Some of the film definitely was depressing. It was discouraging to find out how even these highly successful writers have dozens of screenplays that haven't sold, and equally discouraging to hear about the almost magical circumstances that helped them sell a script. And the entire Hollywood system was perfectly summed up in Guinevere Turner's anecdote about pitching an idea and getting an incredibly positive response only to have the network hand the writing assignment to someone else.

Oh boy. What an insight, and a treasure for aspiring screenwriters. I ended up more depressed than encouraged, but at least now I know what to expect the day I find myself working with Tim Burton or uncle Steven )