GITS reader David A sent me a link to an amazing set of videos, a sit-down conversation with TV and screenwriter Rod Serling. Most well-known for the long-running TV anthology series “The Twilight Zone” (148 episodes, 1959-1964), has over 70 writing credits including the screenplays for movies such as Seven Days in May and the original Planet of the Apes.

Last week and this, we’re featuring Serling’s thoughts on writing each day with short (1-2 minute) interview excerpts. Today Serling ruminates on story climaxes:

“I can tell you a thousand plots. Brilliant premises. Really knock you out. And as a producer of a show, I’ve had writers come to me and say, ‘Gee, I’ve got a notion.’ And then proceed to tell you a brilliant notion… to the point of the climax. And that’s where everything dissolves. Suddenly you wonder, where is act three? What does he do? What happens?”

Thanks to David for finding these videos.