'Despicable' Screenwriter Draws From Life Experience

Screenwriter Cinco Paul often draws from his own life experiences, especially as a dad, when writing comedic films with partner Ken Daurio. Despicable Me 2 is no exception.

"The film picks up where the last one left off," said the longtime Agoura Hills resident. "In this one, Margo [voiced by Miranda Cosgrove] develops an interest in boys, which I can say from experience, drives all father's nuts."

Paul also cites a scene in Despicable Me in which Gru [voiced by Steve Carrell] reads a sleepy kitten story to the children. 

"That scene was based on a bunny book my kids made me read to them every night," said the father of three (Alex, 22; Rachel, 18 and Wesley, 14). "It was so poorly written but my kids loved it ... I guess having kids turns despicable guys into decent guys."

Paul and Dario, a Westlake High graduate, are the creative writing team behind such animated and live action films as The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who, Hop, Santa Claus 2, Dude and Where's My Car to name a few.

"Ken and I met through a church play and started working together," Paul said.

The duo went on the write Bubble Boy, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, after which they were approached by producer Chris Meledandri to write Horton Hears a Who.

"He had us with meet Audrey Geisel [the wife of the late Ted Geisel aka Dr. Seuss]. She was a little bit leery about another adaptation of her husbands work after Cat in the Hat," Paul said.
The two assured Geisel that the film would stay true to the original story and ultimately won her approval. The film went on to generate $295 million in ticket sales worldwide, according to IMDB.com.

The writers now have an exclusive deal with Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment.
Paul graduated summa cum laude from Yale University in 1986 and went on to attend the USC School of Cinema-Television in 1993. He got his unusual name because he was born on May 5, Cinco de Mayo.
He said he particularly enjoys writing for animation, because the process is slower, more detailed and he gets to participate in all voice sessions.

"The animation for Illumination takes place in Paris, but the voicing sessions occur here in L.A.," Paul said. "So we get to be in the booth with the actors and help guide them, although many like to ad-lib. It's a fun process."

In addition to his writing duties, Paul has been in charge of Agoura High's award-winning Comedy Sportz team for the past seven years.

"When my oldest daughter was in high school, she had joined the team, which at the time was run by [someone else]," Paul said. "I slowly got pulled in, running errands, helping out, until I got involved full time."

Paul admits it's a great way to spend time with his kids as well as hone his own comedy and story-telling skills. His daughter Rachel, who is graduating this year, was actively involved with the troupe.

"It's an amazing program," he said of the improvisational group which took top honors at this year's March Madness competition in Los Angeles. "I love it."

Paul is encouraging kids who are interested for next year's program to come to try-outs on August 31st at the school.
 
In the meantime, Paul and Dario have other projects in the works, but Paul "can't talk about them yet," he said.

Despicable Me 2 will be in theaters July 3.