At the 2023 Writers Guild Awards, the ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ scribe came out swinging at an industry that systemically devalues screenwriters
I saw CK in conversation with Boots Riley last year in that series Ed Solomon hosts; I took some notes, and a couple of the things Kaufman said that I still think about: "If you can't see it, don't draw it." And when asked about whether they enjoyed the writing process, BR: "I enjoy the outcome" & CK: "When it's going well--otherwise it's pretty painful, which is usually."
Just moments ago, I read these words (by Nick Cave from RHF #234)… “Art is the agent best equipped to bring light to the world. That is its purpose. That is its promise.” And then I came upon your post… “you work for the world.” Great speech. Makes me want to rewatch his films through that perspective. Thank you for sharing.
Great advice, "Don't worry about how to pitch. Don't pitch. Be nervous. Be vulnerable. Just make your story honest and tell it."....I'd add, don't hesitate to go on strike again. Don't hesitate to be difficult. A great story kicks the shit out of ostentatious big blockbuster bullshit every time. Don't pitch but demand respect. Hollywood. I can't even imagine...
So great! There's nobody like him that's for sure and I can't imagine his pitches went over well, especially the one for Adaptation... Susan Orlean just wrote about that!
I saw CK in conversation with Boots Riley last year in that series Ed Solomon hosts; I took some notes, and a couple of the things Kaufman said that I still think about: "If you can't see it, don't draw it." And when asked about whether they enjoyed the writing process, BR: "I enjoy the outcome" & CK: "When it's going well--otherwise it's pretty painful, which is usually."
I enjoy Ed's series very much. I hope to have him in my own interview series soon. He's a brilliant writer.
I'd love that!! And agreed.
Just moments ago, I read these words (by Nick Cave from RHF #234)… “Art is the agent best equipped to bring light to the world. That is its purpose. That is its promise.” And then I came upon your post… “you work for the world.” Great speech. Makes me want to rewatch his films through that perspective. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome. I'm glad to hear it spoke to you. I know it did to me.
A good reminder!
Great advice, "Don't worry about how to pitch. Don't pitch. Be nervous. Be vulnerable. Just make your story honest and tell it."....I'd add, don't hesitate to go on strike again. Don't hesitate to be difficult. A great story kicks the shit out of ostentatious big blockbuster bullshit every time. Don't pitch but demand respect. Hollywood. I can't even imagine...
It's an amazing speech.
Yeah I remember that speech. Charlie Kaufman has given me hope quite a few times
So great! There's nobody like him that's for sure and I can't imagine his pitches went over well, especially the one for Adaptation... Susan Orlean just wrote about that!
Quality ideas for those who seek more than what is superficial
Absolutely.
What wonderful words! “You work for the world” is a great way of expressing the value of writers.
Absolutely!
No you buy me a coffee^^