Where have all the writer's gone?

After seeing so many new shows get canceled and movies that are lost in translation, I hum in my head "Where have all the writers gone.... oohhhh aaahhhhh" to the oddly familiar Paula Cole Hit melody. Watching television or going to the movies in the new millennium seems to be nothing more than a extension of the sensationalism in the news media.

From shows life "The Bachelor" that plays off the the bad boy Hollywood yellow journalism or movies like "Precious" that depict inner city struggle and triumph, it seems that people are writing from what's already in the news. At one point, media entertainment was used as an escape from reality, in the new millennium, it's nothing more than a reminder of all the violence, adultery and drug usage running rapid all over this earth.

This year, "Avatar" looked to be a release from the mundane of reality, but as more and more reviews came out, there was an underlying message about global warming and strong governments. Productions like Harry Potter and Twilight are geared towards teens (and some adults) but it seems that once you hit the age of 17, everything becomes serious.

Sure, there are romantic comedies that make us laugh, or reality shows that take some pressure from our own lives. What's interesting is the lack of originality. There should be a record for the amount of shows in TV that reflect 'at-work chronicles', tawdry love affairs or the medical & legal system. Who wants to work all day long and then come home to watch television about others (or their own) torrid jobs and love life. I know, some do...

Naturally I watch Nat Geo, nonstop, but what I watch may not be of any interest to others. Film and television media is missing it's integrity, and someone needs to find it. Few production companies or channels are developing shows or films of substance. Many shows rely on dumb slap stick humor, hot sex scenes or blood shed to keep the audience entertained. At one point in media history, the storyline kept the audience interested. what happened?

One might think that the writers strike in most recent years has effected the integrity of showbiz at whole. With the onslaught of reality shows, someone in the development department is not being that creative. As a movie lover, I just wish to be drawn in, not by stupid green screen tricks, but genuine storyline creativity. Just like the economy, a very small percentage of writers write engaging material. So, in retrospect I still ask, where have ALL the other writers gone and please, please come back.

*image from www.theatlantic.com