Rod Serling: “I was traumatized into writing by war”

GITS reader David A sent me a link to an amazing set of videos, a sit-down conversation with TV and screenwriter Rod Serling. Most well-known for the long-running TV anthology series “The Twilight Zone” (148 episodes, 1959–1964), has over 70 writing credits including the screenplays for movies such as Seven Days in May and the original Planet of the Apes.

Last week and this, we’re featuring Serling’s thoughts on writing each day with short (1–2 minute) interview excerpts. Today Serling ruminates on how he was inspired by war to become a writer:

“I was traumatized into writing by war events. By going to a war in a combat situation and feeling a desperate sense… a terrible need of some type of therapy, get it out of my gut, and write it down.

Thanks to David for finding these fantastic videos.

[Originally posted February 19, 2010]