Ep 253 - From “Just Friends” to Emmy Nods: Adam Tex Davis on Screenwriting Success and Versatility

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with Adam Tex Davis, the Emmy-nominated writer behind Just Friends starring Ryan Reynolds and the groundbreaking show Brain Games. Tex shares his journey from writing Star Wars fan stories as a kid to scripting beloved films and creating educational content that captivates audiences of all ages. From hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes to career advice on versatility, this conversation offers insights into navigating Hollywood and staying creative in a competitive industry.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Tex turned childhood inspiration into a successful screenwriting career.
• The origin story of Just Friends and its relatable resonance.
• What it’s like to run an educational TV writer's room.
• The surprising life of projects that get canceled but continue to succeed.
• Why versatility is key to longevity as a screenwriter.

Key Moments:

• [00:38] Introduction: Welcoming Adam Tex Davis and clarifying his Emmy nomination.
• [03:50] The inspiration behind Just Friends and how it sold as a spec script.
• [07:37] Brain Games: Developing a hit educational series for National Geographic.
• [14:45] Brainchild: Creating a Netflix show with Pharrell Williams.
• [16:30] Pivoting to podcasts: Tex’s work on Who Smarted? and The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?

About the Guest:
Adam Tex Davis is an Emmy-nominated writer known for the hit comedy Just Friends and the educational phenomenon Brain Games. He has crafted compelling stories for film, television, and podcasts, demonstrating his creative versatility across mediums. Tex continues to inspire with his popular science podcast Who Smarted? and his film analysis show, The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?

About the Host:
With films on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is the author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter and host of The Successful Screenwriter podcast. He is passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of writers.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Who Smarted? Podcast: Listen Here

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Website: The Successful Screenwriter
• Instagram: @screenwriterpod
• TIkTok: @screenwriterpod

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