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Blockbuster Scribe Jack Epps, Jr., Helms The Writing Division

"Writing for me is about imagination. Have fun and allow your mind to be playful," said Epps.

As his first semester at the head of the school’s Writing Division winds down, Associate Professor and Writing Chair Jack Epps, Jr., took a moment recently to reflect on how he sees his role in helping to educate the next generation of screenwriters.

“We’re in great shape,” said Epps acknowledging the high marks set by predecessors Howard A. Rodman and John Furia, the former stepping down earlier this year to devote more time to teaching and writing. “I want to follow what they set up and focus on characters since it’s not what happens in a story but who it happens to that counts.  Character is plot.”

With Top Gun, Legal Eagles, The Secret of My Success, Dick Tracy and Anaconda among his seven feature films, Epps’ 30 year career also extends to television where his credits include Hawaii 5-0 and Kojak.
 
“One thing I believe in is instincts,” said Epps. “Good writers have excellent instincts and learn to trust themselves. Our mission is to develop great instincts in our students.”

Initially moving to Los Angeles from the Midwest in 1974 to direct, Epps found that the cheapest way to accomplish his goal was to write movies and “had so much fun” at it that he decided to pursue the profession. “I love creating a magical world. The best training I had was staring out the window in high school and daydreaming for hours. Screenwriting is channeled day dreaming.”

Epps and his writing partner Jim Cash scored huge success with Tom Cruise in Top Gun (1986).

Epps and his writing partner Jim Cash scored huge success with Tom Cruise in Top Gun (1986).Top Gun took over a year and a half to get green lit and then another year and a half to get made. What’s frustrating is that once a big hit happens it’s all people want you to do. I like writing comedies also, but once you have a hit like Top Gun they want to make things blow up. I rather make people laugh.”

Epps says it’s important when writers are starting out to really write what they like to see. “You have to feel comfortable with the script that reflects you best.”

Recently, as part of his new role Epps helped the school reach out to non-majors with a preview screening of Robert Zemeckis’ hit Beowulf.   “A movie screening is a great way to convey what the School of Cinematic Arts is all about to non-majors across the campus.  We have a lot of great electives that any student can take.”

While he’s adjusting to the administrative duties of his position, Epps says that getting into the classroom is “always a breath of fresh air.”

Epps says it’s important when writers are starting out to really write what they like to see.

With his first semester as chair marked by the current Writers Guild strike, Epps moderated a special forum on the long-term consequences for students and alumni and is quick to comment that these are the ups and downs of the industry.  

“It’s the shortsightedness of that corporate mentality of ‘what’s the bottom line’
and ‘ adding shareholder value’ that doesn’t work in a creative field.  It doesn’t make a better town,” Epps said. “By sharing the pennies it creates a situation that gives writers a chance to have some stability during the down times. No one is going to get rich on residuals but it’s going to help pay some bills.”

Asked if he had any words of advice for the next generation of writers coming through the program, Epps didn’t hesitate to offer up his thoughts. 

“Writing for me is about imagination. Have fun and allow your mind to be playful. Let your mind travel down the road—take a flat one dimensional story, then give it life and muscle,” he advised. “Above all be passionate. You have to love this more than anything else in the world. It’s your single mistress and there are bumps and bruises in its demands. Stick to it and hang in there for the long haul.”

Associated News:	Strike Impact Writing Division Hosts Forum On WGA Work Stoppage
Associated Person:	Jack Epps Jr.