WRITING I think you are absolutely correct that writing is sometimes under valued and this is very painful for the writer. Having been on both ends I have received both bits of criticism. However I respectfully disagree that a good script can survive bad direction. In my opinion this shows a lack of understanding of direction. From the moment a director steps on a set there are thousands of opportunities to make bad decisions. Some are not as critical, such as color, others are vital such as performance, narrative arc, treatment of suspense. With the mass product that has been produce in film, has there ever been a film with a poor director that turned out well? "Sure." However it is far from the rule. You would have to look for consistently bad films from directors with a spectacular exception. Off hand I cannot think of any. Just like a batter who looks for a good bat, it is critical to success. However you cannot hit the ball without the batter. There have been great directors who take poor material and turn it around. This is why although painful, the director is more instrumental than the writer. This is why evolution has led to directors getting more credited. There is no charity in Hollywood, they are given credit because they are the straw. ---- Screen-L is sponsored by the Telecommunication & Film Dept., the University of Alabama: http://www.tcf.ua.edu