Profile for Max Myers

I'm a writer/director working in Hollywood and am so sick and tired of the bean counters dictating cast and story requirements, that I've decided to go back to my musical theater roots. In the process of writing my musical, a Broadway writer recently told me that because attendance has fallen in recent years, single plot line with limited characters are the new requirement. I've written mostly ensemble films which, to me, feel more true to life but was sharply told to get rid of the B/C story...

Phantom4ever said: "As long as there are bright flashing lights and a loud pop score, I don't think most Broadway audiences will care if the actors are AI. As long as they can film what they want and post it to social media and call that marketing."And that, Phantom, is exactly the point. Most seem to not grasp just how far down the razors edge we've gone. It's done and dusted."

Ensemble1691149078 said: "I disagree. Why is this even a debate? Theater is supposed to be immersive and intimate. So having AI actors, regardless of costs, will take away from that.Also, it would take jobs from REAL actors who are strugling to stay alive. How is that fair? I know broadway is struggling due to having to catch up from COVID, and producers will be producers, but tell me who would go see a hologram of Judy Garland or Elaine Stritch and not feel like they're missing out on someth...

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "This will surely be part of AEA's next contract negotiation to ensure that AI has no place in the performance community. Same with the other unions & guilds.There are areas where AI could benefit the live theatre industry (select aspects of ticketing & marketing, even more select aspects of design & creative devel, etc), but performers isn't one of them. At least until the technology becomes much, much more sophisticated."Agreed but my gut instinct is that no ma...

Scarywarhol said: "All obvious arguments about how utterly reprehensible it would be on a philosophical level aside, the thing people seem to still be confused about after over a decade of hype surrounding the word is that HOLOGRAMS DO NOT EXIST, and are nowhere near existing in any sense that people mean when they use that word. Despite what media falls for as a "hologram" the best you're getting is a projection of a video on a scrim."Agreed with the non existent of it all, but, I just parti...

We've all seen the light speed advances in AI and given how incredibly expensive it is to put up a show, I'm given to ponder at what point will AI holograms replace, or at least augment real actors? I believe it's coming and producers are always looking for a more financially effective way to produce a given production. Candidly, I don't blame them and if truth be told, as a writer, I'm excited by the possibilities.

Sorry for my tardy reply and thanks for your comment. I did listen and agreed, it was very interesting. I'm still pondering the direction as the last thing I want is to be labeled a poor man's Hamilton, as I have no intention, or desire, of even trying to write like Mr. Miranda.Thanks again.Max.

The Fantastics is a great recomendation. Much appreciated. Thank you.

Yes, I agree with you in that anything is possible. Thanks for your thoughts.

Thanks for taking the time to respond and I really appreciate your supportive response. Made me smile.

I have a dilemma and would love opinions. Having had a long career writing films, last year I wrote my first musical with the dialogue as spoken. However, for my new book, after having finished multiple drafts and now 15 songs in, the composer I’m working with feels that because I don’t write lyrics in rhyme, the dialogue should be as juxtaposition. It’s a cool idea and I’ve started reworking the first scenes, but now I’m not so sure. I’ve read that rhymed dialogue is passé and very frowned u...