I had the chance to sit down with Patrick and dive into his world—the wins, the struggles, the fun quirks (yes, his favourite dessert recipe is involved), and what it really takes to make it in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
Breaking into Hollywood
“I was in high school when I thought I’d be a marine biologist,” Patrick tells me. “But I was also obsessed with movies and constantly writing stories. Then I found out you could study filmmaking at college, so I applied to USC—and I got in.”
That decision changed everything. Instead of chasing fish, Patrick chased stories, and eventually, he found himself writing lines that Hollywood’s biggest stars would bring to life.
On working with Jennifer Aniston in Cake, Patrick beams:
“It was incredible. The cast couldn’t have been better, and hearing some of the world’s best actors say my lines was a true gift.”
On Cake and creative grit
Cake, directed by Daniel Barnz and co-starring Adriana Barraza and Anna Kendrick, was the film that placed Patrick firmly in the spotlight. But it didn’t come overnight.
“I was working full-time in marketing at an engineering company when I wrote it,” he explains. “It took me a couple of years to finish. Now, if I’m writing full-time, I can complete a draft in a few months.”
And what about the dreaded writer’s block?
“I just keep writing. You can always go back and rewrite—which I actually find easier than the first draft.”
For anyone who has ever stared hopelessly at a blinking cursor, that’s the kind of honesty we need.
The secret ingredient: pie
Writers need fuel. For Patrick, that’s a recipe with a twist.
“Martha Foose’s Lemon Icebox Pie—it’s online. I add lots of extra lemon peel, plus a layer of blueberries before the whipped cream. Everyone loves it!”
Yes, we tracked it down—you can find the recipe here. If it’s good enough for a Hollywood screenwriter, it’s good enough for us.
Advice for aspiring screenwriters
Breaking into the entertainment industry is never straightforward, but Patrick’s advice is refreshingly practical:
“I broke in because I won a contest. If you don’t have direct access to managers and agents, try the festival or contest route. But not all festivals are equal—do your homework. Look up the judges, the exposure finalists get, and which competitions are respected.”
For anyone thinking about dipping their toes into filmmaking, Patrick’s journey proves it’s about persistence, passion, and a lot of research. (And if you’re wondering how to host your own indie film night, check out this guide for some inspiration.)
Characters, passion, and timing
When asked about whether he writes with the market in mind, Patrick reflects:
“There are two kinds of projects. One is the passion project—you have to write it. That was Cake for me. Then there are ideas you love, but they might not be viable for the market right now. I’ll keep those in a folder until the timing’s better.”
And the one rule he always follows?
“If you’re not in love with your characters, don’t waste your time writing the story.”
What’s next for Patrick
Patrick hints at an exciting project ahead—adapting one of his short stories with Ben and Daniel, the producer and director of Cake.
“It’s a very different genre, but I’m thrilled about it.”
Clearly, variety and experimentation keep him sharp.
Fun questions to finish
If you could be any fish, which one?
“A flying fish—it combines two dreams: flying like a bird and swimming like a fish.”
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive?
“Charlotte Brontë. She’s my favourite novelist and had such an interesting life.”
If not a screenwriter, what would you be?
“A marine biologist. I love the ocean, marine life, and swimming.”
Observing life to write life
Finally, Patrick sums up the number-one skill for anyone chasing a screenwriting dream:
“The ability to observe human behaviour and listen to people. Since I was a kid, I’ve been watching and listening. Most of my ideas come from that.”
It’s simple, but it’s genius. The best stories aren’t invented—they’re observed, then told in a way that makes us see ourselves in them.
Final thoughts
Patrick Tobin’s journey reminds us that success in Hollywood isn’t just about luck or connections. It’s about passion projects, persistence, curiosity, and yes, maybe even pie.
If you haven’t yet, Cake is a must-watch. And keep your eyes peeled—because if Patrick’s track record is anything to go by, the best is still to come.
