I actually do write out of order. So I do exist.

Chris McCoy: One thing I find to be helpful when beginning a script is to just write down what every character wants. I think if everyone in the script has a clear idea of what they want, a lot of stuff snaps into place because every scene becomes about them trying to get what they want. It’s a simple trick that has been useful for me. This is a GREAT approach. Definitely using it! Thanks Chris!

I'm curious about the level of research these guys do. Say they're going to write something with an FBI agent or a physicist, do they devote hours up front to researching those fields? Or just figure out a story and research the specifics they need to know along the way?

Thank you guys for your time and input. Great tips! I'm outside of L.A. and north of 40 years old. As for learning the craft and finally breaking in, did you move to L.A. or enter screenplay contests? Is ageism as real in TV as in features or is that myth overblown? Thank you.

Lots and lots and lots of research. Weeks and weeks worth, and it continues as I move forward through the process. I don't like the idea of writing about the "movie" version of something. I want to at least pretend like I'm getting close to what the real thing might be like.

Moved to LA for grad school. Learned and made connections once I was here. I never entered any contests, and to be honest I don't really believe in them. I think the success rate out of anything but the Nichols is pretty low in terms of breaking in. But maybe they make sense if you don't have access to anyone who can read your stuff. I don't have much experience in TV, so I can't speak to ageism there. In features it's both a real thing and not as big a deal as you might be worrying about.

Thanks, Justin.

Thanks for doing the interview guys! I really love Chris McCoy's deceivingly simple suggestion.

I do a lot of research, but it usually doesn't come until my rewrites. I'll write my first draft so that the plot works the way I want to, realism be damned, and then when I'm rewriting new drafts, I will questions everything that's in the script, and go back and research it all for specific needs. Otherwise I find myself getting wrapped up too early on in the process, which destroys my forward momentum.

I'm not any more informed about the best way to fix a carburetor? But great interview.

[...] should really check out Part One and Part [...]

Really great interview! Thanks a lot guys!

[…] we’ve collected three pieces of writing advice from the screenwriter, collected from an inspiring roundtable discussion and an in-depth interview at Scott Myers’ “Go Into the Story” […]