“Unveiling the Secrets: Why Every Screenwriter Must Embrace the Harsh Truth ‘Movies Don’t Owe Anyone a Living'”
Have you ever found yourself tapping your feet to a beat, only to realize that music is not just an art form, but a harsh reality of life? In an industry that thrives on passion, creativity, and endless hustle, how often do we forget the simple truth: “Music don’t owe anybody a living.” This sentiment, often attributed to the legendary Levon Helm of The Band, resonates deeply with anyone who’s dared to dream in the wild world of entertainment. From navigating the bright lights of Aspen’s music scene to juggling the intricacies of screenwriting, I’ve come to understand that art teaches us more than just notes and dialogue—it teaches us about life itself. Join me as I unpack this concept, reflecting on my personal journey through music and comedy, and how those experiences molded my approach to storytelling. To delve deeper into this enlightening exploration of art and opportunity, LEARN MORE.
The original quote is about music, but it pertains to all entertainment.
This is actually a lesson I learned before I became a screenwriter. After I graduated with an M.Div. from Yale and turned my back on an academic career — although I didn’t know it at the time, only thought I was taking a year off before I went on to a doctoral program — I played music professionally for 7 years, then did stand-up comedy for 2. So before I wrote and sold the spec script K-9, I worked in the entertainment business for nearly a decade.
During that time, I learned a lot about writing, knowing your audience, working a room, comic timing, and how to entertain people. I also found out a great deal about life itself.
One thing that stuck with me was a quote. I attribute it to Levon Helm, formerly the drummer of The Band, but I’ve never been able to find a source online to confirm that. The quote as I remember it is this: “Music don’t owe anybody a living.”
It made quite an impression on me when I first heard it. At the time, I was living and playing music in Aspen. In one respect, it was a great place to be because the town was, at the time, filled with a ton of talented musicians, drawn by the success of Aspen residents including John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Don Henley, Glenn…
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