Scriptcake

89. Tom Schulman - Academy Award-Winning Screenwriter | Director | WGA Negotiator

8 snips
Jun 26, 2024
Tom Schulman, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter known for classics like "Dead Poets Society" and "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids," shares his journey from aspiring director to successful storyteller. He delves into his creative process, highlighting the balance of character and concept in writing. Schulman also discusses his latest project, "Double Down South," inspired by memories from a Nashville pool hall. Additionally, he reflects on the recent WGA negotiations and the industry's evolving landscape, including the challenges posed by AI for writers.
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ANECDOTE

Schulman's Screenwriting Origin Story

  • Tom Schulman began his screenwriting career wanting to direct films but started writing scripts due to lack of resources for directing.
  • He sold his early scripts including "Second Sight" and "Dead Poets Society," which helped him get started in the industry.
INSIGHT

Dead Poets Society Core Realization

  • Tom discovered the core of "Dead Poets Society" was about how a teacher changes his students.
  • Characters are inspired by real people and the story evolved to include conflict and resolution around the teacher's impact.
ANECDOTE

Fast Rewrite of Honey, I Shrunk Kids

  • Schulman rewrote "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" in just five days, transforming it from a "backyard drama" to a comedy.
  • His personal experience with a broken leg inspired the kids' perspective of fear around missing important life moments.
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