Badass Writer of the Week: Ian Machintosh

Ian Machintosh

By Sean Tuohy

Could an award-winning British spy writer have been a spy himself?

Ian Machintosh—author of five spy novels in the late 1960s, early 1970s—created his first television show while serving as a naval officer. He proposed the show to his superiors as a way to modernize the British Navy in the eyes of the public.

“Warship” premiered in 1973 and featured British warships during peacetime. The program mostly focused on the officers’ personal and professional lives.

Macintosh was still employed by the government when he began working on his next series—a cutting edge spy show about the dirty side of British intelligence. Macintosh was very coy when it came to his career. He never denied being a spy, but never admitted to it either…

“The Sandbaggers” premiered in 1978. Dark. Gritty. Realistic. Nothing like it had been seen on TV before. Following a group of highly trained operatives on deadly secret missions, “The Sandbaggers” went places few shows did at the time. Because Machintosh was a government employee at the time, he had to submit each of his scripts for review. Several episodes were pulled and were labeled “missing” because they contained sensitive marital.

Machintosh was the sole writer on “The Sandbaggers.” During the third season, he was on vacation with his girlfriend and friend in Alaska when his single engine plane went down. The wreckage was never found.

There has been plenty of mystery surrounding Machintosh’s death. His plane went down in area that was not monitored by either the United States or Russia. Also, he made a stop at an abandoned airfield just before the crash. Had Machtinosh still been a spy while also writing a TV show!? Did a hostile government fear he knew too much?! We will sadly never know.

The producers of “The Sandbaggers” decided not to carry on with the program after losing its only writer.

We assume Machintosh faked his own death, assumed a secret identity, and is pumping out hit TV shows in an underground bunker.

Badass Writers of the Week Archives

Badass Writer of the Week: Screenwriter Robert Towne

By Sean Tuohy

“Until the screenwriter does his job, nobody else has a job. In other words, he is the asshole who keeps everyone else from going to work.”

— Robert Towne

Some writers can set up a small blaze with their words, but very few can ignite an entire decade with their work. Screenwriter Robert Towne spent most of the 1970s blowing up the screen with his jaw dropping scripts including the classic "Chinatown," "Shampoo," "Mission Impossible." Towne's writing fused the classic form of storytelling with an extra punch that Hollywood needed. He mixed the old school with the new school in an intoxicating cocktail that audiences loved to watch.

Born and raised in California, Towne got his start working in film with the master Roger Corman. Towne worked on a script for a B-movie horror film that was never made (the screenplay is sadly lost in time). He eventually moved into television and worked on the "The Outer Limits" and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E" before moving into film full-time. His stylish noir film "Chinatown" starring Jack Nicholson rocked the box office in 1974. Taking a look at the Los Angeles water wars of the 1930s, the film looked and felt like a Chandler film, but with a darkness smoldering in the background.

Towne followed up “Chinatown” with the classic "Shampoo," which, despite its title, has more sex in it than you might think. He was declared the finest screenwriter in town and his films have made millions. He would go on to write scenes for huge films like “Orca,” “The New Centurions,” and “Frantic."

In 1985, Towne was so dissatisfied with the rewrites of his script for “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” that he changed his name to P.H. Vazak (his dog’s name). The film ended up being nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, and a screenwriting pooch nearly walked away with one of Hollywood's highest honors.

Without Towne's groundbreaking and badass work, we would not the likes of Lawrence Kasden, David Koepp, or James Vanderbilt, and Hollywood would be a less brooding place.

Badass Writer of the Week Archives

Badass Writer of the Week: Joel Edgerton

Joel Edgerton

“Time...time and the world swallows events. And it's sad but that's how it is.”—Detective Carl Summer

By Sean Tuohy

Australian screenwriter, director, and actor Joel Edgerton is a triple threat. He is able to bring fully formed characters to life on the page, the screen, and from the director’s chair.

Edgerton’s credits include “Warrior,” "Smokin’ Aces," “Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones,” and his 2015 directorial debut “The Gift.” As a screenwriter, Edgerton as created some of the most tension-filled stories in recent memory. His characters are pushed to the brink and forced to examine themselves while the audience watches in wide-eye shock.

Edgerton’s 2013 script “Felony” presented us with a story that asked, “What would you do?” When a good-hearted police officer accidently hits a child with his car, he works with a cynical co-worker to cover up the crime while a rookie tries to uncover the truth. Edergton makes us feel for a man, who really isn’t a bad guy, ripped to shreds by a tragic mistake. It also doesn’t hurt that the dialogue flows smoothly out of his well-formed characters’ mouths.

Edgerton also wrote the screen story for 2014’s “Rover,” one of the best films of the year. “The Gift,” the film that marked Edgerton’s directorial debut, makes you squirm in your seat and brews a sick feeling at the bottom of the stomach. The story was well paced, the characters felt real, and the lingering moments of tension left viewers breathless.

As much as I like to watch Edgerton lighting up screen as an actor, I would love to see him stretch his badass screenwriting muscles more in the future.

BADASS WRITERS OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE

Badass Writer of the Week: Fred Dekker

“You never set out to make a cult movie.” Fred Dekker

By Sean Tuohy

It takes true writing ability and a twisted mind to blend together zombies, aliens, and tough noir detectives. This week’s Badass Writer of the Week, filmmaker Fred Dekker, pulls it off with the right amount of style and fanboy glee. Dekker’s stories are filled with classic adventure, monsters, and pop culture. His early films, such as “Night of the Creeps” and “Monster Squad” were forerunners to what would become “nerd culture."

As a child, Dekker made films at home. His passion for storytelling brought him to Los Angeles, where he befriended soon-to-be screenwriter Shane Black. The two struck up a friendship on a shared love monsters, tough guys, and films.

Dekker’s first produced movie was the horror classic “House.” Using the funds from that film, Dekker went on to write and direct his own film, “Night of the Creeps.”

A true gem for any movie buff, “Night of the Creeps” seeps with nerd culture. When an alien toxin infects a college it is up to a timid freshmen and a tough-as-nails detective to save the day. Over the top but fresh, “Night of the Creeps” is a horror film that screams for the cult following it now enjoys.  

Soon after, Dekker teamed up with Shane Black to create “The Monster Squad,” a love letter to Universal’s monster films. When Wolfman, Frankenstein's monster, and other things that go bump in the night team up to control the world a group of kids come together to fight them. Where “The Goonies” featured innocent kids on an adventure, “The Monster Squad” had tough kids toting shotguns and spouting awesome one-liners. Dark and funny, with touch of humanity, “The Monster Squad” was golden.

Dekker’s films flopped during their original releases, not because of the quality but because they had no real niche to fill. They seemed too kiddy for adults and too adult for kids. They were stuck in a weird silver screen limbo. It wasn’t until nerd culture came into vogue that people noticed these films for what they were: a movie fan’s love letter to his youth. Dekker never set out to make a David Lean film. He set out to make his own film with a strong personal voice.

Even “Robocop 3,” which is part of a giant franchise, still featured Dekker’s distinctive voice. Every time a movie buff sits down and watches a Dekker film there is connection, a moment when you say, “This was made for me.”

And it kind of was because of the badassery of writer and filmmaker Fred Dekker.

BADASS WRITERS OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE

Badass Writer of the Week: Leigh Brackett

By Sean Tuohy

Name some of your favorite action hero moments. Han Solo’s cocky and roguish turn in “The Empire Strikes Back” is on that list, right? Why not throw in Philip Marlowe (played by the eternal badass Humphrey Bogart) in “The Big Sleep” and John Wayne in “Rio Bravo” for a dash of wit and swagger.

Well, gentlemen, lace up your jockstraps because you’re about to find out all those characters that stole your hearts with blaster fire were written by a woman. And not just any woman. Badass writer, screenwriter, and sci-fi author Leigh Brackett.

Brackett wrote about tough, wisecracking manly men for decades. She helped George Lucas bring the next chapter in his “Star Wars” story to life by adding a little tough muscle to it. When Hollywood wanted Raymond Chandler’s famed private eye Philip Marlowe to fill a movie screen, they called upon Mrs. Brackett. When John Wayne needed to face off with some nasty villains in a shootout, Brackett was busy typing away. She helped design the modern movie leading man through her words. Hawks was once asked how Brackett was such a great writer and he replied, “She writes like a man.” Sexist? Yes, but it is probably as close to a compliment as a woman was likely to get from a male director in Hollywood at that time.  

Brackett was raised by her mother and grandparents after her father passed away in a flu pandemic. According to io9, Brackett wrote a prolific amount of sci-fi, space adventure novels (check out some of the badass titles on this complete list) and was called the Queen of Space Opera, which the post claims was not always a compliment.

In a 1976 interview with her husband Edmond Hamilton, Brackett explained her approach to fiction:

I think even the most flagrant escapist fiction is not entertaining unless it makes at least an attempt to have real people in it. I mean unless you get into the emotions of the people and try to present it like something that would really happen.

Brackett’s talent eventually caught the eye of director Howard Hawks. After Brackett’s detective novel, No Good from a Corpse, was published in 1944, Hughes hired her to pen his screenplay and the two developed a solid working relationship. It was during this time that Hollywood decided it was time to bring hard-boiled detective Philip Marlow to the screen. Who better to write this noir film than a female sci-fi writer from northern California? Her skillful screenwriting, as well as her passion for Chandler’s work, helped to make the movie a hit.  

Now, let’s teleport to Brackett’s most well known screenwriting credit. She penned the first script for a little caper called “The Empire Strikes Back.” Yes, the movie that made us all want to utter, “I know,” to our lovers in response to, “I love you,” first came to life through Brackett’s imagination. As io9 points out, Lucas didn’t end up using a lot of her script and she died of cancer before she could do any rewrites for him. However, her original script is well worth the read for its originality and earnestness.

Brackett's legend is still strong in Hollywood and in the sci-fi community. The sheriff in “Halloween” was named after her and many authors still hold Brackett’s name above all other writers. We assume she’s in another dimension, wielding a lightsaber and keeping alien civilizations safe from harm.

BADASS WRITERS OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE

Badass Writers of the Week: Broken Lizard

By Sean Tuohy

They came. They saw. They made us piss ourselves with laughter.

From bored state troopers to beer-guzzling athletics, Broken Lizard has proven themselves as true humor gods. Now, following the announcement of the long-awaited sequel to the beloved ”Super Troopers,” the fellas of Broken Lizard are ready to mustache ride again (You can contribute to the film’s crowdfunding page here)!

Steve Lemme, Kevin Heffernan, Jay Chandrasekhar, Erik Stolhanske, and Paul Soter formed Broken Lizard while attending Colgate College. Their first film together was the ultra-low budget “Puddle Cruiser,” which they filmed on campus. Following that film, the troupe took Manhattan much like Jason Voorhees.

The troupe’s second feature, “Super Troopers,” is an off-the-wall, goofy comedy featuring five Vermont state troopers hell bent on shenanigans (as well as Linda Carter still looking damn good). To promote the film, Broken Lizard took a bus across the country to interact with fans. The film became a smash cult hit and carried the fellas on to their next films.

The guys proved two things: You can make a funny slasher movie, and drinking insane amounts of beer is safe. Wait, that second statement may be incorrect. With “Club Dread,” Broken Lizard mixed shrill screams and laughter. 

Pe-ne-lope!

They also brought beer drinking to a new level with “Beerfest.” Let’s face it, we have all tried to drink as much as these guys did in that movie, but ended up with a busted bladder.

Broken Lizard is now coming back with “Super Troopers 2.” We’ve all be waiting for it, but as the troupe says, “the time is right meow.” And the best part is, their fans get to be an integral part of the film! Donate so that the Vermont highways are once again safe for comedy, and we can all find out what Farva is doing in the trunk.  

You should also check out our past interviews and podcasts with Steve Lemme, Kevin Heffernan, and Erik Stolhanske:

You Can’t Have a Fist Fight Alone: 12 Questions With Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme of Broken Lizard

BADASS WRITERS OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE

Badass Writer of the Week: Tina Fey

Liz Lemon, Tina Fey’s “30 Rock” alter ego, not talking to Oprah.

“Be yourself. No one else can be you.”—Tina Fey

By Sean Tuohy

Tina Fey is our queen. 

We’ve all known it for a while, but now it’s time to accept it in our hearts;  Fey is here to reign over us.

A “Star Wars” nerd, a writer and author, and a hell of a comedian, Fey has proved beyond a doubt she has serious chops. She was the first female head writer on “Saturday Night Live,” she landed her own primetime television series on NBC (which became a beloved classic), starred in blockbuster films, and wrote a best-selling memoir.

The Bossypants scribe was born to be a comedy writer. At an early age, she soaked in late night sketch television, “Ghostbusters,” and cartoons. After college, Fey made her way out to Chicago to become part of The Second City comedy troupe. Making it to that comedy club is like being tapped to lead SEAL Team Six. Fey then moved on to the mecca of sketch comedy: “Saturday Night Live.”

Fey started out as a behind-the-scenes writer, never planning to make her way on screen. Producers quickly saw that Fey was meant for the camera and she became a regular player.  In 2004, she became the first female head writer of “SNL” and wrote and produced the iconic “Mean Girls.” Fey also created backstories for all of the characters in the movie, none of which were presented to audiences, just in case an actor had a question. 

Let’s be honest who doesn’t love “Mean Girls?” Right, Dan? Dan… (Daniel Ford: I’ve sadly never seen it, but I date someone that can recite lines from the film with ease.)

Two years later, Fey gifted“30 Rock” to the world. A show within a show! Fey played overworked Liz Lemon who tried each week to produce a live sketch show while trying to have a love life and be a nerd at the same time.

She also gave us tools something to say whenever we want to quit whatever soul-sucking job we're suffer through in order to pay rent, buy food, etc.: #shutitdown

Fey also wrote a hilarious memoir titled Bossypants in 2011. The book dominated The New York Times best-seller list for weeks and has sold more than one million copies in the United States. Her childhood was scarring, but charming and filled with angst, confusion, bad haircuts, and sweating, proving yet again that there is hope for us mere mortals.

After “30 Rock” ended, Fey starred in several blockbuster comedies including “Admission,” ”Muppets Most Wanted,” and “This Is Where I Leave You.” However, she returned to the small screen in 2015 as writer and producer of “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmit,” which has garnered high ratings and much love from critics and viewers alike. The show has also burrowed its theme song deep into our brains.    

There appears to be no limit to what Fey can do, but I’m really hoping she ends up starring as a Jedi in the new “Star Wars” films. 

BADASS WRITERS OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE

Badass Writer of the Week: Michael France

Michael France

By Sean Tuohy

The Name is France. Michael France.

You may have never seen his name before, but you know his work. James Bond fan boy-turned- Hollywood screenwriter Michael France penned films that have grossed nearly a billion dollars. Yes, you read that correctly, billion with a big ole “b.” France brought James Bond back to life on the big screen, unleashed The Punisher, and hung Sly Stallone off a cliff.

As a movie nerd growing up in South Florida, I was thrilled to discover that France was not only from Florida, but lived in the Sunshine State while writing Hollywood blockbusters. It’s no surprise that he was one of my idols. France started out in Saint Petersburg, Fla., where in school he was the president of a magazine devoted to James Bond (for our younger readers, a magazine has glossy pages filled with pictures and words). France went off to University of Florida and then moved on to Columbia to finish his degree.

He caught the limelight early with his spec script sale to a major Hollywood studio in 1991. Within the next year, the film had a major star, a big name director, and the green light to start filming. “Cliffhanger” ended up as one of the biggest hits of the year.

France then began pumping out screenplays for major Hollywood studios. He penned the first drafts of “The Punisher” and “Hulk.” His early insight on the scripts made those films pop, but it was his next project that really cemented his legacy.

In 1994, James Bond was a relic of the Cold War. The last film had been produced in 1987 and the franchise had been in limbo ever since. France was hired to pen the draft the newest installment of the saga. He obviously knew Bond well from his schoolboy days, so he gleefully took the assignment. France attacked the script as if it was his version of War and Peace. His research for the film included traveling to the former Soviet Union in order to tour army bases, KGB stations, and a even a casino! To write a worthy James Bond film, France became Bond.

“GoldenEye” was a smash hit and one of the highest grossing films in the series. France also penned a good chunk of “The World Is Not Enough,” but did not get a credit.

A guy with salt air and sunshine in his veins stayed close to home and eventually bought a movie theater in Saint Pete for $800,000 cash that for many years ran classic films.

In 2013, Michael France passed away at the young age of 51, likely from throwing a martini in someone’s face and instigating an epic gunfight.

BADASS WRITERS OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE

Badass Writer of the Week: David Ayer

David Ayer

By Jonathan Merrick

From street kid to one of Hollywood’s elite screenwriters, David Ayer has had one hell of a ride.

Ayer, a former submariner in the U.S. Navy, had his newest film, “Fury” starring Brad Pitt, hit theaters this past weekend to rave reviews and took the top spot at the box office. He’s made his stamp in Hollywood for writing gritty, character-driven movies that audiences can’t get enough of. In a world of play-it-safe writers, he makes it a point to write on the edge, earning his status as our Badass Writer of the Week.

Ayer spent most of his early life as a street kid in South Central Los Angeles (in later years, the city would become the backdrop for many of his films). He dropped out of college and found himself in the U.S. Navy. After he left the service, Ayer lived in a tough area of Los Angeles, struggling to break into Hollywood and dealing stress from his time in the military. He comitted petty crimes and spent his days adrift with his friends. Ayer eventually channeled his energy into screenwriting and wrote “Harsh Times,” which he would later go on to direct.

Following the success of the movie, Ayer was able to get away from the streets and become a script doctor. He worked on “The Fast and Furious”, “U-571”, “S.W.A.T,” and other high-end action films. On a personal note, I should mention that his commentary track on the “S.W.A.T” DVD is one of the most useful writer’s commentaries of all time. He’s brutally honest and speaks freely about his style and work ethic. Anyone who wants to pen screenplays has to check it out immediately.

Ayer’s big break came with “Training Day,” the film that Denzel Washington would win an Oscar for. Form here, Ayer began making his own films, including “Street Kings” and “Sabotage.” From what I’ve seen and heard, “Fury” could end up being his masterpiece.

For all of the above reasons, Ayer is a true badass in Hollywood. He stays true to the craft of writing by writing what he knows.

Oh yeah, go see “Fury.”

BADASS WRITERS OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE

Badass Writer Of The Week: Troy Duffy

Troy Duffy

By Sean Tuohy

There are few writers that have the ability to change the pop-culture landscape with one story and there are even fewer who can keep their original storytelling skills after becoming successful. Writer-director Troy Duffy has been not only able to keep his own voice, but he has also grown as a storyteller. Duffy hit the landscape hard with his first film "The Boondock Saints" and has been hitting harder ever since. Duffy followed up with "The Boondock Saints 2" in 2009 and he is currently working on the third (and possibly the final) installment of "The Boondock Saints" saga.

As a die hard fan of the MacManus brothers exploits, it was an honor to talk to the man who brought the characters to life. Duffy has been honest and true to his word, which comes through in his writing. He does not shy away from hot button topics and has no problem conforting issues, usually using his brand of wit and humor. Because of his honesty and his original storytelling, Duffy is a true Badass Writer.

Duffy sat down with this giddy fan boy to about writing, the future of "The Boondock Saints," and to give some sage advice to writers.

Sean Tuohy: When did you start writing films?

Troy Duffy: Mid-1996. I wrote “The Boondock Saints” as my first script.

ST: What type of films influenced you early on?

TD: Godfather. “Apocalypse Now.” “Jaws.” “Deliverance.” “Highlander.” “Reservoir Dogs.” “Ghost Busters.” “Man Bites Dog.” “Nil By Mouth.” A bunch more...

ST: “The Boondock Saints” became a cult hit that is quoted left and right. What does it feel like to hear people quote your writing?

TD: Having people quote your film is better than winning an award of some kind. It simultaneously infers that they paid attention and were emotionally affected at the same time. It means something to them. It can also make you feel like some subversive cult leader at times which is thrilling.

ST: “The Boondock Saints” is heavily connected to the city of Boston. What attracted you to Beantown so much?

TD: I am from that area. A New Englander through and through. It is also a very unique community filled with unique people. And let's face it, the place just looks cool.

ST: Besides screenwriting you also write music, do you approach these two art forms differently?

TD: Music is more focused. Spectral inspirations that must be snatched from the sky while it is within arm's reach for a fleeting moment or two. Writing scripts is a much more organizational process for me. Cutting and pasting and making “magic” mistakes here and there.

ST: One of the things that stands out about your writing is your dialog, it is very strong, snappy, and fitting to the characters. How do you write your dialogue? Do you say it out loud while typing or act it out?

TD: Just comes. One of the holes writers can fall into is that every character starts to sound like them. I try to separate. What would a guy like this say not what would I say. I act stuff out all the time. I talk to myself constantly even in public. It's very embarrassing for my wife. She'll tap me on the shoulder and say, "You're doing it again. People think you're crazy."

ST: What is your writing process like?

TD: It can be many things. Some scripts are a long slog. Some come right away. For instance, there is a television show that I am writing called “Kingdom Come.” It is based on the French pirate Jean Lafitte out of New Orleans at the turn of the 19th Century. Much research into that time and place had to be done and then it all started to take shape. So, that one was a longer process but very exciting. Conversely, “The Good King” (black comedy), which my friend Gordon Clark and I wrote together poured out virtually instantaneously.

ST: Are there any updates regarding the next “Boondock Saints" movie?

TD: Yes. The script is coming along. It will be called “Boondock III, Legion.” I will be doing an in depth video presentation on the script and things surrounding this movie on my site in the coming weeks.

ST: What does the future hold for Troy Duffy?

TD: Being a daddy for one. My little Gracie is 10 months old and holds my unruly heart in her little baby fat hand. “Kingdom Come.” “Good King.” “BDS3.” A new artist I recently directed a music video for featuring my buddy Slash called “Bang Bang.” I love this girl. Gonna put some of her tunes in the third “Boondock Saints” movie. A group of friends and I are going to manage her as an artist. Should be interesting. She's a handful...maybe two.

ST: What advice do you give to up-and-coming writers?

TD: Read. Know the difference between shit writing and average writing. Know the difference between average and good. Know the difference between good and great. Know the difference between great and brilliant...then never say anything is brilliant.

ST: Can you tell us one random fact about yourself?

TD: Through my research into Lafitte, I recently got into Absinthe. Great night cap. Fucking delicious.

To learn more about Troy Duffy, follow him on Twitter @troyduffy.

BADASS WRITERS OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE