“I can see the point of those who claim there isn’t time or they don’t have energy to devote their time to reading anything longer than a New York Times article”

I can’t.

Of course there are other things we should be paying attention to, but nothing will ever replace the value of books. Reading nourishes both the soul and the mind, and in my opinion, makes us better as individuals. They’re cathartic and inspire imagination and make us think more profoundly. Plus everyone has enough time to read books — some people will just read faster than others.

As for your cousin, watching films and reading screenplays probably is his best method of research — but books are always worthwhile. I genuinely think never reading is a bad path to follow for anyone, let alone a creative.