WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Episode 1647 - Scott Frank

15 snips
May 29, 2025
Scott Frank, a prolific Hollywood screenwriter known for works like Logan and The Queen's Gambit, shares his insights on the perpetual anxiety that comes with creative success. He discusses the impulse that drives him to continually work on projects, including his new Netflix series Department Q. Scott reflects on the importance of mentorship, the delicate art of adapting literary works while preserving the author’s voice, and the complexities of storytelling in film. His journey highlights the balance between passion and the pressures of job security in Hollywood.
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ANECDOTE

Scott Frank's Anxiety Struggles

  • Scott Frank experiences chronic anxiety about job security despite his success.
  • He tries meditation but struggles to relax, highlighting the ongoing mental pressure he faces.
INSIGHT

Creativity Needs Messiness

  • Great writing often emerges from mess and happy accidents rather than strict organization.
  • Writers must accept the imperfect process, knowing things will improve over time.
ADVICE

Discipline Over Systems

  • Do the work consistently and with discipline; systems are not substitutes for writing.
  • Write compulsively to build skill and overcome initial difficulties.
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