Inspiring Insights for Screenwriters from the PGA’s 2025 Produced By Conference

For screenwriters dedicated to our dynamic industry, the Producer Guild Association’s Produced By Conference provides a vital pulse check. I recently had the privilege of sitting in on the “The State of Producing” panel, featuring an incredible lineup of Carolyn Strauss (Game of Thrones, The Last of Us), David W. Zucker (The Good Wife, The Man in the High Castle), Justin Wilkes (What Happened, Miss Simone?, Lucy and Desi), Samantha Quan (Red Rocket, Anora), and Sarah Timberman (Justified, Unbelievable). It was a profoundly insightful hour, packed with both candid truths and genuinely inspiring takeaways for writers.

Written by ISA Staff Member and republished.

While the landscape is undoubtedly shifting, the good news for screenwriters isn’t just present – it’s actively emerging in exciting new forms. Let’s unpack what I learned and how it directly applies to your writing journey.

The Evolving Landscape: Tech Giants and a “False Economy”

One of the opening points was a stark reality: the immense influence of tech companies like Apple and Amazon. For these behemoths, content creation is often a mere “drop in the ocean,” a side venture that can, at times, distort the true economic picture of our industry. This “false economy” has, for instance, led to depressed TV budgets. It’s tough to hear, but understanding this fundamental shift helps us calibrate our expectations and strategies.

However, here’s a silver lining, especially for feature writers: the number of movies produced in 2024 has rebounded to 2016 levels, which the panelists considered to be a healthy volume of content. This suggests a renewed vigor in the feature film space, a promising sign for screenwriters working in this arena.Writers looking to submit their feature scripts can explore vetted screenplay competitions via the ISA’s Contests page.

Beyond Borders: From Local to Global, Packaging to Partnership

A significant takeaway is that our business is no longer solely U.S.-centric, nor is it primarily a “talent-facing” business in the traditional sense of massive packaging deals. The world has opened up, and so must our approach to storytelling.

The Rise of Global Storytelling: We’re seeing more movies with subtitles gaining mainstream appeal, a testament to audiences’ appetite for diverse narratives. This means the development of talent and the formation of partnerships are now inherently global. For screenwriters, this is an immense opportunity! Your unique voice and perspective, regardless of your geographical location, have a broader canvas than ever before. It’s time to think beyond traditional Hollywood and actively explore new relationships with producers, directors, and production companies internationally. The ISA’s International Writing Gigs board is a great way to tap into global opportunities and cross-border collaboration.

Independent Television: A New Frontier: With development money becoming scarcer within the big tech companies, we are witnessing a definite move towards independent television. Producers are being asked to predict show costs before they even begin, a near-impossible feat in the fluid world of production. This lack of flexibility within the studio system means that the independent path often offers more creative freedom and a potentially more direct route to getting your vision made. Screenwriters seeking more control can explore ISA’s Development Evaluation service for feedback that supports creative ownership outside traditional pipelines.

The Power of Scrappy Creativity and Authentic Storytelling

This is where things get truly inspiring for writers with a strong vision. Samantha Quan, producer and partner of Sean Baker (known for films like The Florida Project and her own producing credits on Red Rocket and Anora), shared a profoundly liberating piece of advice: “Find the money you have and then make the movie that you can make with that.”

She highlighted how Sean Baker shot dolly shots for his films riding his bike, using an iPhone on a broomstick – a true testament to guerrilla, scrappy filmmaking. While Carolyn Strauss acknowledged that being “scrappy” within the studio system is challenging, this ethos is invaluable for independent screenwriters. It underscores that your story and your ingenuity can often trump massive budgets. Don’t wait for permission or a blank check; explore what you can create with the resources at hand. Your creativity is your greatest asset. Consider starting with ISA’s Script Services, which offer low-cost evaluations and career-building feedback.

Sarah Timberman shared encouraging news regarding intellectual property (IP). While IP remains a valuable source of material, the panel noted a significant shift: the industry’s previous intense reliance on it is waning. This means original ideas are more in demand than ever. At the same time, Sarah’s empowering message still holds weight: “Anyone can find a good book and then make something good from that.” This reminds us that beyond original concepts, a keen eye for compelling source material—be it an overlooked novel or a fascinating true story—can still be a powerful tool for screenwriters seeking inspiration and a foundation for their next project.

Navigating Industry Culture and the Independent World

The panel touched on the different mentalities between studio executives and producers. Executives, often not producers themselves, may not always grasp the nuances of production or the need to “bend the rules.” Their focus on stock prices, views, and subscribers can sometimes lead to communication breakdowns. A frustrating example cited was studios agreeing to a single trailer or an actor’s wage agreement without consulting the producer, sometimes leading to unnecessary costs or complications.

However, some companies stand out. FX and HBO were cited as exemplary partners, with executives who have been in their roles for a long time, fostering confidence and a deeper understanding of the production process. This highlights the importance of company culture and longevity in leadership.

For screenwriters, this means researching the culture of potential partners. Understanding their approach to development and production can save you time and frustration, helping you identify the best homes for your work. ISA’s Writer’s Showcase can also help get your script in front of vetted producers and executives.

The good news for those looking independently is the significant presence of European and International money in the independent film world. For example, streamers are making significant commitments in various territories. According to a recent article in Variety, Netflix now invests €50 million per year in French cinema, which represents 4% of its local turnover, while its total investment in French content (taking into account TV movies, series and documentaries) is at €250 million. Last year, Netflix financed or co-financed 27 films in France, followed by Disney+ with 10 films, Prime Video with six and Max with two, according to a report unveiled by the National Film Board this week. This creates a fertile ground for international co-productions and opportunities for screenwriters to partner with foreign production companies, expanding the possibilities for your projects.

The Resurgence of Features and the Shifting Landscape of Production

The panel confirmed that features are indeed back on the upswing, with even streamers now considering theatrical releases. This is fantastic news for feature writers, indicating a broader market for your work and more avenues for your stories to reach audiences.

However, a critical factor influencing production choices is the economics of location. Due to tariffs and the absence of a federal tax incentive in the U.S., production is increasingly leaving Los Angeles. Locations like Budapest and Canada are becoming prime filming destinations. This means that the location itself is now a significant benefit for a project.While this might seem more producer-focused, for screenwriters, it’s worth considering how your story might lend itself to being shot in various international locations, potentially opening doors to different funding streams and partnerships. If your script’s setting can be adapted, consider writing with flexible locations in mind—something you can highlight when submitting through platforms like the ISA’s writing gigs.

The Enduring Wisdom: Your Call to Action

The panel, despite outlining many challenges, concluded on a powerfully hopeful note. The insights shared by these experienced producers offer practical guidance and a strong dose of encouragement for screenwriters everywhere.

Here are their powerful pieces of advice, directly applicable to your writing journey:

• Justin Wilkes: “If you really believe in the end result, do it and keep doing it.” Your conviction in your story is your most potent weapon. Don’t let setbacks or rejections deter you. Persistence and unwavering belief in your craft are paramount.
• Carolyn Strauss: “Enjoy the product and enjoy the process.” This is a beautiful reminder to find joy not only in the finished script but also in the act of writing, the development, and the collaborative journey. Embrace the highs and learn from the lows.
• David W. Zucker: “To survive, we must adapt.” The industry is in constant flux. Be open to new platforms, new models, and new ways of telling stories. Stay curious, stay flexible, and be willing to evolve your approach.
• Samantha Quan: “Suck up as much information as you can along the way – follow everyone on set and get as educated as you can about everything.” For those of you who get the opportunity to be on set, immerse yourself in the production process. Understand the roles, the challenges, and the collaboration. This hands-on knowledge will make you a more informed, empathetic, and valuable partner.
• Sarah Timberman: “Sitting with writers and talking about ideas is the best and we are lucky to do this.” This is a direct affirmation of the immense value we bring as writers. Our ideas, our stories, and our ability to craft compelling narratives are what fuel this entire industry. Your unique voice is the foundation of it all.

The world of producing is undoubtedly complex, shaped by technological shifts, global economics, and evolving audience behaviors. But for screenwriters, these insights, gleaned from the PGA’s 2025 Produced By Conference, offer a clear path forward: embrace the global opportunities, cultivate a scrappy and adaptable mindset, and above all, champion your unique voice. The industry needs compelling stories now more than ever, and you are the ones who create them. As the International Screenwriters’ Association’s VP of Development, I encourage you to keep writing, keep learning, and explore all that ISA offers—from writing gigs and contests to coverage services and community events.