Scott Frank on 'Monsieur Spade' and Lessons Learned From Over 25 Years of Screenwriting
May 2, 2024
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Screenwriter Scott Frank discusses making 'Monsieur Spade', his shift from script doctor to showrunner, and his views on changing viewer habits in TV and movies.
Scott Frank is excited about diverse upcoming projects like 'Mr. Spade' continuation and a Travis McGee adaptation.
Frank emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the industry amidst changing formats and audience preferences.
Collaborations with artists and varied projects showcase Frank's creative versatility across storytelling mediums.
Deep dives
Scott Frank's Enthusiasm for New Projects
Scott Frank expresses his excitement for diverse upcoming projects, including potential continuations of 'Mr. Spade' and 'Department Q', as well as writing an opera with The Killers and working on a Travis McGee adaptation. He shares insights on the flexibility required in the industry amidst changing tastes and formats.
Prospects for 'Mr. Spade' and 'Department Q'
Scott Frank discusses the potential continuation of 'Mr. Spade' with USC rethinking its stance on another season. He envisions a new chapter for 'Sam Spade' in a politically charged 1968 San Francisco setting and hints at further developing 'Department Q'. Frank's eagerness for these projects demonstrates his commitment to storytelling.
Engagement with Diverse Projects
Scott Frank's diverse projects encompass collaborations with accomplished artists like Megan Abbott for 'Red Harvest', the 'American Assassin' series with Tommy Kale, and an adaptation of Bud Schilberg's 'A Face in the Crowd'. His creative prowess shines as he navigates various storytelling mediums from novels to musicals.
Challenges and Inspirations in Storytelling
Scott Frank delves into the complexities of balancing technology's impact on storytelling, changing audience tastes, and maintaining artistic integrity. He draws from a deep well of influences, ranging from classic literature to modern music, highlighting the importance of adapting while staying true to core storytelling principles.
Navigating Industry Trends
In an ever-evolving entertainment landscape, Scott Frank reflects on the cyclical nature of Hollywood trends, where shifts from movies to TV and back again continually dictate content preferences. He emphasizes the significance of staying true to storytelling instincts amid industry fluctuations while embracing the unexpected opportunities the future holds.
Chris and Andy are joined by screenwriter Scott Frank to talk about making 'Monsieur Spade' and what pulled him toward that adaptation (1:00), how he shifted from being primarily a script doctor to running his own shows (21:39), and how he feels about the shifting ways in which people consume TV and movies (41:49).
