When I think of the debate between hacks and professionals I think of sequels.
I think professionals plan and hacks react.
I think Harry Potter was the work of a professional because JK Rowling intended, even before the first book was published, to tell the story across 7 books.
I think the endless Fast and Furious sequels are the work of hacks.
They stumbled across a success so they scrambled around to come up with something for a sequel.
You can tell when you watch the movies, the story isn’t as rich because the creators were in reaction mode. They’re trying to replicate a formula rather produce something original.
I also don’t think that you are doomed to be a hack for your whole life, I think it’s a choice.
I think George Lucas was a professional when he created the first three Star Wars movies (episodes 4-6) but I think he was a hack when he tried to milk the cash cow with prequels.
Thomas Duggan 