Welcome to Episode 39 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This is a special one, folks. Writer-Producer Patrick Massett (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Friday Night Lights, The Blacklist) returns to the show.  Unlike most sequels, this one might be better than the first time. 

This week, Patrick discusses how Friday Night Lights became a cult classic, his writing process, the very best book on writing, and how he manages to keep the fire going despite the ups and downs of this crazy industry. 

They also get into a very insightful conversation about mindset, spirituality, and how sobriety changed Patrick's life. 

Of course, there will be more Hollywood stories, like the time Michael Mann almost got Patrick killed. So sit back and enjoy this one! 

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If you haven't heard their first conversation Episode 37, the link will be below. They discussed how Patrick grew up in rural Nebraska with a love for movies, starting out as an actor in Hollywood without knowing anyone besides, um, Val Kilmer, and how he broke through early adapting Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the most successful video game adaptation up until Super Mario. 

Patrick's IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0557266/

Patrick Massett Pt 1 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/writer-producer-patrick-massett-talks-taking-risks/id1776516950?i=1000717431148

Time stamps

(0:00 ) Intro

(2:45 ) Friday Night Lights

(10:00 ) How Friday Night Lights became a cult favorite

(14:40 ) Crazy Eagles football story

(16:00 ) What are the differences between writing and producer credits on a TV show? 

(18:00 ) Dealing with politics on set

(32:20 ) Did you think Jesse Plemons would be a star? 

(36:20 ) Why Robert McKee's Story is the best writing book

(45:00 ) What a writing day looks for Patrick

(48:00 ) How sobriety changed his life

(54:50 ) What's your favorite part about being a writer

(1:01:35 ) The secrets to pitching a show

(1:08:30 ) Gold film with Matthew McConaughey

(01:13:30 ) The Michael Mann story

(01:22:22 ) Hidden Gems