Screenwriters ranging from newcomers to living legends share their triumphs and hardships in this insightful and often hilarious odyssey through the world of movie storytelling. Dozens of celebrated scribes reveal the fascinating creative adventures that gave birth to beloved classics (and notorious flops).

By analyzing their triumphs and recalling their failures, the participants explain how successful writers develop the skills necessary for toughing out careers in Hollywood. Candid and unafraid to name names, they also describe their collaborations with stars including Tim Burton, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Stanley Kubrick, Adam Sandler, Martin Scorsese, Bryan Singer, and Steven Spielberg.