5AM StoryTalk Reflections: Will the Horror Ever End?
A collection of articles and essays about the complete and utter shitshow that was 'Dracula' (2013), a TV series I created eleven years ago this month
On the third Friday morning (EST/PST) of every month, 5AM StoryTalk Reflections shines a spotlight on a single theme or subject that this Substack has explored during its existence. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at “Dracula”, a TV series I created for NBC and Sky and which debuted on October 25th, 2013. I’ve been pretty quiet on this subject for the past year, having said everything I really have to say about it, but there is no getting around the fact that what I have said continues to resonate with screenwriters at all stages of their careers. Last week, I had lunch with an Australian screenwriter I had never met before; he brought the initial essay series up. Next month, “Burn Notice” creator Matt Nix will join me for one of my artist-on-artist conversations; he found me because of the “Dracula” essay series, too. I could go on, but I think the point has been made. What happened to me while working on “Dracula” continues to horrify anyone who hears about my experiences. I am, I think, a cautionary tale for aspiring screenwriters about what can happen when all their dreams come true.
To help you better understand what transpired and maybe even avoid a similar fate befalling you, I’ve compiled a collection of essays I’ve written about “Dracula”. There is a lot to learn here, to say the least. Please feel free to pop into the comments section here or on the individual articles/essays shared here with ideas, thoughts, or questions of your own. As long as my other obligations permit, I will try to reply as thoughtfully as possible.
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You might also want to check out these previous editions of 5AM StoryTalk: Reflections:
You had a banger cast, Cole.