Biggest Difference Between A Writer And A Creator - Corey Mandell

Corey Mandell is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter who has written projects for Ridley Scott, Wolfgang Petersen, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Warner Brothers, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Family, Working Title, Paramount, Live Planet, Beacon Films, Touchstone, Trilogy, Radiant and Walt Disney Pictures.
Corey teaches screenwriting via private online classes using video conferencing to allow participants to see and hear each other in real time. His highly popular classes draw students from across the US, Europe and Australia.
His students have gone on to sell or option scripts to Warner Brothers, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Disney, Fox, Fox 2000, MGM, Universal, USA Network and Lifetime. Others have gained admission to the USC Graduate Screenwriting Program, the AFI Conservatory Screenwriting Program and Sundance Screenwriter’s Lab.
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[@filmcourage]

Here is our full interview with Corey - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYjJlJ2Ebcadfsk

[@giseleorellana4276]

“Writers chase the opportunities. The opportunities chase creators.” This is one of the most honest and inspiring interviews for screenwriters/creators I’ve ever seen. Thank you, Mr. Mandell and Film Courage.

[@toddblackwood129]

I appreciate his honesty and courage to admit what he wishes he’d done in retrospect. I hope he finds the time to take that year off still, it would be interesting to see what transpires.

[@luckyboypictures]

Hats off to Film Courage, you guys are truly making a difference, keep up the good work!

[@karencrider4894]

I appreciate Corey's honesty. It's so refreshing. Thank you...

[@SeanMog]

I love Corey. Sometimes I struggle understanding concepts, but this dude's words seem to always make sense

[@playfulplaywright]

It's always a pleasure to hear Mr. Mandell, thank you for inviting him again

[@clemarmclean9443]

Some added perspective about Corey's "Rob and Sharon" story. Rob Delany and Sharon Horgan were not fresh-off-the bus creative people. The first of Rob's several acting credits was 15 years before Catastrophe, and Rob hasn't been credited as a writer or producer on anything other than Catastrophe. Sharon Horgan's first acting credit was in 2002, and she'd been building a name for herself with her on-screen talent throughout. I share these details because the ways in which creatives can use their resumes to help them network and make inroads are important to understand, especially when relative nobodies take their best shot at becoming creators. You always have to be able to demonstrate how you can provide VALUE to the decision makers who stand between you and your dream.

[@ThomKurve]

It also looks like Sharon Horgan had cowrote and starred in a comedy series prior to Catastrophe.

[@clemarmclean9443]

There ya go. She’s great, and so is Rob. Decision makers knew that before they “arrived,” which may not be the case for would-be creators who’d be watching these videos.

[@caseyboughton6641]

CM mentions that in the vlog - he does not imply that they were beginners in the industry. Good points all the same.

[@betnsky]

I was about to give up on my dreams until this channel came out of nowhere on my feed. I don't know why KZbin thought I would like this channel, but I'm so grateful it did. You are a massive inspiration for the next wave of creators without even knowing it and that's just magical :,)

[@NativeBlackAmericanTv]

...this fella is amazing. His honesty and clarity and willingness to search and find the TRUTH as best he can? And let us SEE it? Incredible. I know the industry well. He's nailing stuff in ways I have not heard as clearly and "right". There was a fella who was THE THING for awhile...don't remember his name... but he made MILLIONS with his seminars and so forth. The folks at the studios--not writers--were all taking his classes--and repeating his "stuff" like gospel. He was like the Scientology guy of Writing for a spell. Anyway... this fella strikes me as an updated, better version... organic...and, most important, "accessible". Excellent. I suspect he's one helluva "guide-teacher" for the students he works closest with. His "Gift" is rare. I intend to check out all of his interviews. 'Look to see if he's written any books. EDIT ADDITION: Just saw where, ABOVE, there is a link to all kinds of stuff per this fellow. Gonna look deeper--avail others.

[@tbroan169]

I found this video at the perfect time. For him to admit that he regrets not trying was the motivation I needed to try towards my dreams!!

[@chasehedges6775]

Good creators and writers have intrinsic motivation to make something out of passion. Bad writers and creators just want to make a quick buck/paycheck

[@shawshank178]

So true!

[@chasehedges6775]

💯

[@toycamera6112]

A good creator and a writer are kind of delineated from each other by a certain passion; perhaps even an auteur's thumbprint. For example you can be a writer who's kind of a journeyman and just sort of chameleon yourself into various writing assignments, hewing close to the whims of others. But you can also be someone who, even when writing for others, has a distinct character, a palette of themes, preferred tropes and archetypes, etc. If you create without a distinct thumbprint, you'll just be accused of being an artisan rather than an artist (as was a fate that sadly often befell director Robert Wise).

[@_Johnny_BRAV0]

Well said

[@caseyboughton6641]

Huh - Robert Wise befallen often by fate? Sadly? Curious what makes you say that - Wise worked prodigiously from teens into 80s in film industry, directed The Sand Pebbles among numerous other luminous films, without necessarily being a recognizable auteur. Being accused of being an "artisan" is not a crime. Even if he was not Picasso or Modigliani, Wise had an artistic vision that comes through in his work; his artisan skills or technical proficiency did not get in his way that I can see (on a quick glance at his imdb profile). Interesting comment, but I think your journeyman / auteur duality is too restrictive.

[@commandershepard7728]

Tolkien was like 45 when the hobbit was published. It’s never to late to shoot your shot at being a creator and I hope you do sir . Not that you would ever see this. Lol

[@bobwolf58]

This hits a chord with me. Thank you! I think his observation helps clarify what some of us are drawn to.

[@Waqulah]

Wow. This is so powerful. Yes yes yes. I want to be a creator. Thank you for this guidence. Creator, not a screenwriter. Also, point blank truth.

[@StevenMorgan_]

Thank you Corey Mandell and Film Courage

[@mossycentimet]

Welp, I've been struggling over the same thing and this video showed up. Thank you for the motivation

[@walterw9829]

The Year Off, staring Corey Mandell. Create it Corey. Best interview.

[@TheBeanj3]

This is just what I needed to hear today. Thank you!

[@GlennRRB]

Amazing interview. Love your content. Please keep it up! ⭐

[@ehvway]

As always, great questions! Love and respect from the Netherlands 😎 ❤

[@robertwesterfield3454]

I love all the information this man gives us like little nuggets that we get to keep for our very own

[@daniel_najar]

I like hearing this guys perspective.

[@gijane2cantwaittoseeyou203]

🤣🤣 You still don't know, huh?

[@Rufio1975]

​@@gijane2cantwaittoseeyou203 I don't think this guy cares about an opinion from a guy using Jada's picture as his profile. Sorry little buddy

[@howardkoor9365]

Another great interview

[@karandeepsingh1656]

Whenever I feel down, I always listen to Corey

[@zanetennant8503]

Thank you this was very helpful and I feel like I’m on the right path. 🙏

[@Question3verything]

It’s never too late… go for it!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

This video clip articulates what I've been feeling, but have been utterly failing to implement. Many thanks.

[@Damageonthestack]

Seems to me he's talking about a *very specific type of writer* - the ones who want to write for hire in Hollywood; who will write whatever the suits say, and change whatever they tell them no matter how ridiculous (witness the last decade of cinema, with a few exceptions), and keep cashing those checks while somehow being able to look themselves in the mirror. In a more general sense, taking out that specific type of writer, I think writer and creator are synonymous, and much of this discussion comes down to semantics - not every writer will sell out or compromise, and you don't have to be a creator to have integrity. Always a thought-provoking discussion on Film Courage, thanks!

[@ericrolson]

This is great advice, but the tricky bit is how to support yourself why you "create" something.

[@gregoryl.levitre9759]

Join the right crime ring.

[@ericrolson]

@@gregoryl.levitre9759 Good one! 😆

[@carocarp5]

Einstein said he hatched his best ideas when he worked as a patent clerk.

[@gregoryl.levitre9759]

@@ericrolson I wasn't joking. That is literally how the industry works.

[@Soulr]

This was great

[@madameversiera]

That's why I find SO annoying those people trying to suggest me to find a job in the art field. As if finding a dependent position is the only option in the world. They don't understand the art field is different from other emplyments. I draw comics but I was never interested in the mainstream comics or film, so it's really stupid to suggest a person to find any job. People who really work in the field advise me maybe it's not the best choice to work in a studio, if I want to do something independent.

[@cescobam7739]

So inspiring… 🙏🏽

[@NINJED1]

Love This Guy!! Corey Is The Friendly Pro Too Bad Hollywood Isnt As Openly Candid🤩

[@_Johnny_BRAV0]

When someone answers the questions you strongly have in your mind.❤ Thankyou

[@caseestarr]

I’m always creating my next project 😊 it’s more joyful than chasing that check. ❤

[@scottwatrous]

A lot of what is said here resonates well outside of writing. Being a working anything and a creator of any sort of thing (a business, a novel, an invention, a game, a house, a website, a podcast, etc) generally is down to some of those nuances that I think is what rhe host was trying to point to, and its not so much having the discipline because that is needed for so many things but I think disposition is a correct thing to point at. To be a successful creator you really have to have a holistic, broad spectrum and cross-discipliary ability to envision the many possible futures of your creative endeavor and be willing and able to see those through to the end you need. To be a working creative you have to be good at one discipline so that you can be relied on to deliver rhe expected output of that discipline. Writers write. Illustrators illustrate. Matte painters use Nuke or whatever they do now 😂 But creators have to be able and willing to do more. They have to be able ro adapt and learn new skills in order to maintain their control, or to make what they want possible. I feel like in this context of writing as a job vs writing as a "creator" what it really means is "write yourself a producer/showrunner chair, and then sell someone on the idea you belong there" and ultimately what comes with that is you really arent just writing. You're dealing with catering and logistics of flights to Reykjavik for some location shots, and you're dealing with press and dealing with marketing, and you're just ultimately going to be held responsible for the beast you have made. As much as you can celebrate that birthed it: it now owns you. Now maybe there is a path where a writer can stick to creating their worlds and characters and scenes and team up with producers to go handle that stuff but I bet you'll almost always, eventually, loose control of that arrangement. Maybe, hopefully, it pays so well it doesn't matter? I suppose the real thing to know of someone, is do they love the work of writing, or does one write as a means to express the nebula of ideas swirling in their head and sees it as only one piece of the puzzle?

[@collectivestudiosmontreal]

I agree, especially with the aspect of how a writer is a writer, and a creator will have to adapt and learn to do whatever it takes to make the project happen. Luckily we are two business partners and long time friends who jumped in feet first as creators and it really tests your will and determination. Absolutely a growing experience full of responsibility and tough work.

[@ChopSkullNYC]

Great video

[@FrankX]

I love this guy.

[@TheOneChartine]

This! 💖💖💖

[@plantedpictures-bg2ix]

All you need is one home for now . Utilize the Best Western , Ramada Inn , Hilton , when you're vacationing , a week tops to blow off some steam .

[@Gregster8626]

I write or rewrite for work while at the same develop my own scripts and seek out books, articles, etc to adapt.

[@LarryEColeman]

I loved this. Thanks, Corey, and thank you, Film Courage, for this wonderful clip.

[@dextergarner1286]

💯💯💯 love this interview! Well defined differentiation of the writer / creator mentality.

[@filmcourage]

Thanks for watching!

[@garyrandall3059]

I have a therapist that's been helping me, as a creator, for the past 3 years and 4 months.

[@bundoran8561]

Disney writers: I dont chase paychecks. When's my next payment?

[@davidzhorvath]

True.

[@gregorylagrange]

Thought the video was going to go down the route of creators meaning youtube "content creators". And I can see why "influencers" can end up making enough money to buy vacation homes, but I was prepared to say I'd rather stick with one house if it meant doing what's usually done by "influencers".

[@florian847]

Lets hope so.

[@Ruylopez778]

Instead of romantic myths about artists, or vague platitudes, Corey looks at creative work and creators in a very systematic way. And by doing so we can study in earnest our strengths, weaknesses and blindspots and figure out how to make the most of what skills we have, minimise our flaws, and push forward with courage. Our imagination, voice, diligence, false beliefs, personality traits, habits, lifestyle, environment, experiences and vulnerabilities are all *resources* we can draw on to improve our creative output. It's a tangible way to approach the mindset, "Fail again. Fail better."

[@howardkoor9365]

Well stated!

[@roathripper]

it's who ya know.

[@gregoryl.levitre9759]

Yes, and it's especially which crime ring and/or cult you join.

[@samp4050]

😊 I like and understand what this man is explaining, especially the behind the scenes of how things work. Very informative and helpful.

[@Lark572]

Is he still working with writers? Or m deciding who to approach with my new packet

[@Theomite]

The thing about "risk-taking" apologia is you always hear from the winners. You never hear from the failures; the ones who took their shot and missed because they sacrificed their pragmatism for idealism. I'm not a creator because I don't have the resources and education to deal with the goddamn business elements. I can't afford attorneys and accountants and other consultants to keep me abreast of the liabilities and quandries that I would have to be familiar with as a creator. At least a writer writes. A creator has to partition their time to deal with legal, payroll, financial, etc. all day every day. How the hell is *that* creative?

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Writers have to deal with legal and financial matters. They definitely have to deal with business elements. Also, Mandell noted that even if a creator fails, at least they tried. Is it possible that you're talking yourself out of taking the risk because you perceive the barriers to be too great to surmount? I only ask because you sound the way I've sounded most of my life, and such reasoning has made me mediocre, miserable, and certainly hasn't brought me any financial reward.

[@electricmiragemedia]

I respect Corey's success, and I think he's done something helpful and important by creating distinction between a creator and a writer, but I disagree with much of what he says. I think it is fair to say his chief objective is not to create art but to generate revenue.

[@jamespier7801]

does it seem likely you understand his motivation better than he does?

[@PeterPeter-]

What do you disagree with, he explained himself pretty well

[@Ruylopez778]

You don't really elaborate on why it's "fair" to say that. Corey is a realist. He doesn't pretend that artists aren't interested in getting paid for what they make to support themselves, or that wealth (and therefore the perception of 'freedom') can't be part of the motivation behind creating art. I think most artists would like to be able to make a comfortable living off of their creative work. Some artists are also driven by ego and materialism as much as anything else.

[@snair4548]

Full points for his courage

[@wexwuthor1776]

Why have regrets? This guy isn't dead yet. He can pitch whatever he wants.

[@TimothyMayer13]

What's the "creator" equivalent if you're a novelist? A publisher?

[@plantedpictures-bg2ix]

People go out to pay down on a Maserati , invest in the biggest mansion , just to keep up with the Joneses , wanting to be a part of the in crowd , but find themselves in a bind when work is slow or the last idea doesn't take off .

[@stevenswancoat1150]

Good advice but ITS NOT TOO LATE TO BECOME A CREATOR, EVEN FOR YOU MR. MANDELL

[@filmcourage]

Are you a writer or a creator?

[@ghostwriter3175]

I'm a creator... with no backing.

[@cryptohalloffame]

both

[@LindaPow]

Luckily when you have a writer & creator all in one, it takes the passion of new creators to see beyond a cover... Look forward to learning...

[@Waqulah]

A creator shooting for the stars.

[@caseyboughton6641]

@@ghostwriter3175 Heh heh that - is me as well!

[@that1guy335]

"buying a 7th vacation home" what a disgusting reality

[@Septeemberpain]

So as a creator I find the writer?

[@plantedpictures-bg2ix]

Trying to live lavish like Billy Porter will not build a business . I know that much .

[@daveindezmenez]

I want to be a creator, not a pen for hire.

[@plantedpictures-bg2ix]

⌚📒📝 Write . Get paid good once 💰💸 . Flip the money you've made 💰💸. Invest in the next POTENTIALLY lucrative idea or creation 💰💸📒📝 .

[@metapirateTV]

I'm a writer with a government pension for the rest of my life. I'll create.

[@maxerinjames]

Literally went from creators don't chase the paycheck to giving an example of how creators make more money so you should be a creator lol

[@lennysmileyface]

Chasing a paycheck means someone else is paying you and they have creative control.

[@stephenlove2378]

If supposedly only 1% of scripts will ever be read, presumably because they are good, then why does so much crap get green lighted and most shows fail? Makes no sense. Could it be that the “gatekeepers” are morons?

[@kennethferland5579]

The Writer is in a really terrible position, what they make can be contained on paper and is thus able to be done compeltly apart from the actual shooting of a movie or show. So screenplays can be made before any production or commitment of other tallent or money. And in the very act of 'pitching' their creation the writer gives up nearly everything, the one reciving the pitch can simply steal nearly everything they are shown. THIS is why original screenplays are nearly dead, every original screenplay for decades were simply stolen and writers simply stopped doing it.

[@garyrandall3059]

All creators need therapists to help with emotional intelligence.

[@gregoryl.levitre9759]

Are you one of the people writing the awful movies we've been seeing the last 4+ years? Where are the real Writers in this era?! It seems like ChatGPT is writing all of the scripts. The mainstream industry is a trash factory.

[@dustinalbright5012]

Is there a difference between “creator” and “executive producer”?

[@osaji922]

I think that's what he means. EP's a are creators in tv land that is.

[@scottwatrous]

I think there can be a distinction but chances are if a creator is dead set on sticking to the project they would end up in the production team with some writing room time. But I can situations where maybe a writer would be 'just' a creator where they first were writing a comic book or a novel or maybe a KZbin version of their show before their property got picked up by a studio. And now are in a situation where maybe they remain creative energy behind the show, but really don't get involved with other producer duties. I don't know if the latter is exactly what the the video was about but I'd more or less lump that scenario into the same concept pool.