“Unlocking the Secrets of Storytelling: Jack Waz Reveals What Every Writer Must Know”
In the world of screenwriting, hitting the prestigious Black List is akin to winning the lottery—except, in this case, the jackpot is filled with opportunities rather than cash. So, what does it take to get there? I had the pleasure of interviewing Jack Waz, the talented mind behind the script Decoys, which made it onto the coveted 2024 Black List. As we dove into Jack’s journey, from his creative spark as a kid at summer camp to navigating the comically competitive landscape of screenwriting, I couldn’t help but wonder: how does one turn childhood dreams into screenwriting success? Join me as we explore Jack’s insights on the craft, the struggles, and the triumphs of creating stories that resonate. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this—if you’ve ever thought about writing a screenplay or just getting a sneak peek behind the curtain of a writer’s life, this conversation is for you! LEARN MORE.
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.
Here is the complete interview with Jack.
Scott: Congratulations, Jack, on making the Black List. This is your fifth time?
Jack: Yep, correct.
Scott: We need to have that “Saturday Night Live” thing where they bring the frequent hosts…
Jack: The smoking jackets? Yeah. Absolutely I would love to have a green Black List smoking jacket.
Scott: Let’s go back a bit here. When did you develop an interest in writing for TV and film?
Jack: I grew up in Philly. I always knew I wanted to do something funny, something creative. The first of the most formative moments of my life, I went to summer camp when I was a kid. It’s a place called Camp Waziyatah. Actually, the TV show “Bug Juice,” which was a Disney Channel show in the ’90s shot there, which is a weird claim to fame when you’re a kid, “Oh, that’s my summer camp,” is the famous TV one.
My first day there, they had a whole variety show of “here’s what all the activities are.” There are these two genuinely funny, hilarious Canadian dudes named Kurt and Ed. I still remember they were like, hey, this is what improv is. They did an improv scene in front of all of us, and I thought it was just the funniest shit I’d seen in my life. It blew my little 10-year-old mind.
I was like, oh, I want to do that. I started doing that at summer camp. That evolved into, when I was in high school, I did a second city summer program. By the time I was a junior, I was commuting up to New York on the weekends to do UCB classes. Starting at 16, I was going through the whole training program there, did the levels, did a musical improv course with Eliza Skinner, who’s a brilliant writer now.
I knew I liked comedy. I knew comedy was a way. I didn’t always feel happy at home. I didn’t always feel like it fit in. Like most other writers, you always feel like a bit of an outsider. Comedy…
Post Comment