This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Paul Thompson is an Associate Professor of Film and Television at New York University. In his proactive talk, Thompson speaks on the subject of creative writing in general, and screen-writing in particular. Drawing inspiration from the "modern maverick", Pablo Picasso, we embrace the notion that "art is a lie". Paul Thompson is an Associate Professor of Film and Television at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. From 1993 - 97 he was Head of Film and Television at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. He was born in England where he worked extensively as a writer, director, actor and teacher. He was a featured actor in over 30 television productions in England. As a writer, his work has been performed by the National Youth Theatre, the Half Moon Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, as well as in Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Canada, the USA and Australia. He has also written for BBC Television, BBC Radio and feature films. Since joining NYU in September 1997 Paul Thompson has enabled the Tisch School of the Arts to establish a semester abroad program in London including specially designed courses in acting with RADA, television production with BBC Television and dramatic writing with the Writers' Guild of Great Britain. He also initiated the relationship between Tisch and the CEEA which provides a base for the Summer Program in Paris. In 2007 he served as the Director of the Arts Committee for NYU Abu Dhabi. From 2005-2011 he was the Faculty Senator for Tisch School of the Arts, and currently serves on the Sydney Working Group for NYU Global. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)