Creative Principles

Dean Devlin has produced and co-written some of the most successful feature films of all time: INDEPENDENCE DAY, STARGATE, and GODZILLA which collectively grossed more than 1.4 billion dollars worldwide.

Jonathan Glassner is a seasoned television writer, producer, and director best known for his work on science fiction and drama series. He is widely recognized for his work on STARGATE SG-1 and CSI: MIAMI.

Their latest show THE ARK takes place 100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. In season two, after the brave crew of Ark One reaches their destination and finds it uninhabitable, they must survive long enough to locate a new home for themselves and all the ships that follow.

In this interview, we talk about how sci-fi has evolved as a genre, the collaboration between Dean and John, the challenges of creating original content, writing advice for young writers, and more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

“I was really into THE BATMAN,” says Zobel. “So much so that I had reached out to him after I'd seen it. I had happened to have been on an email chain with him from years prior about another kind of movie thing, and so I had his email and I just reached out.”

Craig Zobel is a director, producer, and screenwriter best known for directing episodes of hit series like WESTWORLD, THE LEFTOVERS, and AMERICAN GODS.

Zobel also recently directed the first three episodes of THE PENGUIN starring Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb (aka “The Penguin”). The eight-episode DC Studios series continues THE BATMAN epic crime saga that filmmaker Matt Reeves began.

In this interview, we talk about budgetary considerations in screenwriting, regional specificity in filmmaking, THE PENGUIN, the value of genuine appreciation and support for other filmmakers, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo stars in the Netflix series THE LINCOLN LAWYER. He will next be seen starring as the title character in PEDRO PARAMO, the directorial debut of Rodrigo Prieto based on the iconic book by Juan Rulfo, and was recently cast in a lead role in JURASSIC WORLD 4 opposite Scarlett Johansson.

In THE LINCOLN LAWYER, Manuel plays lawyer Mickey Haller, who works in the back of his Lincoln Navigator as he takes on cases in Los Angeles while balancing a private life that includes being a father and having two ex-wives.

In this interview, we talk about early influences and moving to L.A., the changing landscape for Latino actors in the industry, his series THE LINCOLN LAWYER, JURASSIC WORLD 4, and more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ted Humphrey is an accomplished writer, producer, director, and showrunner. He’s earned acclaim for his work as a producer on the CBS hit show THE GOOD WIFE in which he was honored with multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and Writers Guild nominations for Best Drama Series. For his episode “Boom,” he received a Writers Guild nomination for Best Episodic Drama Script.

In his latest series, THE LINCOLN LAWYER, based on the beloved novels by Michael Connelly and developed for television by Humphrey, Mickey Haller runs his law practice out of his Lincoln, and he's ready to hit the gas. Moving through Los Angeles, he takes cases while balancing a private life that includes being a father and having two ex-wives.

In this interview, we talk about his early influences and how he transitioned to the entertainment industry, concerns about the current state of television production and writer development, his show THE LINCOLN LAWYER, the impact of streaming services on television production and storytelling, and more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

“We are an underdog culture. We love the underdog story. And I think with wrestling, and certainly what we tried to do with HEELS was that,” says Martin.

“Regional wrestling, that's like about the lowest level of showbiz you can get and people are doing it truly because they love it because it means something to them because maybe they are not special in their life, but when they are in that ring, people are watching them. People care about what they're doing, even if it's just a handful of people and they feel valid for that moment.”

HEELS follows two brothers and rivals - one a villain, or "heel," in the ring; the other a hero, or "face," who war over their late father's wrestling promotion, vying for national attention in small-town Georgia.

In this interview, we talk about the creation of HEELS, character development and relationships, the appeal of the underdog story and the pursuit of glory, early drafts and feedback, and much more. For more on Eric, you can also listen to our first interview back in Episode 493 of the podcast.

As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here:

forms.gle/RNaoVrdU9afWpykWA

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Jac Schaeffer is an accomplished screenwriter best known for her groundbreaking work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She served as the head writer and executive producer for WANDAVISION, Marvel's first TV series on Disney+, starring Elizabeth Olsen and

Paul Bettany.

Schaeffer's background includes THE HUSTLE which starred Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson, and Marvel Studios’ feature film BLACK WIDOW, starring Scarlett Johansson.

In Schaeffer's latest show, AGATHA ALL ALONG, a spell-bound Agatha Harkness regains freedom thanks to a teen's help. Intrigued by his plea, she embarks on the Witches' Road trials to reclaim her powers and discover the teen's motivations.

In this interview, we talk about the role of IP in storytelling, her show AGATHA ALL ALONG, the creative process and collaboration, working with Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza, and much more. You can also listen to our first conversation back in Episode 305 of the podcast.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

In 2021 Mary Neely and Kareem Rahma met at a Brooklyn comedy show. A week later they found themselves crammed at a downtown restaurant, elbows tucked and leaning forward, deep in discussion about an age-old argument: are men only nice to women who they want to have sex with? A settlement was never reached. Not long after, Kareem posted a still of Mathieu

Kassovitz’ LA HAINE to his Instagram with the words, “I’m quitting comedy until someone casts me in a dramatic role.” Mary responded, “I’ll cast you.” The goal was set: write a joint personal essay, conversing about sensitive topics, and transcribing everything into the structure of a film that would be feasible to produce on a microbudget.

Kareem Rahma is a three-time Webby-nominated writer, producer, comedian, and musician. He’s also the creator and host of two hit digital series: KEEP THE METER RUNNING and SUBWAYTAKES, which have both amassed 100s of millions of views on TikTok and Instagram.

Mary Neely is an actor, writer, and director. She directed and edited the short film PINK TRAILER, which premiered at SXSW, played opening night of Palm Springs ShortFest and was featured in i-D, Paper Magazine, and Refinery29 before being selected by the Milwaukee Film Institute to screen before Olivia Wilde’s BOOKSMART in theaters.

In this interview, we talk about the role of short form content in their careers, its impact on their work, and the advantages of a DIY approach, the challenges and rewards of self-producing films, the importance of constraints and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

"The idea for CHALLENGERS came to me through this moment when I was watching the U.S. Open and it was this very controversial match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka," says Justin.

"It was controversial because there was a call by the ref where he accused Serena Williams of receiving coaching from the sidelines and up until that point, I hadn't been a massive tennis fan or anything. I just happened to watch the U.S. Open. So I didn't know about that rule but immediately that struck me as this intensely cinematic situation. That you're all alone on the court, it's this incredibly high-stakes match. There's thousands of people watching you, and there's one other person who cares as much about what happens to you out there as you do, and you can't talk to them."

"I started thinking what would you do if you really had to talk with them about something, and what if it was something beyond tennis? What if it was something that was about you guys or about your life, and what if somehow it involved this person across the net? And that was the initial seed and where it got planted."

In this interview, we talk about the inspiration behind CHALLENGERS, the process of developing and introducing characters, the importance of wardrobe, the logistics of getting a screenplay made, and much more.

As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here:

forms.gle/RNaoVrdU9afWpykWA

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60-seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom on your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Bear McCreary is an acclaimed composer known for his work in film, television, and video games. His distinctive style blends orchestral elements with electronic and world music influences, creating unique and memorable scores. Best known for his work on the reimagined series BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, McCreary has also composed music for popular shows like OUTLANDER, THE WALKING DEAD, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER, and more.

In Season Two of THE RINGS OF POWER, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without an army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season One’s epic scopy and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots…as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all…each other.

In this interview, we talk about Bear’s early fascination with movies and music, his career journey, including his work on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER, his approach to writing music, creative constraints, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

In his 35-year career, Mark Morris has written and edited around fifty novels, novellas, short story collections, and anthologies. His script work includes audio dramas for DOCTOR WHO, JAGO & LITEFOOT, and the HAMMER CHILLERS series. Among his most recent work are new audio adaptations of the classic 1971 horror movie BLOOD ON SATAN’S CLAW and the M.R. James ghost story A VIEW FROM A HILL, the official BBC Books/Target novelization of the 60th anniversary DOCTOR WHO special WILD BLUE YONDER, and, as editor, the anthologies AFTER SUNDOWN, BEYOND THE VEIL, CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT and DARKNESS BECKONS.

In this interview, we talk about his early experiences with writing, the transition to professional writing, his writing process and approach to editing, the importance of finding a good editor and maintaining a healthy dialogue with your publisher, plus his love for science fiction and horror.

This episode is brought to you by AutoCrit. This episode is brought to you by AutoCrit. One of the most value-packed memberships for any author, AutoCrit brings you an incredible suite of tools that make it a breeze to plan, write AND edit your books all in one place. There's also a wonderful member community stuffed with live events, story workshops, feedback sessions, and even guest appearances that put you right in the room with bestselling authors from around the world.

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If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!