Screenwriter and producer Ed Solomon discusses objective and subjective storytelling, career transitions, rewriting process, and the challenges of working in the crime genre.
The podcast highlights the intense process of rewriting and honing scripts, emphasizing the importance of being open to new possibilities and approaching rewrites gracefully.
Ed Solomon discusses his transition from comedy to exploring the crime genre, emphasizing the importance of learning from each project and continually improving as a writer.
Deep dives
The Challenging Process of Creating 'Full Circle'
The podcast episode discusses the challenging process of creating the show 'Full Circle' with writer Ed Solomon and director Steven Soderbergh. They share how the show started as a branching narrative and evolved into a linear story. Ed Solomon describes the intense process of rewriting and honing the script, using physical methods like standing up and marking up thick pages with a sharpie. He also emphasizes the importance of approaching rewrites gracefully and being open to new possibilities. The discussion highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of rewriting, including dealing with changes, listening to feedback, and keeping perspective throughout the process.
Exploring the Crime Genre and Transitioning from Comedy
The podcast delves into Ed Solomon's transition from writing comedy to exploring the crime genre in projects like 'Full Circle' and 'No Sudden Move'. Solomon expresses his love for the crime genre, stating that he enjoys crafting a good yarn and finds joy in writing crime thrillers and suspenseful character stories. He shares his struggles in trying to write more serious material earlier in his career and the challenges of maintaining a comedic voice as he gets older. Solomon emphasizes the importance of learning from each project and continually striving to improve as a writer.
The Rewriting Process and Approaching Each Script Differently
The podcast delves into Solomon's rewriting process, highlighting his meticulous approach to script revisions. Solomon discusses the physicality of rewriting, including standing up while reading the script and using thick paper and sharpies to mark changes. He emphasizes the importance of looking at the script as a whole and making graceful revisions, rather than trying to preserve as much as possible. Solomon also emphasizes the need to approach each script differently, being open to different processes and adapting to the specific needs of each project.
Upcoming Projects and Exploration of Different Genres
The podcast concludes by discussing Solomon's upcoming projects. He mentions working on an original suspenseful television series, an adaptation of a beloved book, and a big sci-fi concept. Solomon is excited about these projects and the chance to explore different genres. He emphasizes the importance of managing multiple projects at once and finding a balance between pitching, writing, and polishing different ideas. Solomon's goal is to continue challenging himself as a writer and creating compelling stories in various genres.
Ed Solomon (Full Circle; Bill & Ted; Men in Black) discusses objective and subjective storytelling, choosing a career path and switching gears from comedy to crime, rewriting, listening to the voice of your inner GPS, and more.
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