Andrew Lobel is the screenwriter behind one of this year's breakout horror hits, Immaculate. His journey to bring Immaculate from script to screen is a serious story of endurance and passion—it took 10 years from Andrew’s first draft for it to emerge into theatres. In this episode, Andrew dives into his origin story, writing process, and the saga of transforming Immaculate from a script into a fully realized film. Please give it up for Andrew Lobel. 

Here are some takeaways from this conversation with Andrew Lobel:

Be patient and play the long game. Immaculate took 10 years from script to screen and emerged as one of the standout horror successes of the year. Andrew kept the project alive by constantly entertaining offers and conversations about the work, never fully giving up even in the face of repeated setbacks. Throughout this decade-long process, Andrew encountered numerous challenges, including a changing cast and fluctuating interest from producers. However, he never lost sight of his vision for the film. When Sydney Sweeney, who had auditioned for the movie early in her career, reached new levels of fame, her renewed interest and subsequent attachment to the project provided the momentum needed to finally bring Immaculate to life. This persistence underscores the importance of resilience and long-term commitment in the unpredictable world of filmmaking.

Be an adaptable collaborator. Andrew's commitment to adaptability played a crucial role in this ultimate success. Again and again, he reshaped his script to align with the vision of attached collaborators, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to the project and his team. It's easy for writers and creatives to fall into the trap of clinging too tightly to their original work, resisting feedback or necessary changes. This can be a major misstep. Filmmaking thrives on collaboration, and films also change shape a lot before they’re finished so being adaptable is the name of the game.

Always make a favorable impression. Andrew’s initial interactions with Sydney Sweeney during the initial casting of Immaculate left a significant and positive impression on her early in her career. Even after the project was initially shelved, the favorable experience and professional respect she held for Andrew and the project persisted. This enduring connection enabled the revival of the film years later when Sydney's career had reached new heights. Andrew’s ability to create a memorable and positive experience during their initial collaboration highlights the importance of professionalism and rapport in filmmaking, which can lead to fruitful opportunities long after the first meeting.

SHOW NOTES

Movies:

• Immaculate
• Euphoria
• White Lotus
• Anyone But You
• Everything Sucks
• Voyeurs

TV Shows:

• Handmaid's Tale

Books:

• Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

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