Set it in Appalachia. In 2019.
My first meeting as a young screenwriter:
I was sitting next to my manager, whom I didn’t even like, but was grateful for, across from some development people. They liked my indie script and asked what I was working on next.
Me: I was thinking about a serial killer that was working in Poland in the 60’s.
Exec: No. Poland doesn’t sell.
Me: What?
Exec: No one cares about Poland. Set it in Appalachia. (Exec stares at the wall, thinking.) In 2019.
Me: Futuristic? I wasn’t thinking about that.
Exec: Yeah, think about it. Post-Apocalyptic Appalachia.
My manager: She’s not writing a serial killer movie next. She’s writing a comedy.
Me (quietly to him): But I’m not a comedy writer.
My manager (patting my knee): Yes, yes, you are.
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