28 Jan 052: New Asian Screenwriting Secrets
Caroline Dillingham, CEO of Wavelets Entertainment discusses ways screenwriters can write for the Asian market and how to correctly write an Asian protagonist.
1. SECRET TO FINDING PRODUCERS INTERESTED IN ASIAN-THEMED CONTENT
Caroline’s answer is simple: Screenwriters, put your shoes on and get out of the house. You just do it. Go to events. Also, go to events unrelated so it’s under-saturated. Talk to people about your goals. Enthusiasm is contagious.
There are many events that you can consider attending.
NETWORKING EVENTS FOR SCREENWRITERS
– Producers Guild of America – events. Screenwriters take note – some events are open to non-members.
CAPE: Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment).
Asia Society
LACFF LA Chinese Film Festival
You can also check out social apps like Everbrite and Meetup.com
2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLLYWOOD AND ASIAN HEROES
An American protagonist usually takes an independent path. He or she has to go rogue to get the prize. Screenwriters take note. In Asian storytelling, the protagonist works with other people. They make a sacrifice to become a hero.
3. BROADEN YOUR HORIZON
Screenwriters, as you’ve heard and read many times – it seems China has pulled up the welcome mat for Hollywood writers and filmmakers. Additionally, China is also unpredictable and has a zero Covid policy which shuts down entire cities. Moreover, it can also pull shows off the air at any time. Thus, now is the time to expand your horizons and look at the whole Asian market – especially hot markets like South Korea, The Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
4. SCREENWRITERS – GET AUTHENTIC FEEDBACK
Caroline commented on Americans who try to write for Asian culture. Some US screenwriters are not aware of the rooted differences between western and Asian cultures. If you want to write for the Asian market – talk to folks with first-hand knowledge.
Better yet, in my opinion, get a writing partner. Americans can look for Asian writing partners (or any nationality) and vice versa on The Asia List. Writer members can request a writing partner for free. Just go to https://chnlist.com and click the “Find a Writing Partner” tab.
Which protagonist do you think will attract a bigger audience? The lone wolf, rogue hero? Or the sacrificing hero who works with others? Leave a note in the comments.
Asia-Hollywood Greenlight Podcast – Episode 52
Caroline Dillingham, CEO of Wavelets Entertainment
Show Notes
HOST: Caryn McCann
Website: The Asia List – where Hollywood and Asia meet https://chnlist.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHGreenLight
Twitter: @AHGreenLight https://twitter.com/AHGreenLight
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/
Book mentioned: Crazy Screenwriting Secrets by Weiko Lin
http://www.weikolin.com/book.html
GUEST: Caroline Dillingham, CEO of Wavelets Entertainment
Caroline is a longtime supporter of the New Village Girls Academy: To volunteer or learn more about their work – go to: https://newvillagegirlsacademy.org
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