Get Succinct Writing Advice From Judd Apatow

When I think back to why I'm working in film and TV, I think you could probably blame Judd Apatow. Back before I knew the writers and directors of most things I was watching, he was one of the first names that stood out to me. I got really into Freaks and Geeks when it was on TV, and I was destroyed when it ended after 18 episodes. This was at the dawn of the Internet, and I remember scrolling his IMDb page to see what else he worked on. At that same time, I was at the front of the line for the 40-Year-Old Virgin when it came out, and no one in my friend group wanted to hear about this director and writer who I thought was amazing. Anyway, when I stumbled across this video of him giving writing advice, it made me feel like I was 15 again, and that I could do anything in Hollywood if I just did the work. Let's dive in. Judd Apatow's Writing Advice Right at the top, Apatow gives out the most fundamental advice for anyone wanting to write: write. Don't overthink it, don't wait for the perfect moment, just put words down. And then he digs into a much deeper lesson: let go of what you've written. Not every sentence or idea will be gold, and that's okay. Be prepared to discard work as part of the process.You're writing to get your soul out on the page, and you're sharing with other people to get their feedback and to see if they'd want to collaborate with you. So, write for yourself first. Explore the stories and ideas that matter to you. This personal focus can lead to powerful connections when you find people who think and laugh and cry the same way as you. Sharing your story, your vulnerability, can be a profound gift to others. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.It can be the most rewarding part of the journey. Embrace the Two Modes of CreativityThe video also goes over two distinct modes of the creative process. Spewing: This is the raw creation phase. Let your ideas flow freely without judgment. Get everything out onto the page. Editing: Once you have the raw material, step back and evaluate. This is where you refine, shape, and polish your work. The crucial mistake many make is trying to do both simultaneously. Judging your writing as you're creating stifles the flow and can lead to writer's block.Separate the creator from the critic, at least initially. Let everything out first, then review it later to find the valuable nuggets. Trust that the editing phase will bring clarity and quality.Summing It All UpLike I said at the top, Apatow is one of my favorite writer-director-producers and someone who brought a unique point of view to Hollywood. I also admire how much he's given to people, discovering new voices and championing people to get their work out there. There's a lot we can learn from his career and his ideas. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Apr 25, 2025 - 20:10

Get Succinct Writing Advice From Judd Apatow

When I think back to why I'm working in film and TV, I think you could probably blame Judd Apatow. Back before I knew the writers and directors of most things I was watching, he was one of the first names that stood out to me.

I got really into Freaks and Geeks when it was on TV, and I was destroyed when it ended after 18 episodes. This was at the dawn of the Internet, and I remember scrolling his IMDb page to see what else he worked on.

At that same time, I was at the front of the line for the 40-Year-Old Virgin when it came out, and no one in my friend group wanted to hear about this director and writer who I thought was amazing.

Anyway, when I stumbled across this video of him giving writing advice, it made me feel like I was 15 again, and that I could do anything in Hollywood if I just did the work.

Let's dive in.

Judd Apatow's Writing Advice

Right at the top, Apatow gives out the most fundamental advice for anyone wanting to write: write.

Don't overthink it, don't wait for the perfect moment, just put words down.

And then he digs into a much deeper lesson: let go of what you've written.

Not every sentence or idea will be gold, and that's okay. Be prepared to discard work as part of the process.

You're writing to get your soul out on the page, and you're sharing with other people to get their feedback and to see if they'd want to collaborate with you.

So, write for yourself first. Explore the stories and ideas that matter to you. This personal focus can lead to powerful connections when you find people who think and laugh and cry the same way as you.

Sharing your story, your vulnerability, can be a profound gift to others. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

It can be the most rewarding part of the journey.

Embrace the Two Modes of Creativity

The video also goes over two distinct modes of the creative process.

Spewing: This is the raw creation phase. Let your ideas flow freely without judgment. Get everything out onto the page.
Editing: Once you have the raw material, step back and evaluate. This is where you refine, shape, and polish your work.

The crucial mistake many make is trying to do both simultaneously. Judging your writing as you're creating stifles the flow and can lead to writer's block.

Separate the creator from the critic, at least initially. Let everything out first, then review it later to find the valuable nuggets. Trust that the editing phase will bring clarity and quality.

Summing It All Up

Like I said at the top, Apatow is one of my favorite writer-director-producers and someone who brought a unique point of view to Hollywood. I also admire how much he's given to people, discovering new voices and championing people to get their work out there.

There's a lot we can learn from his career and his ideas.

Let me know what you think in the comments.