Mark Fergus, one-half of the writing team sharing credit on IRON MAN, talks with Zicree/Simkins about what life is like working with legends.
Note: Right-Click in Windows or Control-Click in OS X.
Always Free Via…
What’s New on io9:
- The Unholy Beauty Of Book Of Eli's Post-Apocalyptic World [The Book Of Eli]
- Which Superhero Should Be The New Santa? [Santa Who?]
- Ninja Turtles Snuggie Fights Shredder Hoodie for a Spot Under Your Tree [Sci Fashion]
- How Avatar Has Changed Pixar's John Carter of Mars [John Carter Of Mars]
- Retro Infographics Show Victorian Science Without Steampunk [Retro Chart Porn]
Visits
3 comments
Comments feed for this article
April 11, 2008 at 7:07 pm
marc margolies
I really enjoyed this interview. Hearing a success story like this is so motivating, particularly so because it doesn’t gloss over the difficulties of getting started. I am beginning to believe that I am learning the mind-set of the people at the top of the film production pyramid through these podcasts. Thank you for that.
April 11, 2008 at 7:46 pm
David S.
Marc,
Glad you enjoyed it. We honestly love putting them together. We’re learning things as well. Or at least being reminded of the stuff we’ve forgotten along the way.
Keep listening.
Best,
David S.
May 13, 2008 at 11:58 am
Will W.
I posted this comment on iTunes, but wanted to do so here as well.
As an aspiring screenwriter on the outside of “the business,” I was warned of numerous adversaries on the winding road to Hollywood success. Materialistic agents will see you as property, not a person. Manipulative studio executives will take control of your work. Callous professionals will try to abuse you, and combative peers will see you as competition. Such preconceived notions can poison a career before it begins. However, this incredible interview with CHILDREN OF MEN and IRON MAN co-writer, Mark Fergus is the best antidote to that poison.
Mark is amazingly grounded for someone in the ever-shifting world of entertainment. He humbly and eloquently attributes his meteoric rise to A-list Hollywood screenwriter to letting go, and writing what you know. Sounds simple, but such concepts oppose those preconceived poisonous notions that scream “never give anyone control of your work,” and “write what sells!” Mark takes the enlightened position that giving up control of your work improves it in unimaginable ways. After spending years attempting to write for the fickle Hollywood marketplace, he instead began to work on projects he actually cared about.
Mark’s approach works, as evidenced by the fact that he’s now working on a film project with Industry giants Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard! This interview offers hope of succeeding in Hollywood on your own terms, and encourages you to press toward your personal screenwriting best. It’s life-changing, and a must hear!