BGBS 008: Marc Hyman and Zak Penn | Writing Hollywood Blockbuster Movies by Osmosis

2018-10-31

BGBS Episode 008: Writing Hollywood Blockbuster Movies by OsmosisDo you like movies? Have you seen Osmosis Jones, The Avengers, Antz, or Ready Player One? Well, today’s guests, Marc Hyman and Zak Penn, are not only well-known Hollywood screenwriters, but friends who have shaped my life and of course my view on story. So, I’m glad you’re listening as we stroll down Memory Lane to share their backstory about stories they write that resonate with millions of people.You’ll Learn…Becoming writers at a young age and their...

BGBS Episode 008: Writing Hollywood Blockbuster Movies by Osmosis

Do you like movies? Have you seen Osmosis Jones, The Avengers, Antz, or Ready Player One? Well, today’s guests, Marc Hyman and Zak Penn, are not only well-known Hollywood screenwriters, but friends who have shaped my life and of course my view on story. So, I’m glad you’re listening as we stroll down Memory Lane to share their backstory about stories they write that resonate with millions of people.

You’ll Learn…

Becoming writers at a young age and their first breaks in the movie business
Write something different or offbeat; if it doesn’t get made, it’s far from a failure, but often the key to a career
How Hollywood and movies have changed; now watched on small screens and mostly limited to superheroes, so it’s difficult to be a feature film screenwriter
Hunger for Story: People like watching well-told stories
Differences between watching a movie in a theater with a community vs. a small screen that offers instant access and intimate setting
Most common mistakes made with storytelling include not having a full story; the ending is the most important part
Why are there bad movies? It’s hard to make things good due to collaboration
Animated movies are usually better than live action movies because of the way they’re made – workshopped
Rhythm of a story and storyboarding identifies what works and what doesn’t
Backstory is a reflection of story; it may reveal character/story development by making up a character’s actions, motivation, psychological baggage, and flaws
Some of the best movies ever made use backstory to keep you on your toes and add complexity to the story and characters
Have gratitude, help others and effect them in a positive way, and remind yourself that you have nothing to complain about
Failure early in your career can help you to learn what’s good and to look back on it fondly
Whenever you make something good, it comes back to you

Resources

Osmosis Jones

Dr. Dolittle 2

Meet the Fockers

The Perfect Score

How To Train Your Dragon

Madagascar 3

The Last Action Hero

X-Men 2

X-Men: The Last Stand

The Incredible Hulk

The Avengers