Creative Principles

David Koepp is a highly successful screenwriter best known for his work on some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. With a career spanning decades, he has worked on the scripts for iconic films such as JURASSIC PARK, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, SPIDER-MAN, and WAR OF THE WORLDS. His latest work, JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH, follows the story five years after JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION. In it, an expedition ventures into isolated equatorial regions, aiming to extract DNA from three massive prehistoric creatures for a groundbreaking medical breakthrough. In this interview, we talk about the original JURASSIC PARK film and his process for adapting the later films, his experience working on SPIDER-MAN and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, the longevity of franchises, and much more! Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Justin Spitzer is a co-creator and executive producer of ST. DENIS MEDICAL. Prior to that, he created and ran NBC comedies SUPERSTORE and AMERICAN AUTO. Eric Ledgin is the showrunner and co-creator of ST. DENIS MEDICAL. He is an Emmy award-winning writer and producer, whose TV credits include SUPERSTORE, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, AMERICAN AUTO, and LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON. Their show ST. DENIS MEDICAL follows an underfunded, understaffed hospital where the doctors and nurses try their best to treat patients while maintaining their own sanity. In this interview, we talk about how they got into TV writing, how sitcom writing has evolved, how they prepared for showrunning, their show ST. DENIS MEDICAL, and much more! Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Peter Craig is behind some of the biggest box office successes of the past decade writing screenplays for such hits as THE TOWN, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY (part 1 and 2), BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, THE BATMAN and TOP GUN: MAVERICK which earned Craig an Oscar and WGA nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Craig also wrote GLADIATOR II, which received a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding British Film of the Year. Craig's films have generated over four billion dollars at the global box office. Most recently, Craig created, directed, and was the showrunner for the Apple TV+ series, DOPE THIEF, which follows long-time friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob a house in the countryside, but end up unintentionally revealing and unraveling the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern seaboard. In this interview, we talk about his transition from novelist to screenwriter, the making of THE TOWN and the lessons he learned from working with Ben Affleck, the adaptation process for various projects like THE BATMAN and THE HUNGER GAMES, his new show DOPE THIEF, and much more. As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: https://www.scriptmastermind.com/pr Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Luke Cormack is a skilled GSS, Shotover, U-Crane Arm, Aerial, and Phantom operator, and is at home shooting underwater, in the air, long lens, macro, or with A-list celebrities. He has won an Emmy, Panda, and Grand Teton Awards for cinematography and has had the pleasure of working on many Emmy and BAFTA-nominated shows. His latest work was on DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT, where Magician David Blaine travels globally, connecting with masters and performers who share unique skills and secrets. His journey spans Brazil, Southeast Asia, India, the Arctic, South Africa, and Japan. In this interview, we talk about wildlife cinematography and its evolution, skillsets required for cinematography, working on DAVID BLAINE DO NOT ATTEMPT, orchestrating complex stunts, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Aaron B. Koontz is a filmmaker, writer, and founder/CEO of Paper Street Pictures, a leading force in independent genre cinema. He has directed CAMERA OBSCURA, THE PALE DOOR, and the cult-favorite SCARE PACKAGE series on Shudder. As a producer, he has worked on projects like THE ARTIFICE GIRL, THE REQUIN, OLD MAN, and BLOOD RELATIVES. Most recently, he worked as the co-showrunner of the series REVIVAL. The show follows a rural town in Wisconsin where the deceased rise from their graves, yet appear and act unchanged. And now, it is up to Officer and single mother Dana Cypress to solve a murder case where everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect. In this interview, we talk about his transition into directing and producing, the use of genre elements to tell personal stories, his new show REVIVAL, the challenges of adapting a comic series, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Kim Rosenstock is an Emmy and WGA-nominated TV writer, producer, and playwright, best known for shows like NEW GIRL and ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, for which she received Emmy and WGA nominations. Elizabeth Meriwether is a screenwriter, playwright, and producer best known as the creator of the hit TV sitcom NEW GIRL, starring Zooey Deschanel. She also gained attention with her screenplay for the romantic comedy NO STRINGS ATTACHED and later expanded her footprint in TV with projects like SINGLE PARENTS and THE DROPOUT, a critically acclaimed Hulu miniseries about Elizabeth Holmes. Most recently, they both served as co-creators and showrunners of the Hulu series DYING FOR SEX, starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate, and based on the hit Wondery podcast. The show follows a woman who, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, embarks on a series of wild sexual escapades, leading to profound personal discoveries. In this interview, we talk about adapting the DYING FOR SEX podcast into a TV series, writing sex scenes with emotional depth and storytelling purpose, writing emotional moments and giving actors space to interpret, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, the creative minds behind the beloved animated series PHINEAS AND FERB, are back as co-creators and executive producers for its new season. Both will also reprise their voice roles, with Povenmire once again lending his voice to the hilariously villainous Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, and Marsh returning as Major Francis Monogram, Perry the Platypus's commanding officer. With over 25 years of experience in animation, Povenmire has a long list of critically acclaimed series under his belt, including FAMILY GUY, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, THE SIMPSONS, ROCKO'S MODERN LIFE, and HEY ARNOLD! Marsh also brings over 25 years of animation experience, having worked with industry giants like Hanna-Barbera and Klasky Csupo. His impressive resume includes contributions to other popular animated series such as THE SIMPSONS, ROCKO'S MODERN LIFE, and KING OF THE HILL. In this interview, we talk about the development of PHINEAS AND FERB and the approach to the new season, how to pitch cartoon characters and shows, writing for a multi-generational audience, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Seth Meyers is an Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, producer, and television host. He is currently the host of NBC's LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS, where he delivers a nightly blend of political commentary, celebrity interviews, and clever comedic segments. Alex Baze is a highly respected comedy writer and producer, best known for his extensive work on NBC's LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS. As the show's head writer, he plays a pivotal role in shaping its comedic voice, crafting monologues, sketches, and recurring segments. In this interview, we talk about the process of hiring writers for the show, Alex Baze's role, Seth's transition from "update guy" to talk show host, the joke writing process, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Emmy and PGA award-winning screenwriter and producer Charlie Brooker created the critically acclaimed anthology series BLACK MIRROR. The highly anticipated seventh season premiered April 10th on Netflix. In this interview, we talk about the conception and evolution of BLACK MIRROR, his writing process and habits, advice on writing pilots/standalone episodes, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Paul Giamatti is an award-winning actor best known for films like AMERICAN SPLENDOR, SIDEWAYS, and THE HOLDOVERS. Most recently, he appeared on Episode 5 of the newest season of BLACK MIRROR, called “Eulogy,” where an isolated man is introduced to a groundbreaking system that allows its users to step inside old photographs. In this interview, we talk about BLACK MIRROR, such as how they stepped into those photographs, his general approach to a career as an actor, differences between stage and screen acting, playing Chuck Rhoades on Billions, the success of The Holdovers, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Anna Camp is an actress best known for her role as the unforgettable Aubrey Posen in the PITCH PERFECT film series. She has built an impressive resume with notable roles in popular television shows such as THE MINDY PROJECT and TRUE BLOOD, and most recently, she played Maddie & Reagan Lockwood in the last season of Netflix's YOU. In the epic fifth and final season of YOU, Joe Goldberg returns to New York to enjoy his happily ever after… until his perfect life is threatened by the ghosts of his past and his own dark desires. In this interview, we talk about the challenges of the acting business, her experience playing twins in YOU and the technical challenges of filming scenes, advice for screenwriters on character development, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Todd Harthan is currently the executive producer and showrunner on ABC's HIGH POTENTIAL. In recent years, he has been executive producer on the Disney+ series CROSSOVER, ABC's THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, and FBC's THE RESIDENT. HIGH POTENTIAL follows a single mom with three kids who helps solve an unsolvable crime when she rearranges some evidence during her shift as a police department cleaner. In this interview, we talk about budgeting tips for writers, assembling a writer's room, his show HIGH POTENTIAL, the differences between writing for 22-24 episode seasons versus 10-14 episode seasons, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson are the creators, showrunners, writers, and executive producers of the hit Showtime drama series, YELLOWJACKETS. YELLOWJACKETS, equal parts survival epic, psychological horror story and coming-of-age drama, is the saga of a team of wildly talented high school girls soccer players who become the (un)lucky survivors of a plane crash deep in the remote northern wilderness. The series chronicles their descent from a complicated but thriving team to savage clans, while also tracking the lives they've attempted to piece back together nearly 25 years later, proving that the past is never really past and what began out in the wilderness is far from over. YELLOWJACKETS stars Emmy Award-nominee Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Emmy Award-nominee Christina Ricci. In this interview, we talk about the pros and cons of working as a writing partnership, the challenges and rewards of writing original content versus writing for existing shows, what they look for when hiring writers for their staff, the specific difficulties of writing a show with two timelines, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Freddy Macdonald is a Student Academy Award winner and the youngest Directing Fellow ever accepted to the AFI Conservatory. Freddy's AFI admission film, SEW TORN, was acquired by Searchlight Pictures, and it received an Oscar-qualifying theatrical release nationwide alongside READY OR NOT. SEW TORN follows a seamstress who gets tangled in her own thread after stealing a briefcase from a drug deal gone bad. In an escalating game of cat and mouse, her different choices lead to drastically different outcomes along the way. In this interview, we talk about his decision to attend film school (AFI), the creation of the short film SEW TORN as an application piece and its unexpected success, getting recognition from Joel Cohen and advice from mentors, the challenges of adapting the short film into a feature-length movie, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Jonathan Tropper is an American novelist, screenwriter, and producer. He is the internationally best-selling author of six novels that have been translated into over thirty languages. Most recently, he created the Apple TV+ Series YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, which follows a hedge fund manager who resorts to burglary after losing his job, targeting wealthy neighbors to maintain his family's lifestyle, but makes a fateful error breaking into the wrong home. In this interview, we talk about writing characters who do questionable things but remain relatable, the casting of John Ham, the development process of the show, working with actors, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Luke Barnett is an actor, writer, and filmmaker. On the acting front, Luke recently wrapped season 5 of AppleTV+'s critically acclaimed sci-fi drama FOR ALL MANKIND, where he recurs as suit supervisor Mike Shaw (we also spoke with the creators of this series back in Episode 363.) This year, his short film THE CROSSING OVER EXPRESS, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, went viral on X (formerly Twitter) and is now being developed as a feature. Luke's short, The Crossing Over Express, got nearly 2 million views in 30 days, for a personal gut-wrenching story (shot in just 1 day with a skeleton crew). Here's what else happened: -6 managers / agents reached out to rep him -100s of fans reached out about the emotional core -Countless industry pros re-shared the post -Featured in Variety, Deadline, No Film School, etc. -Currently developing a pitch for a full feature version If you haven't seen it yet, here's a link to Luke's Profile and the Short is pinned at the top: https://x.com/LukeBarnett In this interview, we talk about his breakthrough with FUNNY OR DIE, creating viral content, the success of THE CROSSING OVER EXPRESS, the importance of proactivity and positivity, the reality of film festival politics, and much more. As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: https://www.scriptmastermind.com/buzztown62993179 Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Jon Shaivitz is an LA-based writer and director. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2009, he's earned recognition in prestigious competitions such as the Academy Nicholl Fellowship (Top 50), StoryPros (Runner-Up), and the Atlanta Screenplay Awards (Best Feature). His work has led to multiple script options, industry collaborations, and a growing reputation as a bold, innovative voice in filmmaking. In 2025, Jon makes his feature writing and directorial debut with ROSES ON THE VINE, a gripping drama set for worldwide release. Recently, he's been working on reinventing the screenplay-to-film pipeline with Pitcheroo, a game-changing new platform where screenwriters can connect with producers to get movies made. Pitcheroo.com will launch Summer 2025 and soon after, Pitcheroo.org, a sister site that is non-profit to train and lift up the next generation of creators. You can join their mailing list here: https://form.jotform.com/250508294545157 In this interview, we talk about his background and career, the film industry in Baltimore and the DC area, his film ROSES ON THE VINE, the concept and purpose of Pitcheroo, the problems with traditional screenwriting contests, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield are the dynamic duo behind the highly anticipated Netflix comedy series THE FOUR SEASONS, a show they co-created with Tina Fey, inspired by the classic 1981 film. Fisher previously co-created the hit NEVER HAVE I EVER and wrote for BROOKLYN NINE-NINE and THE MINDY PROJECT, and Wigfield created SAVED BY THE BELL, GREAT NEWS, and won an Emmy for writing the 30 ROCK finale. THE FOUR SEASONS follows three suburban couples vacationing together each season, but tensions arise when one couple splits up and the husband brings a much younger woman on subsequent trips. In this interview, we talk about the nature of writing for comedy, the changes in the sitcom/comedy landscape, the development of the show, including the initial concept and inspiration from the movie, the writing process for the show, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Katie Robbins and Sarah Sutherland are the showrunners of Hulu's highly anticipated limited series, GOOD AMERICAN FAMILY, starring Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass. The series follows a Midwestern couple who adopts what they believe is a little girl with dwarfism as they begin to raise her alongside their three biological children, falling into a battle fought in the tabloids, the courtroom, and ultimately their marriage. Robbins' previous credits include the AppleTV+ drama series SUNNY, the award-winning Showtime drama series THE AFFAIR, and Amazon's THE LAST TYCOON. Sarah Sutherland was previously a co-executive producer on NINE PERFECT STRANGERS for Hulu and a Supervising Producer on SUNNY for Apple TV+, starring Rashida Jones. You can listen to my previous interview with Katie where we talk about her series SUNNY, right here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep567-katie-robbins-showrunner-the-affair-the-last/id1292130289?i=1000669592206 In this interview, we talk about the creation of the show GOOD AMERICAN FAMILY, including the concept, research, and narrative perspective, the casting process — particularly the casting of the role of Natalia, advice for aspiring writers, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

NYU roommates Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, established a working partnership through their love for genre films. Their filmography includes the thrillers BODY, THE STAKELANDER, and the critically acclaimed VILLAINS, starring Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe. They continued their success with SIGNIFICANT OTHER and their newest action-comedy film NOVOCAINE. NOVOCAINE follows a man, incapable of feeling physical pain, who transforms his rare condition into an unexpected advantage when the girl of his dreams is kidnapped. In this interview, we talk about the making of their first films, the importance of film festivals versus online platforms like YouTube, how their directing partnership formed, the challenges and process of preparing to direct action sequences, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ian Seabrook is a highly acclaimed Director of Photography, celebrated for his mastery of underwater cinematography. His recent work includes lensing both underwater and main unit photography for the upcoming thriller LAST BREATH starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole. Seabrook's extensive filmography features blockbuster hits like INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY and DEADPOOL 2. His television credits include WEDNESDAY, SHOGUN, LOST IN SPACE, and SEE. In his latest work, LAST BREATH, we follow seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crew mate trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface. In this interview, we talk about his decision to pursue film and the lack of formal education in underwater cinematography at the time, the complexities of underwater filming, the cinematography in Last Breath, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Andy Bobrow is a seasoned TV comedy writer with over two decades of experience on hit network shows like MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, COMMUNITY, and BROOKLYN NINE-NINE. He also served as Executive Producer and Co-Showrunner for Fox's LAST MAN ON EARTH and currently writes for Fox's KRAPOPOLIS. Guy Goldstein bridges screenwriting and technology, renowned for creating WriterDuet, the pioneering real-time collaborative screenwriting software. His innovations include HartChart, WriterSolo, and ReadThrough, enhancing the writing process for millions. Focused on leveraging AI to empower creators, his company develops tools like ScreenplayIQ for script analysis, PitchTrailer for audio-visual storytelling, and ScreenplayProof for screenplay-specific proofreading. To learn more check: screenplayiq.com/ and screenplayproof.com/ In this interview, we talk about the evolution of storytelling in TV and film, the impact of AI on the industry, the role of AI in pitching and development, AI and intellectual property concerns, the industry perceptions of AI and AI's future in screenwriting and entertainment. As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…JgwO09Vg/viewform Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Andy Bobrow is a seasoned TV comedy writer with over two decades of experience on hit network shows like MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, COMMUNITY, and BROOKLYN NINE-NINE. He also served as Executive Producer and Co-Showrunner for Fox's LAST MAN ON EARTH and currently writes for Fox's KRAPOPOLIS. Guy Goldstein bridges screenwriting and technology, renowned for creating WriterDuet, the pioneering real-time collaborative screenwriting software. His innovations include HartChart, WriterSolo, and ReadThrough, enhancing the writing process for millions. Focused on leveraging AI to empower creators, his company develops tools like ScreenplayIQ for script analysis, PitchTrailer for audio-visual storytelling, and ScreenplayProof for screenplay-specific proofreading. To learn more check: screenplayiq.com/ and screenplayproof.com/ In this interview, we talk about the evolution of storytelling in TV and film, the impact of AI on the industry, the role of AI in pitching and development, AI and intellectual property concerns, the industry perceptions of AI and AI's future in screenwriting and entertainment. As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…JgwO09Vg/viewform Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

David Carson is a counter-intuitive thinker and creative problem-solver with a knack for uncovering genius where others see nonsense. Known for transforming unconventional ideas into groundbreaking solutions, he has helped global brands like American Express, Nike, Coca-Cola, and IKEA build human connections, captivate audiences, and redefine what's possible. As the author of Dumbify and creator of its popular newsletter, Carson inspires individuals and organizations to embrace “dumb” ideas—those that seem foolish at first but often hold the smartest answers. In this interview, we talk about the concept of "dumb thinking," the power of humor to connect with people and make ideas more memorable, Carson's creative process, and how he uses "dumb thinking" to come up with new ideas for his writing and other projects. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Mark Dent is a senior writer and editor at The Hustle, where he writes feature stories about business and the economy. Mark's work has also appeared in outlets like the New York Times and Wired. He's the author of KINGDOM QUARTERBACK, a book about Patrick Mahomes and the fall and rise of midwest cities. In this interview, we talk about his early career and influences, his transitioning from sports journalism to newsletters, the appeal of newsletters, The Hustle's approach to content, story selection for newsletters, and more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Dito Montiel went from punk rocker to briefly a boxer, then a Versace/Calvin Klein model. His band Gutterboy signed a record deal with Geffen, followed by a period of homelessness. He rebounded by writing A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS, which became a film starring Robert Downey Jr., launching his directing career. His latest film, RIFF RAFF, follows a former criminal whose ordinary life is turned upside down when his old family shows up for a long-awaited reunion. In this interview, we talk about his approach to writing, working with actors, the importance of writing strong characters even for smaller roles, and his new film RIFF RAFF. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Nikki Toscano is a showrunner, executive producer, and director. She co-created and runs Peacock's LONG BRIGHT RIVER starring Amanda Seyfried, and was showrunner on Paramount+'s THE OFFER and Amazon's HUNTERS. With an extensive track record, including overall deals at major studios and credits on numerous acclaimed series, Toscano is a proven force in television. LONG BRIGHT RIVER, follows a Philadelphia police officer as she searches for her sister, an addict who has gone missing. In this interview, we talk about her process for developing original characters, the importance of learning how to pitch your work, how her writing changed when she learned how to produce television, her reputation for writing darker material, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

J.J. Bailey is the creator, executive producer and co-showrunner on the NBC drama THE HUNTING PARTY. Since 2017, he has developed several projects with UTV/NBC, which include two pilot orders for ECHO and GETAWAY. Now working under an overall deal with NBCUniversal, Bailey has his first series order with THE HUNTING PARTY. Jake Coburn also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer on THE HUNTING PARTY. Coburn began his television writing career on ABC's critically acclaimed drama DIRTY SEXY MONEY and then segued to GOSSIP GIRL, where he rose to supervising producer. He has also written for ARROW and DYNASTY. THE HUNTING PARTY follows a small team of investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers ever seen, all of whom have just escaped from a top-secret prison that's not supposed to exist. In this interview, we talk about how they came up with the idea for THE HUNTING PARTY, the challenges of writing a pilot episode, the business side of television and the challenges of getting a show made, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ike Barinholtz is an acclaimed comedic actor, writer, and producer. He's known for his work on shows like THE MINDY PROJECT, NEIGHBORS, BLOCKERS, and HISTORY OF THE WORLD, PART II. David Stassen is a writer, producer, and director. He co-created and runs Netflix's RUNNING POINT starring Kate Hudson. He also co-wrote and produced Hulu's HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART II with Mel Brooks, and co-wrote CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE. RUNNING POINT follows Isla Gordon, who overlooked her whole life, is appointed President of the LA Waves basketball team, a family business. With this, she aims to prove she was the right choice despite skepticism. In this interview, we talk about their writers' partnership, the evolution of their comedy style, the origin story of RUNNING POINT, casting Kate Hudson, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Pietro Schito is an animation screenwriter and producer who turns ideas into animated adventures and helps development teams unravel their story problems. He has worked with major studios and helped storytellers coming from Pixar, Netflix, Disney, and Dreamworks develop their own projects. Some of his credits include THINGDOM, THE PIANO, and INZOMNIA. Pietro is also the founder of the Write for Animation YouTube channel, where he and his team post videos on tips and tricks for good writing and interviews with masters of animation. You can subscribe to his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@writeforanimation And access his freebies here: https://www.writeforanimation.com/freebies In this interview, we talk about licensing IP vs. public domain IP, breaking into the animation industry, the changing landscape of the animation industry, and much more. As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: forms.gle/RNaoVrdU9afWpykWA Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Martin Campbell is a filmmaker known for directing two acclaimed James Bond films, GOLDENEYE and CASINO ROYALE. He gained recognition in British television with REILLY: ACE OF SPIES and the BAFTA-winning EDGE OF DARKNESS. His Hollywood career includes hits like THE MASK OF ZORRO and VERTICAL LIMIT. Renowned for his dynamic action sequences and ability to revitalize franchises, Campbell played a key role in launching Daniel Craig's Bond era. His most recent film, CLEANER, follows a group of radical activists as they take over an energy company's annual gala, seizing 300 hostages in order to expose the corruption of the hosts. Their just cause is hijacked by an extremist within their ranks, who is ready to murder everyone in the building to send his anarchic message to the world. It falls to an ex-soldier turned window cleaner, played by Ridley, suspended 50 stories up on the outside of the building, to save those trapped inside, including her younger brother. In this interview, we talk about his experience directing the James Bond films, his new film CLEANER, the evolution of villains in film, working with Jackie Chan on THE FOREIGNER, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Andrew Buss has carved out a niche for himself as a pop culture expert, with a heavy emphasis on comedy. He has written for publications like Vanity Fair, New York Magazine's Vulture, The Daily Beast, Consequence of Sound, and The Laugh Button, where he served as editor for five years. As a journalist, Andrew has conducted interviews with some of the most prominent names in entertainment, including Mel Brooks, Seth Rogen, Nikki Glaser, Conan O'Brien, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Emma Stone, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Brendan Fraser, Jonah Hill, Bo Burnham, and countless others. In this interview, we talk about his writing and journalism journey, his new book I AM MCLOVIN, the legacy of SUPERBAD. When Superbad was released on August 17th in 2007, it proved itself to be a massive success right out of the gate, especially for those in the film's target millennial demographic. The film wound up dominating at the box office, bringing in $170 million dollars worldwide, against a $20 million dollar budget. It also launched the careers of Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Emma Stone, Bill Hader, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Seth Rogen whose careers are all thriving to this day. It further proved that Judd Apatow is now one of the most successful film producers of his generation, bringing the world hit after hit. Superbad remains, to this day, a beloved comedy film for millennials who grew up with it. This is because, unlike other comedies of that era, it embraced the awkwardness of the characters, particularly with someone like Michael Cera. Unlike the cartoonish representations of an 80s comedy like Revenge of the Nerds, Superbad presented itself with depth to the characters that enabled millennials (and other generations) to bond with the movie in a more meaningful way. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Lol Crawley is a cinematographer known for his work on films such as THE BRUTALIST, WHITE NOISE, and 45 YEARS; and he is particularly recognized for his frequent collaborations with director Brady Corbet. His most recent work, THE BRUTALIST, follows a visionary architect and his wife who fled post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of the modern United States. In this interview, we talk about his breakthrough with the film BALLAST, his cinematographic style and approach, working on THE BRUTALIST and the creative process behind it, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Jarin Blaschke is an acclaimed cinematographer best known for his work with director Robert Eggers. His striking, atmospheric visuals define films like THE WITCH, THE NORTHMAN, and THE LIGHTHOUSE which earned him an Academy Award nomination. His latest work NOSFERATU, follows a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake. In this interview, we talk about his relationship with Robert Eggers, storyboarding and pre-production, how they approach camera movement, lighting, and other technical aspects during filming, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Philip Gelatt is a writer, director, and producer best known for his contribution to Netflix's animated anthology LOVE, DEATH & ROBOTS. His most recent work, FIRST WORD ON HORROR, featuring Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, Elizabeth Hand, Laird Barron, and Mariana Enriquez, is a fifteen-part documentary series that profiles five of the finest horror writers working today. Across multiple episodes, each author discusses their life, their inspirations, their philosophies, and their writing techniques while reading one of their short stories. In this interview, we talk about the process of creating FIRST WORD ON HORROR, the decision to use Substack as the primary platform for the series, insights into the horror genre and writing, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Drew Hancock's debut feature film, COMPANION, a dark and twisted tale of romance gone awry, stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid and marks Hancock's rise as a filmmaker. After college, Hancock gained experience in production before thriving at Channel 101, creating shows like CAUTIONARY TALES OF SWORDS and acting in YACHT ROCK. Determined to transition to film, Hancock wrote COMPANION. Initially attracting Zach Cregger (BARBARIAN) as director, Hancock was encouraged to helm the project himself. The film's success earned him a spot on Variety's "10 Directors to Watch" list for 2025. In this interview, we talk about the influence of Channel 101 on his career, the impact of live audience feedback, the creation of COMPANION and its marketing, his initial concept of "Barbie with bloodstains," and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Lol Crawley is a cinematographer known for his work on films such as THE BRUTALIST, WHITE NOISE, and 45 YEARS; and he is particularly recognized for his frequent collaborations with director Brady Corbet. His most recent work, THE BRUTALIST, follows a visionary architect and his wife who fled post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of the modern United States. In this interview, we talk about his breakthrough with the film BALLAST, his cinematographic style and approach, working on THE BRUTALIST and the creative process behind it, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Philip Gelatt is a writer, director, and producer best known for his contribution to Netflix's animated anthology LOVE, DEATH & ROBOTS. His most recent work, FIRST WORD ON HORROR, featuring Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, Elizabeth Hand, Laird Barron, and Mariana Enriquez, is a fifteen-part documentary series that profiles five of the finest horror writers working today. Across multiple episodes, each author discusses their life, their inspirations, their philosophies, and their writing techniques while reading one of their short stories. In this interview, we talk about the process of creating FIRST WORD ON HORROR, the decision to use Substack as the primary platform for the series, insights into the horror genre and writing, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Jarin Blaschke is an acclaimed cinematographer best known for his work with director Robert Eggers. His striking, atmospheric visuals define films like THE WITCH, THE NORTHMAN, and THE LIGHTHOUSE which earned him an Academy Award nomination. His latest work NOSFERATU, follows a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake. In this interview, we talk about his relationship with Robert Eggers, storyboarding and pre-production, how they approach camera movement, lighting, and other technical aspects during filming, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Morgan Neville is an acclaimed director and producer, known for his award-winning documentaries. His film WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? remains one of the highest-grossing and best-reviewed documentaries ever. His recent projects span TV and streaming platforms. His latest project SNL50: BEYOND SATURDAY NIGHT is a four-part docuseries honoring the legacy of SNL, with over 60 contributors, including SNL alumni, and spotlighting some of the show's most iconic elements. In this interview, we talk about the initial pitch for SNL50, the details of some of the episodes, particularly the writers' episode, his approach to documentary filmmaking, and more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Drew Hancock's debut feature film, COMPANION, a dark and twisted tale of romance gone awry, stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid and marks Hancock's rise as a filmmaker. After college, Hancock gained experience in production before thriving at Channel 101, creating shows like CAUTIONARY TALES OF SWORDS and acting in YACHT ROCK. Determined to transition to film, Hancock wrote COMPANION. Initially attracting Zach Cregger (BARBARIAN) as director, Hancock was encouraged to helm the project himself. The film's success earned him a spot on Variety's "10 Directors to Watch" list for 2025. In this interview, we talk about the influence of Channel 101 on his career, the impact of live audience feedback, the creation of COMPANION and its marketing, his initial concept of "Barbie with bloodstains," and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Kate Gersten is best known for her work on the Golden Globe winning series MOZART IN THE JUNGLE and the Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated comedy THE GOOD PLACE. Her first feature film, THE LAST SHOWGIRL, based on her play A BODY OF WORK, premiered at TIFF earlier last year and stars Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dave Bautista. The film is directed by Gia Coppola. THE LAST SHOWGIRL follows a seasoned showgirl who must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. In this interview, we talk about her journey as a writer, the adaptation of THE LAST SHOWGIRL from play to film, the process of casting Pamela Anderson as Shelley and her connection to the character, the inspiration for writing about showgirls, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Michelle Nader is a veteran showrunner, writer, and executive producer known for her work in comedy. She serves as showrunner and executive producer of ABC's upcoming series SHIFTING GEARS, starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, marking her first project under an overall deal with 20th Television. Michelle is also the showrunner of DELI BOYS, a Hulu comedy debuting in Spring 2025. Previously, she led 2 BROKE GIRLS and DOLLFACE, making her the first sole female showrunner for a Tim Allen show. In this interview, we talk about the evolution of female roles in sitcoms, the changing trends in comedy, her current and upcoming projects, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Pat Casey and Josh Miller first met in junior high detention in Minnesota, forming a creative partnership that began with a local late-night cable variety show and the ultra-low-budget film HEY STOP STABBING ME! Today, they're best known as the writers of the blockbuster SONIC THE HEDGEHOG franchise for Paramount Pictures, including the latest film, SONIC 3, which introduces Shadow, voiced by Keanu Reeves. In this interview, we talk about the development of their writing partnership, their work on the SONIC THE HEDGEHOG films, the process of writing for Jim Carrey, pop culture references in their work, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Jordan Weiss is the writer behind Hulu's hit series DOLLFACE, a comedy about female friendships starring Kat Dennings, Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell, and Esther Povitsky. She also penned the script for Disney's highly anticipated FREAKIER FRIDAY, the sequel to the iconic FREAKY FRIDAY. Jordan's feature directorial debut, SWEETHEARTS, a coming-of-age comedy starring Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga, follows two college freshmen who pull a "Turkey Dump" and break up with their high school sweethearts over "Drunksgiving" - the one chaotic night before Thanksgiving in their hometown that puts their codependent friendship to the test. In this interview, we talk about her experience working for Greg Daniels, landing her first staff writing job on HARLEY QUINN, developing and selling DOLLFACE, crafting unique and attention-grabbing writing samples, and her latest film SWEETHEARTS. As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: forms.gle/RNaoVrdU9afWpykWA If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Morgan Sackett is an accomplished television and film producer known for his work on critically acclaimed and beloved comedies such as PARKS AND RECREATION, THE GOOD PLACE, and VEEP. His projects have garnered multiple Emmy Awards and nominations, solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. His latest show, A MAN ON THE INSIDE, follows Charles, a retired man, who gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad from a private investigator and becomes a mole in a secret investigation in a nursing home. In this interview, we talk about his career path and transition to producing, the shift from traditional network television to streaming, his newest show A MAN ON THE INSIDE, and advice for aspiring producers. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Bruce Campbell is an actor and producer widely celebrated for his role as Ash Williams in the cult-classic EVIL DEAD film series and the hit TV show ASH VS. EVIL DEAD. Renowned for his charismatic performances and deadpan humor, Campbell has become an icon in the horror and sci-fi genres. His latest show, HYSTERIA!, follows a struggling high school heavy metal band of outcasts who use the town's sudden interest in the occult to start a reputation as a Satanic metal band, until a strange series of events triggers a witch hunt that leads back to them. In this interview, we talk about the early days of EVIL DEAD, the importance of collaboration between actors and writers, the dangers of excessive studio interference, the value of producing your own work, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Blake is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of a dozen novels, most recently, DARK MATTER, RECURSION, and UPGRADE, for which he is also writing the movie for Steven Spielberg's Amblin Partners. His international bestselling WAYWARD PINES trilogy was adapted into a television series for FOX and his novel, RECURSION, is currently being developed as a Netflix series by Shonda Rhimes and Matt Reeves. The nine-episode adaptation of his novel DARK MATTER follows a man who's abducted into an alternate version of his life. Amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could've lived, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from a terrifying foe: himself. In this interview, we talk about his early career break into screenwriting with WAYWARD PINES, the challenges and benefits of writer's rooms, the role of showrunners, his series DARK MATTER, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Halina Reijn is a writer, director, and actress known for her debut feature INSTINCT and the Gen-Z horror-comedy BODIES BODIES BODIES (A24), which earned her a Film Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Director. Her latest film, BABYGIRL (A24), set to release on December 25th, premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival to widespread acclaim. The film, an original erotic thriller, follows Nicole Kidman as a high-powered CEO who puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. In this interview, we talk about her unconventional upbringing, her early writing and acting career, the inspiration and themes behind BABYGIRL, working with Nicole Kidman, the influence of theater on her screenwriting and directing, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay have been writing together for nearly 25 years, collaborating on over 20 screenplays, including STAR TREK BEYOND for J.J. Abrams, JUNGLE CRUISE for Disney, and their 2017 Blacklist script ESCAPE. In season two of their show, THE RINGS OF POWER, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on season one's epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. In this interview, we talk about their collaborative partnership, the process of pitching the LORD OF THE RINGS series, their approach to adapting Tolkien's work, and balancing the needs of both die-hard fans and new viewers. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

James Mangold is an Oscar-nominated writer-director known for film like GIRL INTERRUPTED, WALK THE LINE, LOGAN, COP LAND, and FORD V FERRARI — the latter earning a Best Picture Oscar nomination. Most recently, Mangold directed A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, where at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, a young Bob Dylan shook up his act on the folk music scene by going electric and siring rock as the voice of a generation, defining one of the most transformative moments in 20th-century music. In this interview, we talk about the fundamental role of writing in filmmaking, the challenges and realities of the film industry, the challenges of adapting a real-life figure like Bob Dylan, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!