Meet Paul Guyot | screenwriter
We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Guyot and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Paul, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote on screenwriting is from Tony Gilroy: The quality of your writing is absolutely capped at your understanding of human behavior; you will never write above what you know about people.
It took me years to realize how true this quote is. The more you know people, the better you write. And the only way you can ever know people is to first know yourself. Self-awareness was the single greatest asset to my career. Not to mention, I’m a better person, father, and partner because of it.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My first professional writing job was on a show called FELICITY in 1999. I’ve been blessed to remain employed ever since. I’ve had many highs and lows in my career. I was part of some great writing staffs in television, and been part of some very toxic and awful environments. But everything has been a lesson. I’ve been writing stories since I was 12 years old, and never want to do anything else. The fact I’ve been able to make a great living at it is a true blessing.
2023 will mark my 24th year as a professional screenwriter. Nearly half my life. At times it felt like it was easy, but I’ve learned those were just the times I was grateful and not taking it for granted. It’s an incredibly difficult job. A very misunderstood job. I would estimate most folks have no comprehension of what goes into writing and producing a television series each week, or writing and producing a major motion picture. The challenges range from something as simple as the weather, to dealing with crazy egos, financial issues, union needs, personality conflicts, location problems, dishonest humans, and a myriad of other problems one can never imagine until they pop up.
The job has taught me patience, grace, integrity, honor, and many other things. If I never get paid to write anything ever again, I have no regrets. I’ve written and produced over 200 hours of television and written feature films – if you saw GEOSTORM, I apologize.
I’m very proud of the work I’ve done, and the people I’ve met and mentored along the way. Screenwriting can be a very solitary endeavor – we sit alone in rooms and make up stories – so being around fellow writers and artists is critical to our well being as well as our success. The screenwriting community is just that – a community. We support each other, and cheer for each other. My greatest joy at this stage of my career is giving back. I have a website that helps newer, aspiring screenwriters. Hopefully, I can help them avoid the mistakes I made along the way.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Tucson is a fantastic place to live, especially for creatives. If I were to show someone my favorite parts of the city it would include getting morning coffee and breakfast at Le Buzz cafe, riding bikes on The Loop – the 100+ miles of dedicated bike paths around the city. If we’re feeling strong enough, we might ride up to Mt. Lemmon.
We would play golf at one of the many great public courses around Tucson – like Del Lago, Randolf, or Sewailo.
For dinner, we would definitely hit TAVOLINO at Campbell and Skyline. Their menu is some of the very best Italian in the city, and they have some of the best bartenders and drinks around. Speaking of bartenders, if it’s Wed-Sat, we would have to make a stop at Tucson’s finest Speakeasy – THE STILL. Located behind a hidden door inside Vero Amore (at Swan & Ft. Lowell) it’s run by the absolute best mixologist in the Southwest – Cass. No one in the city has a greater knowledge of cocktails as well as an amazing lineup of just about every liquor you can think of – and many you’ve never heard of!
I would have to introduce visitors to our authentic Mexican food, and at the risk of upsetting the Tucson locals, I’d bring people to Rollies Mexican Patio located about ten minutes south of the city. You will rarely find tourists here, this place is a secret local institution, and makes some of the best Mexican food in the city. And if we want to expand beyond Mexican that day, Rollies’ birria ramen is simply killer!
And no trip to Tucson would be complete without indulging in the best gelato in the state at Frost Gelato located at La Encantada.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to Michelle Monteleone. We were boyfriend/girlfriend in college, then went our separate ways for decades. Both got married, had kids, got divorced, and by the sheer grace of God we crossed paths again in 2016, and have been together ever since. Michelle is an artist – she does commissioned work for people all over the country, and she truly understands what it means to live the life of a creative. A writer, painter, musician, whatever type of artist someone is, we really aren’t understood by folks who aren’t fellow artists. Michelle inspires me every day. Her love and kindness along with her incredible talent as an artist is a gift I’m thankful for.
Website: http://screenwritingtruth.com
Instagram: p.guyot
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
