except in hindsight! There've been tons of screenplays down through the years which seemed super "Actionable" , which generated BIDDING WARS they were viewed as so "Actionable" and sold for high 6 figures and even that coveted $1M and guess what? They were Never made. I remember reading "The Ticking Man" which in 2003 made the front page of Variety. I read it and it was a great Action script with a comedic edge and was viewed at that time as being a slam dunk for any number of male stars. One was was deemed as perfect for the main character was Bruce Willis. Who subsequently read it and passed on it for whatever reason. Then, once Willis passed on it the next couple of widely circulated male stars reportedly didn't want to be known as accepting sloppy seconds, taking a role that Willis passed on, and so they passed on the script also. It quickly because a not-so-secret issue of one ups-manship. There was another male star mentioned who said "Sure, I'll do it" BUT, only AFTER the script was re-written. And it was re-written but who would rewrite a script unless there were problems with it? And so on and so forth. Point being: nobody can ever say ahead of time what script is supposedly "Actionable" or not. If an agent or manager passes on a script, because it's not "Actionable" that may be more of a reflection that the agent or manager simply isn't high up enough in the food chain to be able to send it to a strong producer. They may not have the connections and network they claim. So I would be wary on this one. Nobody was making Westerns anymore until John Fusco wrote "Young Guns" in the late 80s. It was picked up, was indeed produced and even spawned a sequel. NOBODY who was making Sports movies at all the last several years. But then Justin Kuritzkes wrote "CHALLENGERS" and got it to Amy Pascal and then Zendaya read it and wanted to play the lead and Voila! Suddenly someone wanted to make a Sports movie. In fact, the very OPPOSITE of the advice given here has often been proven to be true; Often a producer will WANT to make a movie simply because no one has made anything in the "X" genre (Sports, Westerns, whatever) in the last several years. Producers and Studios make ALL KINDS OF MOVIES every year. And just because Dramas aren't currently "Actionable", doesn't mean that if someone comes around and writes the next "In The Bedroom" or "Ordinary People" that there aren't millions of movie goers who wouldn't make a Drama a hit. Write something good and it will get noticed, should be your first and primary concern! NOT what some Joe Blow decrees is "actionable" or not. That's utter nonsense!

Thank you

Trying to write more grounded sci-fi. My imagination is too big. Thanks for all the gems, Lee.

and yet, some of the most interesting projects might typically be viewed as non-actionable at first until someone finds a home for it - and then begins the trend of that previously non-actionable project being the new sought after.

This video was so needed! I got back the feedback from the Blacklist, and while there are some elements of my script that need work in the last part this was said Conceptually, CONNECTION is familiar but approachable, having the tone and conceits of a weekend film that many audiences will come out to and enjoy. It’s more of a mainstream horror movie, one that’s produced by Blumhouse or Atomic Monster, rife with violence and jump scares, and with a simple narrative.” I thought of you, and wondered if this is what you meant by actionable.

Thanks Lee. That was definitely a question I had.

Thanks a ton for this! Would be great if you're able to keep us informed on this stuff when you can!

Thanks for your videos and insight! Do you feel Coverfly is like an industry standard? I hired a script doctor a couple of months ago. She recommended it but I’ve also read some Reddit posts saying there were online communities that you could network with for free as to getting feedback. Basically the competitions and networking were the main reason why she suggested it. I was curious about your thoughts on that for someone breaking in.

Thank you Lee for all this insight and encouragements. Hopefully the people affected by those horrible fires will get all the help they need. One thing's for sure, the movie industry is like Rock & Roll... it's here to stay! ;) And you, stay safe.

As always, excellent info! I've been binge watching your videos and find them so informative and encouraging. Thank you for all that you do! Sincerely, Christoph Wetty

Thank you sooo much. I'm so glad I ran across your page and I will be watching your video's from hear on out. I'm new to LA, I moved here last August 2024, aspirations to be a writer. I'm currently building my portfolio, I have two finished pilots, a personal story and a cop detective series adapted from the 1993 show, "Missing Persons" which aired until 1995. I lived here back in Sept 2022 until Feb 2023, because I had an opportunity to work as an office PA on FX's Snowfall, and then I went back to my home town when the series ended. I grew very discouraged from the fire's, because the industry went through the writers strike. I wanted to go back to Texas and was like, oh I'll go back temporary and I'll keep writing. But I found that that certainly wasn't a wise choice with the all the hard work I put into coming here, effort, courage, leaving behind loved ones hurt, but I can't turn back, I must keep going forward. I'm a believer in Christ, did a lot of praying and I believe he sent me here to prosper and grow. Thank you for your incredible feedback and information and that the business will bounce back and they are problem solving professionals.

Thanks Lee. Watching from Oz, and I appreciate your industry updates and helpful advice.

Thank you for always providing us with great info! I always look forward to your videos!

THANKS, Lee! ✍

Thanks for the update, Lee.

As always, I thank you for keeping us on your shoulders as you interact with other industry pros. Yes, btw, hair and eyeglasses are awesome.

Thanks for the update, Lee. Side note: You look amazing. 😊

Thank you, Lee. Very helpful!

Thanks for the update! These updates are like the little prizes found in Cracker Jack boxes. YAY!

'Thanks' for the update Lee... glad you're as OK as you can be with the fires. Nice to know the wrong-thinking world my mind inhabits is actionable... hope that doesn't mean we're in another pandemic. Brian Couch

Thanks for the update Lee. Is there much interest in horror/comedy?

Love the glasses.

I would love to have a coach on my writings.

Lee, due to the recent events in LA, when would be an ok time to reach out to you for acquiring your services?

That's a really inspiring anecdote about the pilot writer. Great vlog, thanks Lee!

True artist. Love Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Wild at Heart, Eraserhead. Twin Peaks 1st season. Happy Travels David Lynch

I’m guilty myself of not reading the room; being in another country is no excuse. Thank you for the gentle reminder.

Truly authentic people are rare, and Lynch was definitely one of them. Rest in peace, David.

Mulholland Drive. Another masterpiece. Twin Peaks was the flavor of the 90s for me.

Boy, what sad news. I have fantasized meeting David Lynch and held that hope as a bucket list for myself. What an honor Lee, for you to be so close to the essence of his creativity and his passion for the cinematic arts. There’s truly no one like him.

Thank you for sharing your insight, Lee. It is a great loss and I'm glad you are able to work for his writing program at AFI.

Passion and perseverance is the two biggest skills I value. Double that with imagination and you have something that's perhaps worthy of a read...

Great advice! Sometimes, I feel like the advice is to write whatever you write, but when you look at it from a marketing standpoint, you might be a hard one to sell to someone. I will continue to nuche down in that screenwriting space.

Great video, Thank you, Lee!

So helpful, thanks!

So true! Resilience is a characteristic that isn't just crucial in writers but entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, parents. I do believe though that writers have a skill that is capable of helping everyone else develop resilience.

Lee, First let say how sorry I am for everyone in our industry affected by the fires and the destruction they caused. The outpouring of help from the community is unbelievable and my prayers go out to everyone in Southern California. That said, I'm not as optimistic as you are about the future of the industry in LA. True, the industry's physical infrastructure has escaped significant damage, but the human infrastructure has been severely damaged, The burns zones are now toxic waste sites and it's going to take significant time to clear the damage to even begin to think about rebuilding, which will take years with certainly inflated building materials. In the meantime, there will be an acute housing shortage that will drive already outrageous housing prices even higher and insurance, if available, will be affordable only for A-listers and C-suite execs. I predict with the loss of housing stock, a substantial number of people won't be able to find a place to live and will join the exodus from California that's already underway. True, the industry bounced back from Covid and the strikes, but those were national challenges. Below the line workers, working multiple jobs to keep the roof over their head couldn't move to Texas or Georgia because those states were similarly affected. Now, those workers can get jobs in other states where the cost of living is a fraction of what it is in LA. And unless there is an environmental miracle, the wildfire situation in California is going to continue to get worse so why would backbone workers in the industry want to continue to face that risk when there are increasing options for work across the country? And why would execs want to spend the production costs that will certainly rise after this tragedy? Just doesn't make good business sense when they have more options every day. Last night I went to a grand opening of a new studio in Dallas that had four huge soundstages. There are more options everyday it seems. I'm not saying Hollywood will disappear, but just like other industries, automobile manufacturing for instance, production is going to continue to diversify and will move away from LA like car production did from Detroit.

Stay safe and my prayers with all of you peers in LA! AJ

Thanks for sharing your insight

Thanks, Lee.

very happy to hear your insight and positive outlook on the future 👍

Thanks for the upbeat update, Lee. Appreciate it. I lived in LA for 13 years (Playa Del Rey after LMU), so I've been watching the news closely. Wishing the best for all of you out there.

Well said, Lee. Thank you for being a beacon!

Super helpful, thanks so much!

Thank you for this, Lee. Your generosity with your time and wisdom is always appreciated, especially during these challenging times. My goodness, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for! Please stay safe and well.

I pray for LA! Stay safe!

Stay safe out there and if you ever need a place to stay in Maine, hit me up.

Thanks, Lee. Hope you're out of harm's way.

This makes perfect sense. Thank you for posting this, Lee. Stay strong.