The film was conceived by writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski when they were students at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Irritated at being thought of solely as writers for family films with their work on "Problem Child" and its sequel, Alexander and Karaszewski struck a deal with Burton and Denise Di Novi to produce "Ed Wood". Initially, Michael Lehmann was chosen to direct the project, but due to scheduling conflicts with his work on the film "Airheads", he had to vacate the director's position, which was taken over by Burton.