Williamson reflected on the legacy of the 1996 horror satire that reinvented the genre.
Its a moment in time, he said.
Everyone wanted a resurgence of horror films.
Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
I really wrote the lightning in a bottle.
I wish I could say it was all this genius master plan.
Williamson paused, as he broke down in tears.
Oh God, its a little too soon, Williamson said as the crowd applauded in support.
He took a chance on me.
I look back on this film and its so full of memories.
Its full of the beginning of my career.
I cant watch it without thinking of the memories.
He added, Im very, very grateful I got to start my career this way.
Im a blessed man.
Theres just no way around it.
Williamson, 51, was on hand at Entertainment Weeklys pop culture festival to celebrate the films 20th anniversary.
Craven, who directedScream, died in 2015.
When Williamson began writing the screenplay, his goal was to make a new kind of slasher film.
I wanted to make a horror movie that wasnt out there, he said.
There wasnt much care to horror films.
I wanted to do something different.
He recalled first meeting Craven for lunch on the Paramount lot.
I was in a daze, he said.
Every dream was coming true… then he summoned me to his house with his notes.
Thats when I got nervous.
But Williamson neednt have worried.
He was like an English professor.
When wed go out, he was the wallflower, a gentle soul, sweet.
The direct opposite of what you would think of the man who created Freddy Krueger.
Their collaboration continued even after filming started.
Most writers get kicked to the curb when shooting begins, said Williamson.
Wes didnt do that.
He let me be part of the process.
When I asked him a question, he would thoughtfully respond.
When I look back on it, I hope I didnt take it for granted.
I dont think I did.
