By: Joshua Finley

Celebrity award ceremonies, including the annual Academy Awards, provide a backdrop for recognition of those who have reached the rarified atmosphere of stardom. However, the glitz and glamor can obscure the fact that getting to the top of the Hollywood heap is not for the fainthearted, as the last two years have demonstrated.

The COVID-19 pandemic made filming harder, increasing costs and requiring safety rules that delayed productions. Meanwhile, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in scriptwriting has raised worries about job security. On top of this, writers deal with issues like writer’s block and self-doubt, while trying to balance their writing dreams with the need for a regular paycheck.

One screenwriter who has overcome these obstacles while championing the human creative process is Canadian-born, Los Angeles resident Nicholas Schmid. An award-winning writer, Schmid is making waves in Hollywood with a simple yet impactful philosophy focused on creative balance.

“I think people are more open to important messages when they’re woven into an entertaining story, rather than feeling like they’re being lectured,” Schmid explains. “The challenge is to share something meaningful while still keeping them engaged. My goal is to create stories that offer food for thought while also giving audiences their money’s worth in entertainment.”

Schmid’s keen understanding of the American psyche and varied life experiences have allowed him to craft relatable stories that balance social and political commentary with entertainment. His diverse experiences – competing as a professional skier, coaching wealthy clients, working in construction, and bartending—have shaped his writing. These life experiences allow him to inject sharp social satire and political commentary into his scripts, giving them a distinct and authentic quality.

The Road Less Traveled

Schmid graduated from McMaster University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science with a specialization in Political Science. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute (AFI). While it’s hard for him to pinpoint which school had the greatest impact, both shaped his approach in distinct ways.

His background in political science, paired with his passion for creative writing, fuels his unique storytelling. From editing his university magazine to writing screenplays, Schmid has honed the ability to craft narratives that blend complex themes with entertainment.

Though his work often touches on social satire and political issues, Schmid’s main focus is on captivating audiences without being heavy-handed. He masterfully balances entertainment with insightful commentary, creating stories that engage viewers and invite deeper reflection.

Risks and Rewards

Not only has Schmid’s commitment to crafting relevant and entertaining scripts caught the attention of industry heavyweights, but his work has also earned him accolades which include:

• Feature Winner of the 2024 Screencraft Action and Adventure Competition for the script Back to Vienna.
  
• Top 10 Quarterfinalist in the 2024 Titan Awards for Koi
  
• Gold Award for Drama at the 2023 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards for Hare
  
• Top 50 Semifinalist in the 2023 Academy Nicholl Fellowship for Hare
  
• Semifinalist in the 2023 Austin Film Festival Drama Feature category for Hare
  
• Second Round in the 2023 Austin Film Festival Drama Teleplay Pilot competition for Spill
  
• Co-writer of the short film Re-Entry, winner of the 2023 $25,000 Sloan Production Grant

Schmid on Challenges

Screenwriters today face a rapidly changing landscape shaped by streaming wars, industry competition, strikes, and AI developments. Adapting to these shifts while balancing creativity with platform demands and standing out in a crowded market requires resilience. Schmid acknowledges the challenges, especially AI, but remains confident in the human touch.

“LA and Hollywood, in particular, have a reputation for chewing up new talent, and screenwriting’s no different. You have to be resilient. I think that AI is particularly concerning to many in my field, but AI isn’t going to develop original scripts. It can’t, it’s not human, and it lacks the ability to create emotional resonance with an audience. Humans like stories written by humans and great stories are made possible by empathy. AI can’t feel emotion and it’s only as good as the data it’s fed. That’s always going to mean scripts that are derivative and flat.”

Collaboration Over Isolation

Nicholas Schmid is quickly making a name for himself in the screenwriting world, and his adaptability and collaborative spirit are key to his success. “There’s always a danger of holding your work too close and not being open to artistic input. Without a willingness to collaborate, there’s a real danger that your work will not be produced,” he says. 

Schmid’s willingness to adapt has led to fruitful collaborations with prominent industry professionals. His goal is straightforward: he’d rather see five of his films produced, even if it means tweaking them to fit studio requirements, as long as each project maintains his unique voice.

“Screenwriting has evolved over the last decade. There’s room for everyone. You just have to adapt to the preferences of a wide variety of audiences – and collaboration is key.”

For a deeper dive into Nicholas Schmid’s creative process and the factors behind his rising success in screenwriting, explore his LinkedIn page.

Published By: Aize Perez