Alright, listen up. The film industry's on the brink of a major shake-up, and if you're a screenwriter—aspiring or otherwise—you'd better pay attention. The next two years are going to separate the dinosaurs from those willing to evolve. So, let's cut the fluff and get straight to my predictions for the next few years and what you need to know.

Before we get too far though -

Indie Films Are Going to Make a Comeback

(I'm kidding, please don't do this)

First off, brace yourself for an indie film explosion. People are over the cookie-cutter crap big studios keep churning out. They're craving originality, something that doesn't feel like it was assembled in a corporate boardroom. With AI making production cheaper and more accessible, indie filmmakers are about to have their moment - if they’re willing to embrace new technologies.

Over and over again the major studios manage to take an idea and beat it to death until the general public can’t take it anymore. It’s a pattern at this point. And every time that happens, artists eventually go, “Fuck this, I’m doing it myself.” And some ah-mazing stuff comes out of it.

Never forget, team: a crisis is an opportunity.

What You Should Do: Ditch the formulaic, middle-of-the road scripts. Now's the time to write that edgy, out-of-the-box story you've been sitting on. Indie directors are hunting for fresh narratives, and your unique voice could be exactly what they're after. Networking with indie producers will be a must in order to get your work into the right hands.

YouTube Is the New Frontier

Sure, TikTok and Instagram are fun, but let's get real, they don’t monetize well based on views alone & content doesn’t have a long shelf life. YouTube is where the real opportunities lie. Unlike streaming giants that underpay and undervalue creators, YouTube offers solid monetization and actually treats its talent with a bit of respect. Keep in mind that success on YouTube definitely relies on low production costs.

Your Move: Start thinking about scripts that fit the YouTube mold. Web series, short films, episodic content—there's a massive audience waiting. Plus, it's a great way to build a following without selling your soul.

Streaming Services Are Playing Games

Streaming platforms are yanking shows left and right to push people toward video-on-demand purchases. It's a sneaky move that's changing how viewers access content and how you should be thinking about distribution. It’s also helping David Zaslov pay off his 50 Billion dollar debt from acquiring Warner Media (side note: where the fuck is the FCC???).

The fact of the matter is, streaming as it exists today isn’t nearly as profitable as studios hoped. I’m thinking eventually there will be one victor and we’ll all basically have cable again. And commercials.

Heads Up: Get savvy about the business side. Understand where your work might end up and how these shifts could affect your royalties and exposure. Knowledge is power, so use it to protect your interests.

Genres on the Rise: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Animation

High-concept sci-fi, animation, and "romantasy" (yes, romantic fantasy—ACOTAR fans, where you at!?) are about to blow up. And it's not just because people want to escape reality—though that's part of it. With special effects costs plummeting, bringing epic worlds and fantastical creatures to life isn't just for the big studios anymore.

A special note on Sci-fi in particular: Sci-fi isn't merely about cool gadgets and space travel. It's a window into many possible futures and a way to wrestle with where technology and society might be headed. People have a ton of fears and questions about what's around the corner. So they're turning to these genres not just for entertainment but for insight—or at least a heads-up—even if it's wrapped in a fictional package.

Action Plan: Got a mind-bending idea involving alternate universes, mythical beasts, or cutting-edge tech? Now's your moment. Dive headfirst into these genres. With the tech barriers lowering, you can create worlds that are both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Give the people what they need—a way to explore the future, confront their anxieties, and maybe, just maybe, find some answers.

The Human Edge: Why Sports Stories Matter

Let's talk about a genre that's gearing up to dominate: sports. Yep, you heard me. Sports are about to get even bigger—the Olympics are set to become a global focal point like never before. Women's sports are on the rise, and the audience's appetite for athletic excellence is only growing.

Why? Because sports are one arena where machines can't take over. No AI is going to run a 100-meter dash or score a game-winning goal. In an age where technology is creeping into every corner of our lives, the raw human performance in sports stands out even more.

Plus, advancements in medicine and health are pushing the boundaries of what the human body can achieve. We're going to see athletes accomplishing feats that were previously thought impossible, and that's a storytelling goldmine.

And let's face it—sports are already big business. ESPN is one of the main reasons Disney+ is even profitable. The demand is there, and it's booming.

Game Plan: If you're not considering sports narratives, you're missing out. Whether it's a biopic about an underdog athlete, a drama set against the backdrop of the Olympics, or a series highlighting the rise of women's sports, the opportunities are endless. Tap into themes of perseverance, human potential, and triumph over adversity. Audiences can't get enough of that.

Special Effects Are Cheap; Your Story Can't Be

With special effects becoming more affordable, stunning visuals are no longer a selling point—they're a baseline expectation. Anyone can throw together eye candy now.

The Real Deal: Focus on nailing the story. Compelling characters, sharp dialogue, and plots that keep people hooked are what will make your script stand out. Don't rely on flashy visuals to do the heavy lifting.

AI Isn't the Enemy—Ignorance Is

Let's address the robot in the room: AI is here to stay, and it's not going to steal your job as a screenwriter — unless you let it. Think of AI as a souped-up Clippy or like an employee who just got their PhD - incredibly intelligent, but minimal real-world experience.

I spoke with a high-level graphic designer friend of mine, and she loves AI. She pointed out that the only way AI is going to take your job is if your client can communicate exactly what they want. So, speaking from experience, I think we're pretty safe.

Use AI to boost the one thing no one else can replicate—yourself. If you type "Write a screenplay" into Google or even ChatGPT, you're not going to get anything unique or innovative. It won't include your unique perspective without some serious tweaking.

Our individual perspectives are what drive storytelling. AI can help us get through the writing process and tell our own stories more effectively. It's a tool, not a replacement. So use it to sharpen your work, overcome writer's block, or brainstorm new ideas. But remember, the heart of the story—that's all you.

Reality Check: If you're ignoring AI, you're setting yourself up to be outpaced by those who aren't. We've learned from experience that those who ignore emerging technologies get left behind. How many people at Disney are animating by hand anymore?

Bottom Line

The industry's evolving, and you've got a choice: adapt or become obsolete. This isn't a polite suggestion; it's a wake-up call.

Next Steps:

Be Bold: Write the stories only you can tell. Originality is your ticket in.
Think Beyond Hollywood: Explore platforms like YouTube where your work can thrive.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: Keep up with industry trends, especially in distribution.
Embrace Emerging Genres: Don't shy away from sci-fi, fantasy, animation, or sports if they interest you.
Sharpen Your Craft: Great storytelling trumps all—even the fanciest special effects.
Get Friendly with AI: Use it as a tool to enhance your work, not as something to fear.

So, are you going to step up or get left behind? The clock's ticking, and the future waits for no one.

Wake Up, Screenwriters: The Film Industry's About to Flip