As a student, there have always been challenges to overcome – but today, there are even more issues to face. This is especially true for those pursuing a BFA or MFA in screenwriting.

The ongoing WGA strike has lasting implications for the industry, and aspiring screenwriters need to understand how it could impact their career trajectory.

Additionally, the recent introduction of AI is a hot topic in the industry, with many wondering if it will be a helpful tool or a potential obstacle. It remains to be seen which path it will take.

The Weekender interviewed the “Timberwolf” Malcolm Reece Taylor regarding the impact that the WBA strike and the introduction of artificial intelligence would have on his career as an aspiring screenwriter. This is what he said.

How has the ongoing WGA strike, now in its third week, affected your perspective on pursuing a career as a screenwriter?

Going on a month now, honestly, it hasn’t deterred me from building my career. It has motivated me further. If anyone followed the 2007-2008 WGA Strike, nobody would be blindsided by the ongoing conflict between studios and writers. It’s essential to stay aware of the industry. Likely, the same issues will be the same later, but as much as I want to do my work, I also understand that this is a business and something that I need to know, both the bitter and the sweet. There are issues with the rise of AI and other things, but the WGA is doing this now to stay ahead of the problem. There will always be issues, but the guild is doing its job to protect the writers. So, I don’t know how I’ll be affected long and short term.

What are your thoughts on the demands made by the Writers Guild of America during the strike, and how do you anticipate these demands might impact the industry? What steps are you taking to stay informed about the progress of the WGA strike and its potential impact on the industry?

I’m going to push back on the first question. After religiously studying their Pattern of Demands, it’s not a matter of changing the industry; it’s that writers are working on getting fair and equitable treatment. They’re not asking for a giant piece of their pie, just their share. The total cost would be $429 million per year, which, in the first three weeks, has cost the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) and the studios over $540 million, which puts the entire strike into perspective. Considering this is a multibillion-dollar industry, it shows where writers are on the ladder. Regarding staying informed about the strike, it’s all about listening to writers, reading the articles published from reliable sources, and seeking information from the WGA East and West web pages. If you’re in the industry and don’t seek out the data, then it’s hard to develop an informed opinion, and it’s hard to speak on the matter.

As an aspiring screenwriter, what are your thoughts on the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in content creation? Do you see it as a threat or an opportunity? How will artificial intelligence and automated screenwriting tools impact the industry shortly? Are you concerned about the potential competition from AI-generated scripts?

AI in any art form is a DANGEROUS slope. I’ve seen it with AI-generated art, which I refused to use, and after a while, anyone can plug an idea or an art piece into an algorithm, and it takes humanity out of art. This concerns writers, actors, animators, artists, and musicians because art is not a code or a sequence. It’s experiences and a unique explanation for themselves and their world. That can’t be quantified in binary code. Yeah, someone can say they want a particular piece of art, but let’s be honest; it would require someone to explain exactly what they want, making me feel a little safer.

I will never use AI-generated anything for art. The problem with AI for the future is that it can adapt, so what’s to say that it doesn’t replace screenwriters? A studio or producer can plug an idea or an IP into a tool and get a screenplay. That’s a horrific thought. I have skills and tools that a machine can’t replicate, but a studio will do its job as a business to generate money and cut costs. If someone can place the word “Batman” in a search engine and write a movie, then why would they need writers

How important is it for screenwriters to adapt to new technologies like AI and machine learning? Are any specific skills or knowledge areas crucial for your future success?

I’m completely biased here. This is NOT something writers should adapt to. Don’t believe me? When did you last deal with a cashier at a grocery store?

With the rise of streaming platforms and new distribution models, how do you plan to navigate the changing landscape of the entertainment industry as a screenwriter?

Right now, I’m on the outside looking in as I build a career, but I can only show my work off to the best of my ability and see who picks me up. Post-strike, if a streaming service approaches me, then I go there. If a movie studio picks me up, I go there. My job is to be as great a writer as possible, but I will go where my skillset is valued.

How do you think the demand for original content will be affected by the ongoing strike and the increasing availability of AI-generated content?

This is a trick question. Whether it’s IP or original content, the point is that the audience and studios don’t know what they want. They want it to be good. Everyone will wish to material following the strike, so there will be a production rush.

What unique qualities or aspects of storytelling do human screenwriters bring to the table that AI cannot replicate? How do you plan to leverage these qualities in your work?

Human. Experience. AI can be told what to write. Humans know how they feel. That’s how you reach people. Whether an audience or a producer. They must know what to feel and how a script makes them think. This is what my job is.

As a screenwriter, what steps are you taking to adapt to the evolving audience preferences and emerging trends in storytelling?

Here’s what I know: The audience loves to binge-watch material. They also know they want something entertaining. All I can do is create works I am entertained to write and present to an audience. I build pitch decks to show how the story will play long term, but if I write specifically to a current trend, I’m screwed. Those shows were in development two years ago. My job today is to entertain the audience, but Imusto start with the stories I like to tell.

How do you envision utilizing technology and digital platforms to enhance your screenwriting career and connect with a broader audience?

My job as a writer is to reach an audience with my unique take. Whether my audience is 30 people or 30 million people, I write and advertise my work to a niche audience. That’s all I really can do.

With the rapid growth of international markets, how important is it for screenwriters to have a global perspective and incorporate diverse cultural elements into their scripts?

A global perspective is always essential, but knowing that not every culture tells stories similarly is just as important. There will always be differences and views you can’t hit. Though it’s essential to know these things and how to incorporate them, it’s more important to understand how to tell a story and who your audience is.

How do you leverage your BFA and MFA education to stand out in a highly competitive industry and secure meaningful opportunities as a screenwriter?

It can’t and won’t be leveraged. Let’s be honest; studios don’t give a damn what letters are in front of my name. These courses and degrees help me tell the best story I can, fully understand the finer details of my work, improve my abilities, and teach these aspects to the next generation of writers. I love being a screenwriter, and throughout my career, I would love to be a professor teaching a number of new writers.

How do you envision the future of screenwriting and the role of human writers in an era of technological advancements?

This is a question to ask after the strike ends, but I can say we’re in a new world and need to show why the human behind the keyboards and pencils are valuable.

What excites you the most about this future, and what concerns you?

What excites me most is that writers aren’t alone. In an unprecedented time, every major union is backing us. This shows that we are supported. The biggest concern I have is the song will remain the same. There will always be another issue. AI will be there in some capacity, which will likely become an issue again.

Connect and follow Reece on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/malcolm.t.taylor.1