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Screenwriter Cinco Paul Keeps Gambling on Himself ('Schmigadoon!' - 'Despicable Me' - 'The Secret Life of Pets')

04.12.2025 · 57 Min.

Shownotes

The 'Despicable Me' films — 'The Secret Life of Pets' — 'Schmigadoon!'. This week, I'm joined by screenwriter CINCO PAUL whose credits include these titles and many, many more. We’re about to discuss his life, craft, and becoming the writer he always wanted to be 25 years into his career.

This is is an incredibly illuminating deep dive into professional success and how that can sometimes become a cage. Cinco and I are also going to get very granular about screenwriting craft, more so than maybe any other episode in 5AM StoryTalk's history.

Pay attention, screenwriters: This is a masterclass in staying true to your artistic voice while navigating the highest levels of Hollywood.

A BONUS EPISODE is available via Apple Podcasts or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠at ⁠Substack⁠. Screenwriters, do not pass this up! Cinco returns to discuss a foundational piece of art from his life Frank Capra’s 1946 masterpiece, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

Specifically, we dig into the 'telephone scene' where George Bailey professes his love to Mary Hatch. If you want to understand how to write subtext, longing, and life-changing character beats, this analysis is essential listening.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-cinco-paul-talks-its-a-wonderful-life/id1807437928?i=1000738755558

Substack: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/bonus-episode-cinco-paul-talks-its

LINKS

  • Learn more about Cinco: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_Paul_and_Ken_Daurio
  • Read the pilot script to 'Schmigadoon!': https://deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Schmigadoon-It-Starts-On-The-Page.pdf

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5AM StoryTalk would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded, the Djarra people of the Kulin Nation and pay respects to Elders past and present.

This podcast's music is by ⁠⁠Cary Brothers⁠⁠. ⁠⁠https://www.carybrothers.com/⁠⁠


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