Derek Kolstad is a screenwriter and producer best known as the creator of the global blockbuster JOHN WICK franchise and the writer of its first three films. He is also the creator, writer, and director of Netflix’s upcoming animated series SPLINTER CELL: DEATHWATCH, based on Tom Clancy and Ubisoft’s acclaimed video game franchise.
In addition to his film work, he was the writer and co-executive producer of Marvel’s Emmy-nominated series THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER.
In this interview, we talk about the original concept for JOHN WICK, the role and increasing recognition of stuntmen/stuntwomen, writing action sequences, collaborating with Jet Li, the creative approach for SPLINTER CELL, and much more.
Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!
If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!
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Derek Kolstad is a screenwriter and producer best known as the creator of the global blockbuster JOHN WICK franchise and the writer of its first three films. He is also the creator, writer, and director of Netflix’s upcoming animated series SPLINTER CELL: DEATHWATCH, based on Tom Clancy and Ubisoft’s acclaimed video game franchise.
In addition to his film work, he was the writer and co-executive producer of Marvel’s Emmy-nominated series THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER.
In this interview, we talk about the original concept for JOHN WICK, the role and increasing recognition of stuntmen/stuntwomen, writing action sequences, collaborating with Jet Li, the creative approach for SPLINTER CELL, and much more.
Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!
If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!
Ep674 - Marcus Kliewer, Author ‘We Used to Live Here’ & ‘The Caretaker’
Creative Principles
27 minutes 29 seconds
2 weeks ago
Ep674 - Marcus Kliewer, Author ‘We Used to Live Here’ & ‘The Caretaker’
Marcus Kliewer is a writer and stop-motion animator. His debut novel WE USED TO LIVE HERE began life as a serialized short story on Reddit. Film rights were snapped up by Netflix, and it was acquired by Simon & Schuster in the US for publication even before it had been extended into a full-length novel.
His new novel, THE CARETAKER, comes out next year (April 21, 2026) and follows a young woman who accepts a caretaking job from Craigslist only to discover the position has consequences far greater—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.
In this interview, we talk about his horror writing philosophy and approach, his first book WE USED TO LIVE HERE, writing on Reddit, and much more.
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If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!
Creative Principles
Derek Kolstad is a screenwriter and producer best known as the creator of the global blockbuster JOHN WICK franchise and the writer of its first three films. He is also the creator, writer, and director of Netflix’s upcoming animated series SPLINTER CELL: DEATHWATCH, based on Tom Clancy and Ubisoft’s acclaimed video game franchise.
In addition to his film work, he was the writer and co-executive producer of Marvel’s Emmy-nominated series THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER.
In this interview, we talk about the original concept for JOHN WICK, the role and increasing recognition of stuntmen/stuntwomen, writing action sequences, collaborating with Jet Li, the creative approach for SPLINTER CELL, and much more.
Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!
If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!
