The Actor-Writer Dilemma –

That screenplay you wrote in your Silver Lake coffee shop might be brilliant, but is it the right choice for your produced scenes? Let’s break down when DIY writing works and when it backfires spectacularly.

The Allure of Writing Your Own

Many actors gravitate toward original material because:

  • It’s free (assuming your time has no value)
  • You can tailor every moment to your strengths
  • No waiting for writers to deliver
  • Complete creative control

But here’s the rub; knowing great acting doesn’t mean you know great writing. Even Meryl Streep hires writers.

The Hidden Pitfalls of Going Solo

After analyzing hundreds of actor-written scenes, these issues surface repeatedly:

  1. The Monologue Trap: Scenes that don’t allow for authentic reactions
  2. Type Confusion: Writing your dream roles instead of bookable ones
  3. Stilted Dialogue: Unnatural speech patterns that scream “actor writing”
  4. Structural Weakness: No clear stakes or turning points

One client wasted $2,000 shooting a self-written scene before realizing it showcased all the wrong qualities.

When It Actually Works

You might be the exception if:

  • You have professional writing training/experience
  • Your scene has been vetted by working CDs or agents
  • You’re targeting very specific niche casting
  • You collaborate with a strong editor

Even then, we recommend keeping it to one original scene per reel maximum.

The Hybrid Solution

Many of our clients find the perfect middle ground:

  1. Start with our professionally written templates
  2. Customize specific moments to highlight their strengths
  3. Get feedback from our writing team
  4. Polish through rehearsal discoveries

This maintains quality while allowing personal touches that feel authentic.

Why Our Writers Make the Difference

Jig Reel’s writing team includes:

  • Current TV staff writers who know what CDs want
  • Specialization in creating “vehicle scenes” for actors
  • Understanding of camera-friendly structure
  • Knowledge of current genre trends

Let’s craft your perfect scenes: whether starting from scratch or refining your existing material. Because your reel shouldn’t be where great acting meets mediocre writing.