DSC at 2010-12-09 01:42:42:

Excellent, but let me point out that there are NO geniuses, only HARD WORKERS. The GENIUS is in the HARD WORK.

Milch is no different, he preps his work in his head, and yes, it does take talent to able to come up with a scene in your head and be able to dictate that almost immediately, but I don't think he's any different in genius level to other brilliant writers. Take Stanley Kubrick, he wrote EVERYTHING down. I quote him "Never trust anyone who does not write things down" While Stanley was meticulous in prep writing, he said that it all really comes alive on the set for him, where he encourages improv.

I don't think one should get hung up if another process is different, it's just another way of doing the thing. Also, Milch has probably thought about the structure of each episode well before he had to dictate the scene.

All this talent comes from HARD WORK and your ability to sustain it.
I hope that makes sense.

jcarends at 2010-12-09 07:54:37:

Here, here! I was among hundreds mesmerized by the herald Milch at the Austin Film Festival a few years back. One blogger called it "the best panel ever," as Mr. Milch was joined on Paramount stage by Shane Black and Sydney Pollack. They riffed off each other for about an hour, exploring each other's creative process, tapping into the magic, and how it's all about getting everyone focused on creating something extraordinary when you set out to make a film.

Genius X 3...heralds all!