Scribbling isn’t enough.

As the WGA and SAG strikes of Summer 2023 extend into the Fall, I’d like to pass along some subjective wisdom to my fellow scribblers.

In this ever-evolving media landscape, the role of a TV scribe isn't what it used to be. The leverage of scribblers has diminished along with the demise of TV’s advertising-supported model. Now, Directors and Producers are stepping into the role of Showrunner, a position previously occupied by writers only.

Scribblers seeking career longevity should consider expanding their skill sets to become "hyphenates." By taking on multiple roles, such as writer-director, writer-producer, or writer-director-producer, we can gain and maintain power in the creative process while tapping additional streams of revenue.

When a screenwriter serves as a director or producer, they have a seat at the head of the creative table. They participate in casting, set design, editing, and other key aspects of production. This ensures that the original vision of the script is carried through to the final product while keeping the screenwriter employed throughout production.

Being involved in multiple facets of a media project can lead to a greater share of the profits. It can also open doors to more lucrative deals, as studios and investors often find it appealing to work with a multi-talented individual who can handle various aspects of a project.

Via multiple roles, scribblers can build a brand or style that audiences recognize and appreciate. This elevated profile can be particularly beneficial for marketing yourself to the industry.

Hyphenates often enjoy more creative freedom than scribblers for hire. They are more likely to get the green light for unique or personal projects that might not otherwise get made.

Jordan Peele started as a writer and comedian but gained critical acclaim as a director with his debut film, "Get Out." His unique vision would have been hard to execute without the creative freedom that his multiple roles afforded him.

Greta Gerwig built a brand around her unique storytelling style, evident in films like "Lady Bird" and "Little Women," which she both wrote and directed. Her distinct voice has made her a standout in the industry, earning her a shot at making “Barbie” one of the most successful films ever.

There are a few remarkable examples of hyphenates I’ve been lucky to witness firsthand:

Alex Kurtzman is well known as a screenwriter for films like "Transformers" and "Star Trek." However, his influence and power in the industry grew when he took on the roles of producer and showrunner for various television projects. The most notable is his current work on the "Star Trek" franchise, where he has served as a director, writer, producer, and showrunner for series like "Star Trek: Discovery," "Star Trek: Picard." and my current fave – “Strange New Worlds.”

As shepherd of the “Star Trek” TV universe, Kurtzman guides the narrative and visual direction of these series. His scribblers’ understanding of character development, story arcs, and thematic elements has enriched the franchise and engaged a new generation of fans. His role as a hyphenate has earned him a substantial stake in the financial success of these projects. Moreover, his multi-faceted involvement in "Star Trek" has solidified his reputation as a key player in franchise storytelling, making him a go-to name for similar projects in the industry.

J.J. Abrams started his career as a successful screenwriter for hire, but seeking more creative power, he plunged into television, creating shows like "Felicity" and "Alias." His role as co-creator and showrunner of the hit TV series” catapulted him into the spotlight. Not only did JJ co-write the pilot, but he also directed it. Tom Cruise enjoyed his “Lost” work so much that he hired JJ to direct “Mission Impossible Three.”

Abrams seized this opportunity. After reviving the “Mission” franchise, he wrote, directed, and produced a string of blockbuster movies. His "Star Trek" reboot in 2009, scripted by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, showcased JJ’s ability to breathe new life into a beloved franchise by leaning into the emotional power of its characters—a skill he’d honed working in television.

JJ’s necromantic skill with moribund IP earned him the monumental task of directing "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which revived that franchise and became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

JJ’s hyphenated roles earned him a more significant stake in the financial success of his projects. His production company, Bad Robot, is synonymous with high-quality storytelling across multiple platforms, solidifying JJ’s brand and industry influence. JJ has the latitude and creative freedom to take creative risks. His influence is felt not just in the projects he oversees but also in the broader landscape of storytelling, where his character-based approach serves as a model for aspiring writer-director-producers.

As the industry continues to evolve, the role of the hyphenate is a required route for scribblers. If I could go back to 1992, when I graduated from AFI, I would tell my naive young self that stepping out of my comfort zone to learn the skills of directing and producing was the only path to industry power, financial security, and career longevity.