Feb 9, 2021
Will Berson had been haunted by the story of the murder of Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton by police since his hippy parents told it to him as a child. As Will watched events like the Ferguson riots unfold he realized Fred Hampton's story had to be told. After writing the script as a spec he discovered writer/director Shaka King had been working on the same story, and together they joined forces to make the powerful Judas and the Black Messiah.
On this episode of Write On, Will Berson and guest host Sade'
Sellers discuss Berson’s roots in comedy writing and his particular
approach to historical drama: “Essential truths are more important
to me than historical facts.” He talks about writing strong female
characters, what it is like to write with multiple collaborators,
and how to manage a career in Hollywood. “My advice would be to
play the game a little more. Just realize how ridiculous this town
is and embrace it. Act like you're in an improv scene and just go
with the flow.”
Judas and the Black Messiah releases in theaters
and on HBO Max on February 12.
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