Diablo Cody [Screenwriter, Blogger, Author]

By: Julian Chavez | June 24, 2010 | Ten by Ten

Diablo Cody is the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind the 2008 smash hit comedy about teenage pregnancy comedy, Juno, and the creator, writer and producer of the Showtime series United States of Tara, a show based on an original idea by Steven Spielberg. Cody, whose real name is Brook Busey, is a former stripper — an experience that served as the guiding force for her acclaimed 2006 memoir Candy Girl and her extremely popular blog Pussy Ranch. She has four projects in development, including the recently announced Mandate Pictures film Young Adult based on an original idea about a 30-something, divorced, young-adult fiction writer in Minneapolis who returns to her hometown to chase her ex-boyfriend. Cody lives and works in Los Angeles.

What inspired you to work in the entertainment business?
I fell into it by chance, which is really unusual in such a competitive industry. I’ve always liked to tell stories and perform, but there are a million hams in every elementary school! My peers and heroes keep me inspired to continue.

In one or two sentences, how would you describe the current state of the industry?
There’s a chaos and a meanness right now, I think. Suddenly, it’s an open-source business; anyone with a computer can comment on a studio’s decisions and even affect those decisions.

In your opinion what constitutes great storytelling?
It’s magical when someone can combine elements of the unexpected with the familiar themes that resonate with us as humans. All the best stories have been told already, but great storytellers find a way to make it fresh.

What contemporary artists do you admire and why?
Brian Wilson, because he’s one of our great musical geniuses. Steven Spielberg is a legend. And I love all the great old super producers like Robert Evans.

Please list your top five films of the decade and why?
This would take me days to answer, I’m afraid.

What do you consider your greatest career achievement?
Getting here was easy for me, but you have to work your butt off to stay relevant and vital. I’m proud I was able to move forward after Juno, create a successful TV series and just keep writing.

What do you consider your greatest career failure?
If I dwelled on that stuff, I’d quit! (See above.)

What do you believe is the biggest problem currently facing the entertainment business?
Audiences are incredibly fragmented and fickle now. It’s hard to make a movie an event when people can just sit home and watch YouTube all day. (I’m guilty.)

What new technology currently having an impact on your industry are you most excited about and why? What technology are you most afraid of and why?
I love the fact that talented unknowns can create content and be discovered. A college kid can post a skit on Funny or Die and wind up sharing the front page with Will Ferrell. I’m terrified, though, of Internet anonymity. Everyone should be completely accountable for his or her comments. If you want to slander someone, you should have to use your real name.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
My father always tells me, “Walk in like you own the place.” To quote the movie Super Troopers, “Desperation is a stinky cologne.” Don’t act like you want it too badly — you are worthy of being pursued.

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