Rod Serling: On how he wishes more writers would put themselves to the test

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 discusses how he reacts when someone sends him an idea for Serling to write:

“I wish more good writers would put themselves and their own works to a test… I too often here from students for example… I get this in mail via correspondence in sizable, voluminous amounts, ‘I’m not a writer, but I’ve got this idea. And if you could just write it.’ Well, that’s not the key question. The key question is can you sit down and write it? Would you try? And of course they’re hung on by style and technique. They’re hung up by how do I split a page for television script… which is hardly of the essence, it’s the story that counts.”

Thanks to David for finding these videos.

[Originally posted February 16, 2010]

Comment Archive