Conversations From The Picket Lines: Producer And Emmy Award Winning Screenwriter Mark Blutman

The Conversations From The Picket Lines series aims to spotlight the talented Hollywood screenwriters participating in the Writers Guild Of America strike.

Emmy-winning screenwriter and producer Mark Blutman has been a WGA member for 33 years. His journey in Hollywood began as an actor and stand-up comedian. He guest starred on shows like All My Children and Hill Street Blues and appeared in the film, Meatballs 3. He decided to pivot to writing after developing the idea for a movie called, Ten Wishes. From there, he went on to have a prolific film and television writing career and has worked on shows like Boy Meets World, its spin-off series, Girl Meets World, and the Ghostwriter revival series for Apple TV. Mark’s work on family shows has created a legacy that still impacts young viewers and writers today.  He’s passionate about paving the way for the next generation of filmmakers.

GVN: In your opinion, what has changed in the industry over the years that resulted in the current WGA strike?

This one is much different than the last one. Even before we went on strike, I would tell people it isn’t only about dollars and cents or the residuals. This one came about because it truly feels like there’s a complete lack of respect and value being placed on writers by the AMPTP (Alliance Of Motion Picture And Television Producers). I am looking at these people and seeing how they want to replace [writers] with A.I. All A.I. does is regurgitate previously written stories and scripts that it has absorbed and spit them back out. There’s nothing original that is going to come out of it. It’ll lack nuance and authenticity.

This one isn’t about money. It’s about valuing us as artists. We’re not just writers; we’re part of the artist community along with painters, sculptors, lyricists, poets, novelists, and playwrights. We have human experiences that we want to share with the world. We should always be part of the zeitgeist, and again, what feels different about this strike is that they want to remove us from the zeitgeist as valuable artists. I think it’s egregious.

GVN: What would be some of this strike’s ideal and hopefully lasting resolutions once it’s all said and done?

I think we have to land in a place where the young writers who come to Hollywood with dreams, stars in their eyes, passion, and the goal of succeeding as a writer, we have to make that read for them. Right now, that’s being taken away from them. The stuff we hear about mini rooms, that’s just the first step before A.I. to eliminate these young men and women [writing for these shows]. We didn’t catch on at first, but I also think the agents, managers, and all the reps are just as culpable for leading clients down these roads. They led them to do free work and join mini rooms where they would be let go after ten weeks.

First and foremost, the resolution is that we must return the business of writing to where it was. It must return to being a feasible career choice for young writers. It’s not feasible for them now with how AMPTP wants the writing business to be. Until we get that, there is no resolution.

GVN: You’ve been a massive champion for underrepresented writers in this industry? Could you briefly discuss how that started and why that’s so important to you?

I would say it began during the pandemic. I had a lot of time on my hands to read the work of young writers, and through Twitter, I would offer this opportunity to young writers. I noticed when looking at the responses that many were minorities, which told me they were out there working, grinding, and seeking out any opportunity to get their work out there. So I started reading and meeting, and I’m really proud of some of the career journeys that are beginning for some of those people. One of them is Saeed Crumpler, whose career is going gangbusters right now. He was one of those young writers I connected with and gave notes to.

Myles Warden is another one, and that’s my guy. He came to the Girl Meets World tapings every week, and he eventually introduced himself to me and told me he was a writer. He found a writing partner, Capri Sampson, and I gave them notes on their one-hour pilot. It was amazing, and I was blown away by it. I passed it along to a friend, and now, they’re on their second staff job for a show called Act Your Age. I couldn’t be prouder, and it makes me happy.

A friend of mine came to me one day and told me how the faces of many young writers would light up when they heard my name. That should be what we want to do in life. We should help elevate everyone. There are so many veterans who have the same spirit I do and want to leave the business in better shape, and that means writers from all walks of life, genders, and colors have the opportunity to tell their stories.

GVN: How important is it for the WGA to have support from the sister unions? The SAG voted in favor of a strike, and I wanted your input on what that could mean for the WGA?

Solidarity is always important. Their vote speaks volumes about how different this strike is from previous strikes. Without [screenwriters], the words don’t get written, and without [actors], the words don’t get spoken. I think the two unions together are very powerful. I’m not mad at the DGA for making a deal. A lot of people are, but I’m not. It doesn’t hurt us at all; it only speeds things up because one is out of the way.

When you think of the magic of television and film, not to discount directors, the first two things you think about are the story and who is telling the story. We’re very blessed to have [SAG] on our side, and it only makes us stronger and more resolute to get the ending we desire and deserve.

GVN: What would you advise aspiring film and television writers to do to prepare for careers after the strike?

Write. Write that story that is burning inside of you and make it great. Make sure that when we’ve come out on the other side of this, you’ve used your time wisely and are ready to share your art and show [this industry] why you’re part of its next generation.

GVN: Where can our readers connect with you online? 

They can find me on Twitter @BlutmanMark and Instagram @markblutman.