Ep209 - Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews, Creators Netflix’s 'Dark Crystal - Age of Resistance'

Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews originally contacted the Jim Henson company to pitch a sequel idea for 'Labyrinth,' and while that idea wasn’t in the cards even for a pitch meeting, they were invited to come up with an idea for a 'Dark Crystal' prequel series. The official description for the 10-episode Netflix show reads, “Returns to the world of Thra, where three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis' power, and set out to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world.” To create this world, the screenwriters spent a great deal of time on the opening sequence, making sure audiences new and old would understand the 30 years of history prior to the 10-episode story, but also the layered world and class system. In this interview, the writers discuss telling big stories in an economical fashion, writing for fans new and old, how they figured out how to run a Writer’s Room, what it means to write for budget, and how to “count mouth flaps.” If you enjoyed this interview, look for the print version on Creative Screenwriting’s website, and join millions of viewers for the new YouTube video essay series, Creative Principles, which dissects new films, series, and more: bit.ly/2FARJz5