Screening of The Martian with Drew Goddard

The Los Angeles Film School is proud to have hosted a screening of the 21st Century Fox film, The Martian, followed by a Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith and Writer Drew Goddard. During their conversation, Drew elaborated on his writing style, beginnings in the industry, and shed some light on what inspires him.

On pursuing writing as a job:

“Growing up, I didn’t know that you could tell stories as a job.”

Drew Goddard’s very first job in the industry:

“I started as a PA on a show called Snoops.”

When asked what he has learned since directing 2011’s The Cabin in the Woods, Drew responded:

“Since directing that feature, I write less dialogue in my films.”

On how many drafts he works on throughout the screenwriting process:

“By the time I have reached the first official draft, I’ve worked on about 15 drafts of a script.”

An overall rule for writing screenplays:

“Set up and pay off.”

When asked if he saw The Martian becoming a success, he replied:

“I didn’t think a studio was going to make this movie.”

Rule #2 for writing screenplays:

“If you do not have an emotional reason for a scene, cut that scene.”

On the importance of structure in screenwriting:

“If you have a pie chart for a screenplay, 90% should be structure, and the rest is writing the script.”

Drew Goddard has a method for overcoming writer’s block:

“I tend to create playlists that help get me in the mood to write.”

On working with Ridley Scott on The Martian:

“Ridley Scott is very trusting. Hard on hiring, but puts a lot of faith in his cast and crew.”

Special thanks to Drew Goddard and Jeff Goldsmith for the excellent Q&A. Drew is currently working on the Marvel film, Sinister Six. 

You can listen to Jeff Goldsmith’s interview with Drew Goddard on his podcast, The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith. Listen to it here.