99 NOs, 1 YES: How Two Broke Writers Created a $200M Rom-Com Hit | Kinolime Podcast Episode 12

The video features a conversation between the hosts of the Kino Lime podcast and their guest, screenwriter Fred Lebow, who discusses his experiences breaking into Hollywood, the realities of the film industry, and the lessons learned throughout his career.The Path to Screenwriting Unexpected Beginnings: Lebow originally planned to be an environmental lawyer but struggled with test-taking. After a professor noticed his cinematic writing style in a Western civilization exam, he shifted his focus toward film. Education and Mentorship: While attending NYU graduate school, Lebow learned from industry professionals and developed his writing style by analyzing his favorite movies rather than relying on technical screenwriting manuals. Perseverance: Lebow emphasizes that success in the industry is 100% about perseverance and having a "steel stomach" to handle constant rejection. He notes that writers may face "99 no's" but only need one "yes" to change their career. Professional Success and Challenges Developing "While You Were Sleeping": The film’s original concept involved a man falling in love with a woman in a coma, which was consistently rejected as "predatory". A suggestion from Meg Ryan’s production company to reverse the roles—making it a lonely woman in love with a man in a coma—solved the ethical dilemma and helped get the project made. The Reality of the Industry: Lebow reflects on the "bittersweet" nature of success, noting that he sold his first major script just days after his father, his biggest fan, passed away. He also candidly discusses the difficulties of pitching projects, the influence of industry politics, and his past struggles with "arrogance" regarding his own work on projects like Stanley's Cup. Industry Perspectives Modern vs. Past Era: Lebow observes that there were more "guardrails" in the film industry during the 90s, with more eyes and development stages dedicated to scripts compared to the modern need for rapid content production. Advocacy for New Writers: Lebow praises the platform Kino Lime provides for new writers, noting that it offers a unique, groundbreaking opportunity for amateurs to submit scripts and have their work professionally reviewed.