Jordan Criss: Screenwriting, Film, and Growth

“I don’t want to be older, let’s say 60 or 70 and look back on this time of my life and be like, I really didn’t give it my all. I don’t want to have regret, and I think that is always here. Always kind of in the shadows, and It feels like something’s like reaching out to grab you. Honestly, that is one of the scariest things to me.

To look back on life and be like, wow, I didn’t give myself a real chance and whatever. I mean, and put whatever you want. I think that’s what really feeds my curiosity and everything I do is just not leaving anything on the table. ”

— JORDAN CRISS

Jordan Criss long time guest on the podcast, and many of you know, what he's been working on, but for those of you who don't. Jordan has been actively pursuing screenwriting.

In this conversation, we get pretty granular and talking about how he looks at his writing process, why he is choosing to do screenwriting, As such a niche field, screenwriting can feel like a lost cause or something that is a pipe dream, for lack of a better term. And I even asked this question to him is what would you say to someone who says, why are you doing this? Screenwriting seems like a waste of time.

And beyond that, we have a great discussion around the film as an industry and loving critiques of it. What shows are good or great? What makes compelling stories?

We get into what is a fulfilling life like what drives someone to do something and fully immerse yourself in it. For Jordan, it's not leaving anything on the table. So with that, everyone, please enjoy this conversation with my good friend, Jordan Criss.

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Show Notes:

[00:04:22] Writing Progress

[00:06:07] Writing is never really 'done'

[00:07:06] Screenwriting Contest

[00:10:48] New writing project

[00:13:33] Dissecting writing or storytelling

[00:17:17] Creating your unique blend

[00:20:53] What do you say to someone who thinks you're wasting your time?

[00:24:25] What type of writer is Jordan?

[00:28:04] Toning down expert speak

[00:29:29] Star Wars Discussion

[00:33:19] Everyone has a niche

[00:34:37] Immerse yourself in the cultures you want to be a participant in

[00:36:41] A community that pushes everyone forward 

[00:40:13] How do you know you can do something you've never done before?

[00:41:44] Don't wait for the perfect moment

[00:42:44] The curse of past success?

[00:45:45] Continuing to explore new territory

[00:47:18] There is a simple solution to success

[00:49:28] Jordan's Process to Pick a movie in the Theatre 

[00:51:49] 4DX Movie Theatre

Rolling Stone on 4DX Theartre

[00:56:16] The difference between theater and home experience

[00:58:24] Letting people express themselves

[01:02:31] Being of the world 

[01:05:17] Changing or keeping routines

[01:06:49] Speaking what you write

[01:09:40] A love of dialogue

[01:14:20] Adapting other forms to screenplays

[01:17:09] Gold Age of TV

[01:21:39] Sci-fi gives you worlds that could be

[01:26:48] Office Discussion

[01:30:21]What does feeding curiosity look like for Jordan