The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 276 | The Naked Gun Writers Doug Mand & Dan Gregor on Fearless Comedy and Trusting the Process
Dec 18, 2025
Doug Mand and Dan Gregor, accomplished writers and producers known for their work on the Naked Gun reboot and popular comedies, delve into the art of fearless storytelling. They share insights on balancing emotional arcs with humor and embracing outlandish ideas in writing. The duo discusses the challenges of rejection and impostor syndrome while celebrating small victories and the miraculous nature of filmmaking. With a blend of humor and honesty, they highlight their creative processes, from crafting spoof structures to navigating the complexities of the industry.
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Celebrate Small Wins Equally
- Celebrate small wins like script orders and pilot pickups as fully as you would big hits.
- Treat each production step as a meaningful victory to maintain your emotional stamina.
Psychosomatic Back After A Lost Sale
- After losing their first sold TV show, Dan woke up with a psychosomatic back and missed a pitch his partners then sold without him.
- The next day his back improved, teaching him how deeply emotional loss can manifest physically.
Serious Actors Amplify Spoof Tone
- Casting a serious actor against type preserves the Zucker-style deadpan that makes spoof jokes land.
- The unexpected gravitas becomes the comedic contrast.