Gregg McBride (B.S. ’86) is a screenwriter living in Los Angeles, CA whose recent work includes Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “A Heavenly Christmas” – which premiered to the highest ratings of any original film in the history of the Hallmark Channel.

Leading a writing career for over 15 years has taught this Communications alumnus some lessons about being creative for a living, and he has some insight for students looking at similar paths. From Florida State University to the production industry in Hollywood, McBride shared his story with us.

AG: What is your current position?

GM: I am a writer and producer working and living in Los Angeles.

AG: What does your day to day look like?

GM: I am up early to workout because I like to get to work (writing) early. When I’m not at meetings, I’m writing from my home office. No matter what my current projects, I’m always developing other ideas. There are a lot of people in Los Angeles who TALK about writing. There aren’t a lot of people actually doing the writing. When I first moved to town, I had the good luck to meet noted screenwriter Joe Eszterhas (“Basic Instinct,” “Flashdance,” etc.) who kindly passed on a little advice: “A writer writes.”

I made that my edict and it’s proved an essential part of my success time and time again. There’s always a certain amount of luck involved in any sale, but when those lucky breaks happen, you need to be prepared to seize and run with them.

AG: How did you get your start writing for TV?

GM: Although I had always been working on scripts and refining my craft, it wasn’t until I “took a chance” and moved to LA that I sold my first script. Up until then I had received some interest — but no actual sales. The first script I sold (“Epicenter”) was produced and ended up starring former adult film star Traci Lords (even though I had pictured actor Jennifer Lopez as the lead when writing it). And get this — my name is misspelled in the opening credits!

I was crushed at the film’s premiere. But have since learned to laugh about it and other highs and lows that happen in this wacky business. I am so grateful to get to do what I love for a living and hope that this passion shows in everything of mine that gets produced (no matter who it ends up starring).

AG: What was your very first job?

GM: I eventually landed at Macy’s in New York where I was responsible for writing high fashion ads for magazines, The New York Times and other publications. That led to an associate creative director gig at an agency in the San Francisco Bay area.

AG: What first sparked your interest in Communications, and why did you decide to major in it?

GM: I chose communications because I felt like it offered a broad enough spectrum for all of my interests. I knew I wanted to go into filmmaking, but also decided I needed to be smart about it and develop skills (with a matching degree) that I could rely on while waiting for my “big break.” And that somewhat haphazard plan has paid off in spades — and continues to today as the definition of “communications” changes by the minute?

Given that we all must be chameleons in today’s world of business, communications offers a course of study and a degree that provide a broad base to blossom from and grow with.

AG: Tell me about something you learned at FSU that has stuck with you after graduation.

GM: While attending the college of communication I always felt comfortable thinking outside the box – Classes and studies provided the framework, but there were always different avenues of creativity waiting to be explored. I remember getting encouragement to do that from several professors. I’m grateful for this “outside the box” thinking because it informs every aspect of my life and career (even today).

AG: If you could go back in time and give yourself advice at the beginning of your career, what would you say?

GM: I hesitate to answer this question, because my answer would be “Move straight to LA and go for your dream job from the get-go!” But at this point in my life, I know the crooked path I took to Hollywood has informed my life experience and, therefore, my writing.

Who knows if I would have attained success any faster had I moved to LA right after college graduation. It’s all about the journey, right?