“Unlocking the Secrets: Jack Waz Reveals the Surprising Truths Behind His Journey in Part 2 of Our Exclusive Interview”
In the glittering chaos of Hollywood, the path to success is often riddled with twists, turns, and a fair share of valleys. So, what does it take to emerge from the shadows and capture the spotlight? My recent conversation with Jack Waz—the writer behind the 2024 Black List script Decoys—offers a tantalizing glimpse into the heart of a storyteller navigating the industry’s peaks and pitfalls. In this candid exchange, Jack reflects on his journey, revealing the inspirations that fueled Decoys and the lessons learned through triumphs and setbacks. Perfect for aspiring screenwriters and cinephiles alike, this series promises to unpack the art of scriptwriting with a personal touch that resonates. Buckle up, because today’s installment dives into how Jack transformed his experiences into compelling narratives that stand out in a crowded field!
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My interview with the 2024 Black List writer for his script Decoys.
Jack Waz wrote the screenplay Decoys which landed on the 2024 Black List. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Jack about his creative background, writing multiple Black List scripts, and his approach to the craft of screenwriting.
Today in Part 2 of a 6-part series to run each day this week, Jack shares what inspired him to write the script “Decoys”.
Scott: Working in Hollywood is all about peaks and valleys. How’d you get out of this particular valley?
Jack: I got a call from a buddy of mine, this guy Grant Gish, who at the time was working at Marvel.
He was like, your old show runner from “Cougar Town” is doing a show for me, would you want to go work for him again? I’m like, yeah, I’d love to meet him. I went out, and it was Kevin Beagle, who was the creator of “Cougar Town.” We walk in, and we’re reminiscing. I’m like do you remember that whole thing with Santa Claus? He laughs his ass off. He’s like, oh, yeah, you were that PA.
It was just a very nice full circle moment. Kevin wound up hiring me. I worked with him on a Marvel show for a season. He’s become a friend and mentor, just a genuinely great human being. We brought a show out together a few years later. I was that knucklehead PA that almost ruined Christmas for his kids. I wound up being his assistant, then friend.
Scott: Oh, wow.
Jack: Yeah. Did the Marvel show, went to work as a writer’s assistant on a show called “Get Shorty” for a couple seasons, worked for this guy, Davey Holmes, who is, I think, the best pure producer I’ve ever worked for. He was a very good show runner. What I learned from Kevin is something that stuck with me forever, which is how to balance heart and comedy.
The stuff I wrote before I worked with Kevin on the Marvel show was very cynical and very dry. It was funny, but it was mean. What he taught me was how to actually put human emotion and pathos into my work, and I am much better off for it. When I worked for Davey on “Get Shorty,” I learned story stuff.
I also learned the production angle of, this is how you write for a budget, this is how you cycle in characters, actors, and…
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