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 THING?

Recently, Vietnamese films released in theaters have seen a surge in box office revenue, but their quality remains inconsistent, and television dramas also suffer from fluctuating quality. This is due to several factors, but most opinions point to poor scripts.

Screenwriter and film producer Nguyen Cao Tung

When a reporter from Thanh Nien newspaper asked a screenwriter (who wished to remain anonymous) whether the script is the most important part of a film project, the screenwriter angrily shared: "People often say that, but if the script is considered important, why are screenwriters' salaries so low? In some films, I'm the lowest-paid person on the crew, even lower than new workers in other departments, despite being a veteran screenwriter. Doesn't anyone see this absurdity? They see it all but ignore it. So, as long as screenwriters' salaries aren't high, don't ever say the script is important."

This screenwriter also argued that in Vietnam, the screenwriter's position in a project is very low, so they don't have the power to decide on content issues, and the common saying "the script is the most important thing" is mainly just to… assign blame.

"I've encountered directors who declared, 'Just add a few bullet points for me and it's done,' or 'just jot down a few words for me'... With such a disrespectful attitude towards written words, how can they say 'the script is the most important part'?", this person said indignantly.

Screenwriter Vu Liem (Deputy Director of the People's Police Film Studio) believes that the script is the first step in the film production process. However, many producers currently focus on elements that attract audiences, such as famous actors, visual effects, or promotion, while neglecting to invest time and resources in scriptwriting. Furthermore, developing a quality script requires in-depth research, creativity, and multiple revisions, but this process is often shortened to meet production schedules or save costs. "If you are determined to treat the script as the 'rule of law' on set, as a solid foundation to limit revisions and not compromise if you feel the film doesn't go according to your original vision (withdrawing your name from the project or refusing to comply), then I think screenwriters will gradually gain a stronger position. However, a film is a collective creative product, and if screenwriters want to be the leaders, they must convince everyone to follow their ideas. In developed film industries, screenwriters are often also producers. In Vietnam today, I see this role merging in some film projects. This is a good sign," Mr. Vu Liem commented.

"Stinky" Compensation

According to Decree 21/2015/ND-CP on royalties and remuneration for cinematic works, fine arts, 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: PROVIDED BY THE SUBJECT

According to several screenwriters, currently, a screenwriter is only paid between 5 and 10 million VND for a 45-minute television episode. "Many screenwriters have to work on 3-4 projects simultaneously just to make ends meet, leading to a decline in quality. Without proper investment and inadequate compensation, it's difficult to expect dedication. Scriptwriting is a mentally demanding and time-consuming job; it can't be done on a production line like an industrial assembly. Not to mention, each television episode can take 4-7 days to write and edit. Considering the effort involved, this is a very low pay rate. Only those who are truly passionate and willing to make sacrifices can pursue this long-term," shared screenwriter and film producer Nguyen Cao Tung.

According to screenwriter Pham Dinh Hai, in order to pay a screenwriter fairly, the producer must have a thorough understanding of the screenwriting process and calculate based on the screenwriter's working time, then multiply it by the screenwriter's current income, plus a percentage for opportunity costs, costs for rest and recuperation, etc.

Screenwriter Vu Liem

"My screenwriting class had 20 students, many of whom were very talented because they were selected from 400 applicants with the requirement of having a university degree. But for various reasons, mostly because of the 'meager' income, in the end only I became a screenwriter, while the other 19 went on to become producers, directors, lecturers, journalists, book editors... They are the talented individuals that the screenwriting industry failed to retain," screenwriter Pham Dinh Hai recounted.

According to Mr. Nguyen Cao Tung, screenwriters need adequate compensation to feel secure in their profession, space for experimentation and critical feedback, and incubators and workshops for networking, learning, and researching script ideas. Screenwriters must also proactively collaborate with directors from the outset to ensure their work aligns with the director's and producer's vision. A supportive ecosystem for screenwriters should be built: training, project development, copyright protection, and securing stable outlets for screenwriters. (to be continued)

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