The Black List

Each year development executives vote on the best, or as the person who puts the list together says, "most liked," scripts of the year. It is an informal list that has gained popularity through the years as executives like to know what scripts are the most liked by everyone who is successfully getting films made in the Hollywood system. The list of scripts are then put together in one document under the title "The Black List." 

Here is the introduction to the list:

THE BLACK LISTwas compiled from the suggestions of over 250 film executives, each of whom 

contributed the names of up to ten of their favorite scripts that were written in, or are 

somehow uniquely associated with, 2008 and will not be released in theaters during this 

calendar year. 

This year, scripts had to receive at least four mentions to be included on THE BLACK LIST. 

All reasonable effort has been made to confirm the information contained herein.  THE BLACK 

LISTapologizes for all misspellings, misattributions, incorrect representation 

identification, and questionable “2008”affiliations. 

It has been said many times, but it’s worth repeating: 

THE BLACK LISTis nota “best of”list.  It is, at best, a “most liked”list. 

It sounds very secretive and I suppose it can be deemed as coveted by those in the know. Development executives want to know that they have read everything that is considered good. They aspire to have an encyclopedic knowledge of writers and directors. This list can reinforce or introduce scripts and writers that the executives should be reading and meeting and working with. I am always intrigued by it each time it is released. I find myself absorbed by this list of scripts that have stood out amongst the thousands that are completed and floated around Hollywood each year. 

What I find most interesting is a large number of the scripts are written by lesser known writers. As an indie filmmaker, I find this list even more enticing as I would actually have a chance of someday working with the writers on the list. But then again, now that they are on the Black List...