Frederick Mensch, founder of the online screenwriting database MovieBytes, can now add working screenwriter to his resume. His uncompromising screenplay, Nightingale, was recently made into a movie by HBO, starring Golden-Globe nominee David Oyelowo. Nightingale is the first movie to be made from a script uploaded to the Black List, and has launched Mensch’s career many years after he began writing. Mensch discusses his long journey from film school to Hollywood, how to write a film with one character and one location, and the importance of writing a “splashy role” that will attract a movie star to your project.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Write On Podcast on iTunes!