On Writing Chernobyl

This week on On Story, CHERNOBYL creator Craig Mazin discusses his HBO five part mini-series. The series tells the true story of the world’s worst nuclear disaster and the remarkable acts of bravery and sacrifice that followed. Mazin’s previous writing credits include IDENTITY THIEF, THE HANGOVER 2 and 3 and THE HUNTSMAN: WINTERS WAR. Mazin spoke at the 26th Austin Film Festival about transitioning from comedy to drama, the difference between writing for film and television, and the responsibility behind fictionalizing a true event. Clips of Chernobyl courtesy of Home Box Office, Inc. On Story is part of a growing number of programs in Austin Film Festival’s On Story Project, including the On Story PBS series, The On Story radio program and podcast and the On Story book series. To find out more about On Story and Austin Film Festival, visit onstory.tv or austinfilmfestival.com. On Story is brought to you in part by the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, a Texas family providing innovative funding since 1979. This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the US Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas Library and Archives Commission. This program is also made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas the state affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities. On Story is supported in part by DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts and TooFar Media, immersive story experiences by Rich Shapero. The show is produced by myself, Barbara Morgan, our associate producers are Colin Hyer, Maya Perez, and Kaetie Turner. Our editors are Jamal Knox and Travis Neeley. Audio capture by Travis Kennedy. Music is by Brian Ramos. Production assistance comes from Sound Lab Inc, Travis Kennedy and KUT 90.5 in Austin. Go to AustinFilmFestival.com to find out more about the Austin Film Festival & Conference in October.