Scriptnotes Podcast 716 - Personality Typologies
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Dec 16, 2025 In this discussion, screenwriter Mike Makowsky shares insights about his historical series, Death by Lightning, exploring the bizarre tale of President Garfield's assassination. He delves into the challenges of dramatizing lesser-known history and finding compelling narratives. The conversation also touches on writing habits and personality typologies, debating their utility in character development. Mike's unique creative process and obsessive traits spark a lively exchange, alongside reflections on breaking into Hollywood later in life and adapting complex stories for the screen.
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How Death By Lightning Began
- Mike Makowsky found Destiny of the Republic at a bookstore and read it in one sitting, which sparked his obsession with James Garfield.
- He optioned the book himself and wrote a pilot to prove the show's tone before anyone would back it.
Make A Pilot To Sell The Tone
- Write a pilot or proof-of-concept yourself if executives dismiss your unusual idea.
- Use that script to attract champions who can shepherd the project through development.
Obscure History As Creative Opportunity
- Obscure historical subjects can be fertile ground because audiences lack preconceived expectations.
- That blank slate lets writers create a compelling tone and surprise viewers with something wholly original.