The Script Lab Podcast with WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY Writer/Director Madeleine Olnek

When you think of poet Emily Dickinson, do you think of a bat-sh*t crazy recluse who locked herself in her bedroom and never wanted anyone to read her romantic poetry? That’s what I used to think until I saw the new film Wild Nights with Emily.

Turns out, Dickinson’s real life was filled with humor, a desire to be published, and a long romance with Susan Huntington Gilbert Dickinson, her brother’s wife. Played by the fantastic Molly Shannon, Emily comes to life in this comedic new biopic. 

I sat down with the film’s writer/director, Madeleine Olnek, to find out about the process of turning her stage play into the film and what all screenwriters need to know about writing a biopic. 

Wild Nights with Emily is currently playing in theaters. 

Listen to the podcast below.

Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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