We had the good fortune of connecting with Arnie Wess and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arnie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I didn’t choose it…it chose me. Often in my life I’ve thought about the special gift each of us are born with and how we receive it. Do we accept, deny, relish or despise that building block that shapes the person we are and who we can grow to become. It was clear at an early age, that my wiring centered around comedy. Whether it was something I saw, heard or thought of, my wiring immediately shaped the comedic aspect to it. That innate talent allowed me to learn how to write creatively, focusing on story and character.

So, perhaps a better answer to your question is, yes, I chose to pursue a ‘creative’ career, but predominantly because the drive in me to be creative was too strong to fight; and as I grew older, I more than accepted it, I relished it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would say a big factor in making me the writer I am is my understanding and devotion to ‘story’ and ‘character’. It doesn’t matter what the project is; whether it be a film, a TV show or a book. Great dialogue comes from a great character and both are born from the story. Characters have to stay true to themselves; when they don’t, it’s jarring to the viewer; perhaps not on a conscious level, but the level of enthusiasm towards the film, show or book has dropped. When people compliment my dialogue, I take that as appreciation for my story.

Whatever success I’ve achieved, didn’t come easy. Any triumph in the entertainment industry has traveled the roads of struggle and setbacks. I am where I am because along with a belief in myself and my work, I am just plain stubborn and will not accept a hindrances or obstacle as a ‘road closed’.
One of the lessons I learned is many times when someone says they will do something for you, it may only mean they would like to do something for you or may consider doing something for you. This wasn’t a lesson learned overnight, but after many years. Having this philosophy has saved me from disappointment and made me even more thrilled when a person actually does come through with what they promised. I learned to try my best not to say to people that I will do something, but rather I will try.

The goal of my writing is to put a smile on the viewer’s or reader’s face. While viewing a subject in a different way than other’s have or to create a brand-new arena, which is what I’ve done in my children’s books, “Vegetable Court, The Case of The Impersonating Tomato” and Vegetable Court, The Case of The Backward Toilet”. Children love the vegetable and fruit characters. Phenomenal illustrations guide children into the vegetable kingdom courtroom, where they enjoy the story and learn a little about how a court works. Learn something and have a great time doing it…goal accomplished!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Hedda Muskat, Producer/Writer with 2 Emmy’s

Image Credits
Click hereArnie Wess IMDB page

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