A Bright Spot in the Future of Indie Films

Over the past several years, I’ve been mentoring and teaching young screenwriters, first through the Reel Works Teen Filmmaking program out of Brooklyn, and now with the KD Conservatory in Dallas. I’m also an annual panelist at the Austin Film Festival, where I’ve met and mentored aspiring screenwriters of all ages from across the country. Today, I’d like to focus on the Gen Z generation of writers and filmmakers, which I consider to be a real bright spot in the future of independent films.

Before I proceed here, I should say that I do recognize the pitfalls and flaws of generational stereotyping, just like with any form of profiling. However, as an advertising copywriter (and screenwriter), I do often find myself making demographic generalizations with the goal of connecting with a given audience. And I also find myself at the other end of being demographically/generationally profiled and targeted. Hence, all the online ads I get for prostate and ED meds.

With that in mind, I’ve heard the anecdotal accounts of Zoomers being lazy, entitled, demanding and high anxiety. But, based on my own experience, I haven’t seen any of that -- with the exception of high anxiety. And who could blame Gen Zers for being highly anxious (Xanax anyone?) with all they’ve been through in their young lives? Not only did they bear the brunt of the educational disruption caused by the pandemic, but they’ve also had to deal with our increasingly toxic political climate, not to mention the real climate. Truth is that most everyone I know today suffers from anxiety and stress for many of the same reasons. So, there’s that.

The Zoomers I’ve taught and mentored are passionate about their convictions and embrace originality and authenticity. They’re open-minded, empathetic and truly care about making the world a better place. I see it in the scripts they write and throughout our discussions.

In terms of how this translates into their storytelling and filmmaking vision, I believe Gen Z has the potential to bring us fresh and important new voices with the kind of originality, passion and courage we saw emerge in the ‘70s – when a bold generation of young filmmakers challenged conventional norms and pushed creative boundaries. Filmmakers including:

Like those 70’s filmmakers – who shared a common bond of challenging the traditional and formulaic studio system and dedicated themselves to creating films that were both artistic and socially relevant – I believe Gen Zers have that same kind of potential in terms of exploring the deeper themes of our troubled times, just like during the Vietnam War era.

Another bad rap Gen Z gets is that they’re anti-social and lack empathy. However, based on what I see in the aspiring young screenwriters and filmmakers I mentor and teach, there’s definitely another side to the story. While they generally do spend less time socializing in person due to their affinity for social media, they’re also highly collaborative and supportive when the occasion rises.

They also embrace diversity and inclusion, which, despite the direction of our current administration, I firmly believe are essential traits moving ahead in this increasingly diverse world.

Yet another stereotype I’ve heard about Zoomers is that they’re materialistic, especially when it comes to financial success being tied to material possessions. But, again, that’s not what I’ve seen. Instead, I see a generation that values experience and social impact over material possessions.

Also interesting is that when I ask my Gen Z students and mentees if they would use AI to write screenplays, they’re quick to respond with a resounding NO. Instead, they say they want to write their own original stories in their own way…in their own voices. Being that they’ve been weaned on technology, including AI, I’m always pleasantly surprised to hear this.

And when it comes to IP, I believe it will certainly still have its place – although I also think Zoomers will, on the whole, be more interested in original films than remaking and sequelizing old ones. I know a lot of writers and filmmakers who would welcome a return to lower budget and original character-driven fare that’s been so diminished due to today’s studios (and streamers) being so risk averse about anything that doesn’t have some sort of brand attachment.

On a final note…

As we all know, it’s harder than ever to break into the business. And that’s why more industry veterans need to step up and become mentors to our future generation(s) of screenwriters and filmmakers. We all hear complaints about the current state of the industry -- including consumers who are tired of retreads and big budget tent pole domination. But things won’t change unless we’re proactive in nurturing fresh new talent and voices for the future.

As for me, I’ll continue my work to inspire and encourage Gen Zers and other aspiring filmmakers to write, produce and direct films that will break the mold and touch us all with meaningful themes that bring us together. And I urge others to do the same.

Larry Postel: Since 2020, Larry has had four original spec screenplays produced and released, including Sony's award-winning 5000 Blankets -- and the Netflix Family Original, The Main Event. He also wrote the Peacock Original comedy, High Holiday -- and the family sports drama, Flip Turn, which won "Best Film" at six international film festivals in 2024.