Veteran TV writer and producer, John McNamara joined the ISA and its Curious About Screenwriting Network, and there is so much insight, TV history, lessons to be learned, and advice to be taken, it might be one of our favorite interviews to date. John has worked as a writer and producer on multiple shows since the 90’s, from Lois and Clark, to The Fugitive, Jericho, and now the popular Aquarius on NBC starring David Duchovny. He also has a feature coming out in November called Trumbo, about the blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo during the blacklist, Communist movement in Hollywood during the 40’s. With a ridiculous cast of Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren, Elle Fanning, John Goodman, Diane Lane and Alan Tudyk, for a writer working in Hollywood, the movie is a can’t miss.
We talked a lot about John’s origins as a writer/producer, having first worked as a playwright in New York alongside Steven Sondheim, Arthur Lawrence, and so many other theatre icons. His stories are priceless, but his advice for young writers is even better. Definitely give this interview a listen, and check out Aquarius on NBC as soon as you’re able. It’s perfect binge-watching fare, and there will even be an NC-17 cut of the show released in September. Have fun with this one, and thanks for listening!