Declaration of Independent Screenwriting Thought

Why Global Recognition Must Not Be a Western Approval Badge
By Sai Vijendhiran
Inventor of the Screenplay Auditing Process
www.saivijendhiran.com

"When the West writes a theory, it's called a revolution.
When India writes one, it’s asked for recognition."

For far too long, film writing theories and screenplay structures have been dominated by voices from the West. Names like Syd Field, Blake Snyder, Robert McKee, and Michael Hauge are not just authors — they have become gatekeepers. Their books are taught globally, their templates followed religiously, and their words taken as gospel.

But here’s the question:
Why must a theory be born in Los Angeles to be seen as legitimate in Chennai?
Why does recognition still flow in one direction?

Why Experienced Screenwriters Are Forced Failures in India

And Why It's Hurting Our Content Quality
Every other day, a new job posting pops up:
“Scriptwriters needed for TV/OTT – 1 to 3 years experience only.”
Sounds exciting, right?
Until you realize what it really means: a complete dismissal of experienced writers.

🚫 A System That Prefers Cheap Over Capable

Producers and studios increasingly hire freshers with 1–3 years of experience. But here’s the reality:

These “1–3 years” often include internships or ghostwriting stints.
Their dream is usually to direct, not write long-term.
They are handed the responsibility of writing full episodes and entire arcs.
Can we expect structured plots, emotionally resonant themes, and compelling characters from someone just beginning their learning journey?

Skill-to-Money: The Invisible Link in a Screenwriter’s Journey

Most writers chase money, recognition, and approval.
Few chase the skill that leads to all three.
The hard truth is this:

Your screenplay doesn’t earn because you haven’t trained it to.

🔁 What is “Skill-to-Money”?
Skill-to-Money is the cause-effect relationship between a screenwriter’s abilities and their income potential.

🎯 Structure = Sellability
🎯 Character Depth = Emotional Engagement
🎯 Theme Clarity = Producer Confidence
🎯 Pacing & Rhythm = Reader Retention

What Screenwriters in India Commonly Search and Explore

Top 10 searched keywords by the writers in India

1. Fair Compensation & Rights Issues
Screenwriters frequently look for information on payment timelines, standard contracts, and credit recognition. A significant number express dissatisfaction over delays and lack of recognition .

2. Screenwriters’ Associations & Script Registration
Writers search details about the Screenwriters Association (SWA) of India and SRAI, understanding membership benefits, script registration, and dispute resolution processes.

3. Original vs Remake Content Trends
Interest around creating original stories versus remakes is intense, including research on success factors behind original OTT content and the failures of remakes post-pandemic.

4. Genre Exploration—especially Sci‑Fi, Horror, Fantasy
Many search for how to write sci‑fi, horror, genre-blends, or fantasy stories. Recent initiatives (like SRFTI’s horror-sci-fi festivals) reflect rising interest in these genres.