Michael Arndt says that he didn’t want the film to be very funny right from the start and instead begin as low key as possible, gradually building the comedy. He says that the film’s humour derives from the characters’ distinctive worldviews clashing with one another. He gets into specifics about the characters, for example with Dwayne he wanted him to be an unhappy teen but not the stereotype that listens to loud, angry music. Not surprisingly, this track emphasizes character, dialogue and story with the engaging Arndt speaking eloquently about his work.

Writer Michael Arndt is extremely generous about sharing what makes the story work from a script perspective. (One that won the Oscar for best original screenplay). His insights on internal, external and philosophical stakes are priceless for screenwriters both professional and amateur. I also enjoyed his storytelling when it came to the script's genesis and progression into finally being released at Sundance. One of my all-time favorite reviews.