“Behind the Curtain: How Unsung Screenwriters Shape Hollywood’s Success”
In late spring 1988, a fresh-faced storyteller found himself amidst the whirlwind of Hollywood magic in sunny San Diego, where the movie K-9 was coming to life. Can you imagine the excitement of stepping onto a bustling movie set for the very first time? The air thick with possibility, cameras rolling, and the legendary James Belushi just a handshake away! As this eager writer takes in the sights, sounds, and frenetic energy, he is struck by a profound thought from his partner—“Everyone is here because of us.” This revelation unfolds not just the complexities of collaborative creativity but also invites us to ponder: just how many dreams take flight on the back of a single idea? As the narrative unfolds, we explore the intricate tapestry of storytelling, the indispensable role of each individual in bringing a vision to the screen, and the humble beginnings that pave the way for cinematic adventures. So buckle up! You’re in for a journey through laughter, chaos, and inspiration. LEARN MORE.

It is late spring 1988. I am in San Diego where K-9 is being shot. It’s my first day on a movie set. Ever. The scene the crew is shooting is the one where Dooley (James Belushi) enters a seedy bar seeking information on a bad guy named Benny the Mule (Pruitt Taylor Vince). Things go from bad to worse for Dooley until Jerry Lee intervenes in his unique fashion.
So I meet Belushi. The director. A few of the other actors. Some crew members (including Gary Frutkoff, at the time an assistant art director, but for many years a production designer, and still one of my good friends). It’s all exciting, dizzying, and very, very cool.
As I’m standing there watching people buzz around, my writing partner says something that I had never considered before:
“Everyone is here because of us.”
That’s right, I think. If it hadn’t been for us cracking the story, me going away and writing it… if it hadn’t been for us, not one of these people currently going about their business would be here.
No producers. No director. No actors. No crew. No location. No nothing.