Power of an Enemies List

Rob Long on filling time during this industry 'hiatus' — even if you're more positive a person than he is

This is Rob Long with Martini Shot for The Ankler.

When young writers ask older writers for advice, they usually hear that same thing: write what you know, the old guys will say. Don’t try to invent an entirely new world, or create characters you’ve never met. Instead, write from your own experience. That’s the only thing that really rings true.

Unfortunately, in Los Angeles, this means most writers end up crafting scripts about private school tuition and Ozempic.

So maybe it’s better advice to write what you know, as long as you don’t end up sounding like a privileged jerk.

In Hollywood, we call that being “relatable.” The key to any story or any character is, can the larger audience – that is, people who do not live in the Los Angeles area and do not work at a movie studio – relate to the world and the challenges the characters face?