The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
Oscar-nominated writer Meg LeFauve and Emmy-nominated writer Lorien McKenna discuss the craft and business of screenwriting, as well as the emotional ups and downs of being a creative. They aim to remind listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and to keep writing.
Episodes
Ep. 302 | Finding The Authenticity & Tone Of Margo's Got Money Troubles w/ Eva Anderson
Meg LeFauve is joined by co-showrunner of the hit Apple series, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Eva Anderson, to talk all things crafting one of the best series of the year.
She gives keen insight into her time on Your The Worst, where she really learned how to break a season. As well as what she learned from being a playwright and working in reality television.
Meg and Eva deep dive into what it'
Ep. 301 | The Shakespearean Level Stakes of NEMESIS w/ Courtney A. Kemp
Lorien McKenna is joined by Co-Creator and showrunner of the hit Netflix Series Nemesis.
Courtney talks about seeing her protagonists in ACTION, how she created worthy adversaries, and how the pilot really is the show.
Courtney adores Shakespeare and highlights how season 6 of her first smash hit, Power is as she says "Richard The Third".
A fabulous episode filled with incredible inspiration
Ep. 300 | SHOP TALK: Can You And SHOULD You Work On Multiple Projects?
Lorien McKenna and Joe Forte hop into the shop to get specific and about their work. Answering the question of multiple projects. How many projects are too many? How do they keep track of ideas and projects?
Does multiple projects mean writing only or can another art form feed your writing?
A beautifully insightful episode.
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Ep. 299 | Lessons From Judd Apatow & Being In The Cut! w/ Andrew Jay Cohen
Joe sits down with Writer/Director/Producer Andrew Jay Cohen who is in the thick of post production on his latest directorial offering, Soapbox written by Max Barbakow and David Duchovny.
Before diving into the weeds with his directorial and post production process, Andrew gives insight on what he took from his time working alongside Judd Apatow for a number of years on films like Anchorman, 40
Ep. 298 | The Layers That Build The Muppets Special w/ Albertina Rizzo & Kelly Younger
The Muppets are beyond iconic and have over 50 years of canon to draw from. Meg chats with showrunner of The Muppets Special, Albertina Rizzo & writer on the special, and returning guest, Kelly Younger, on their approach, execution, how they ran the writers room, and so much more.
They also dive into building sketch comedy, variety shows and Meg asks a few questions about the latest season of Ju
Ep. 297 | The Craft Of Creating An IP Based Action Film w/ Jeremy Slater
Mortal Kombat II is out in theaters this weekend!
Joe Forte chats with writer Jeremy Slater about taking on the second installment of an iconic video game turned film franchise.
With so many characters and plot points to navigate, fight sequences to think about and beyond, how does one put that on the page and keep it fresh and exciting for all involved and all who hope to enjoy it?
Jeremy p
296 | The ULTIMATE Adventures In Screenwriting
This week we have an old school Meg and Lorien dive deep into the life and world of screenwriting.
The day to day life stuff.
The bucket of S*it stuff.
The things that swirl in your head stuff.
And the, "I still have to write" stuff.
If you want to feel seen, heard, understood and connected to others and have a good laugh... this is the episode for you!
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295 | What Are The Elements Of A Good Scene? SUPERCUT
Lorien and Meg have asked numerous guests the same important questions, What are the elements of a good scene?
You will hear different ideas from the industries best including:
Melissa Rosenberg (Dexter)
Derek Kolstad (John Wick)
Maggie Lane & Eric Jarboe (Hotel For The Holidays/Christmas Switch)
Dana Fox (Wicked)
Alex Woo & Erik Benson (In Your Dreams)
Chandler Baker (Oh.What.Fun.)
Jes
294 | TSL Workshops Check In w/ Danicah Waldo & Emily Roberson
TSL Workshops are one of the two tent poles of The Screenwriting life. Folks a part of the TSL Workshops community participate in two live zooms with Meg and Lorien per month.
One, a Q & A about anything and everything writing and the business and the other, a select few get picked each month to "pitch" their stories/scripts to Meg and Lorien. The two then dive deep with the writer, asking quest
293 | The Wild World Of Verticals Feat. Shelby Farrell
With the industry in a contraction, writers are trying to figure out how to find steady work.
ENTER - VERTICALS!
Lorien is joined by writer and creator Shelby Farrell who has developed numerous features and verticals. She offers a premium program, Flipping The Screen, teaching writers to write for the new medium.
Shelby walks through the pros and cons of the space as well as the keys to
292 | What "Finding Your People" Really Means In This Business w/ Maggie Gottlieb, David F.M. Vaughn & Sean Presant
Lorien is joined by Maggie Gottlieb, Sean Presant & David F.M. Vaughn, colleagues and friends from the writers room of the Tabitha Brown led Youtube show, Tab Time.
They get real about the realities of networking in this business and what we should be focusing on: real, genuine connection. Making friends. Supporting each other. Lifting each other up.
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291 | MAILBAG! Meg And Lorien Answer YOUR Questions
On this edition of TSL, Meg and Lorien giving a wonderful mix of answers to some phenomenal listener questions, from detailed craft questions, to the business piece and everything in between.
What do you do with your script after you've written it?
How do you approach producers?
Animated vs. Live Action - How to decide?
How to get into the business if you don't live in a major market?
Mi
290 | Aaron Tracy On Building An Audio Drama
Lorien is joined by founder of Parallax Audio, writer of audio fiction and television, Aaron Tracy.
Aaron is incredibly well spoken and clear on his process with both television and audio. They talk a bit about the differences and the similarities when it comes to putting both on the page.
Aaron debunks a lot of do's and don'ts when it comes to writing for the medium and he gives sage advice t
289 | Crafting A High Concept Pixar Film w/ Hoppers Writer Jesse Andrews
Pixar's Hoppers writer, Jesse Andrews, joins Meg to dive into all things Pixar process.
They start with Jesse's intriguing journey into writing, from Art History in college to novels to adapting his novel (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl), to animation with his first film, Luca.
Then, they talk shop and craft through the lens of the recent fantastically hilarious, high concept, Hoppers.
288 | Bridgerton Showrunner & Head Writer Jess Brownell On The Dazzling Season 4
*BRIDGERTON SEASON 4 SPOILER WARNING*
Lorien is joined by the fabulous and uber talented showrunner/writer Jess Brownell. Jess has been showrunning Bridgerton for Shondaland/Netflix since season 3, but it took her quite a while to get a shot in a writers room.
Jess walks us through her journey to one of the most popular shows in television history. She then dives into the mechanics and nuances
287 | Oscar Nominees Joachim Trier And Eskil Vogt On Doing It Your Way
Joe Forte dives DEEP this week with the singular and brilliant Oscar nominated duo behind Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt.
The two discuss their unique partnership which started with a tremendous appreciation and equal love of film in their late teens.
Joachim and Eskil are so eager and gracious to give such insight into their process and what they believe to be the importa
EP. 286 | The Magic And Challenges Of Creative Partnership w/ Meg LeFauve & Joe Forte
An incredibly fun episode today! Lorien is in the host driver seat, chatting with Meg and her husband and writing partner Joe Forte about the art of collaboration and the process of writing with a partner.
They both share with great vulnerability their challenges with it, and their absolute love of working together. What did they learn from another couple who does the same? What tools have the
285 | Train Dreams Writer/Directors Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley On Daring To Slow Down
The fabulous duo behind Sing Sing and this years Oscar nominee, Train Dreams, Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley join TSL to talk about their inspiring partnership and the process of Train Dreams.
Greg and Clint give us a sense of their unique partnership; Who is the glass half full, how they decide who writes and directs and the intricacies of their writing process.
Joe Forte joins Meg on this
284 | "Oh. What. Fun." Writer Chandler Baker On Going From Novel To Screenwriting
Chandler Baker joins us to talk about her hilarious and heartfelt Christmas adventure, "Oh. What. Fun."
Chandler has worn many hats in her life. She walks us through her journey of being a lawyer turned New York Times Bestselling novelist, and now an acclaimed screenwriter.
To finish off the episode, Chandler reveals to Lorien her devout listenership to TSL!
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283 | The Art of the Character Introduction
In this special craft supercut, we gather wisdom from recent guests on one essential question: how do you introduce a character?
From subtle entrances to defining first actions, writers including Sharon Horgan, George Saunders, Dana Fox, and Akiva Goldsman share how they think about character, voice, and point of view from the very first moment.
Featured writers:
Sharon Horgan (Episode 225)
282 | In Your Dreams Writer/Directors Alex Woo & Erik Benson on Writing Animated Features
IN YOUR DREAMS writer/directors Alex Woo and Erik Benson join us to talk about writing animated features - from storyboarding as a form of rewriting to building emotional stakes in fantastical worlds.
Alex and Erik break down collaboration in animation, adapting personal experiences for family storytelling, and why animated characters must be treated as real, complex people.
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280 | Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer on Creative Partnership, Process, and Permission
Noah Baumbach (MARRIAGE STORY, FRANCES HA) and Emily Mortimer (THE PURSUIT OF LOVE, DOLL & EM) join Lorien to talk about co-writing their new Netflix film JAY KELLY, from long conversations and false starts to discovering the emotional core of the story together.
They talk about writing without outlines, why not knowing is part of the job, how acting informs writing, and the surprising gift of ha
279 | Rian Johnson on Writing High-Concept Stories with Deep Emotional Stakes
Rian Johnson (KNIVES OUT, LOOPER, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI) joins Meg for a deep craft conversation about balancing bold, high-concept ideas with intimate emotional storytelling.
Rian breaks down how character - not plot mechanics - is the engine behind mystery, world-building, and genre, from crafting unforgettable character introductions to using theme as a dramatic misdirection tool. They also
281 | Wicked: For Good Writer Dana Fox on High-Concept Movie Ideas
Dana Fox (WICKED, WICKED: FOR GOOD) returns to talk about high-concept movie ideas and why the premise matters more than ever.
Dana breaks down what makes an idea market-ready, how to tell if a concept has real gas in the tank, and why emerging writers should focus on selling the idea before perfecting the execution.
She also reflects on writing WICKED as two films, crafting emotional payoff ov
278 | The Screenwriting Life: Joy, Frustration, Advice & Pride (TSL 2025 Supercut)
As we close out 2025, we’re sharing a special supercut of our 2025 guests answering the Big Questions we ask every writer: What brings you the most joy when it comes to writing? What frustrates you about your writing? What advice would you give your younger self? And, new this year - What’s your proudest career moment to date?
An honest and inspiring supercut featuring voices from across film and
277 | Scriptnotes Hosts John August & Craig Mazin: The Craft Lessons That Matter Most
John August and Craig Mazin - hosts of the legendary Scriptnotes podcast - join us for a wide-ranging conversation inspired by their new book, Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters.
We talk about why rigid structure can miss the point, how theme emerges from character, what fear and denial really look like on the page, and how writers can surviv
276 | The Naked Gun Writers Doug Mand & Dan Gregor on Fearless Comedy and Trusting the Process
In this episode, THE NAKED GUN writers Doug Mand and Dan Gregor take us inside the making of one of the boldest studio comedies in years. They break down how they approached structure in a spoof film, why emotional arcs matter just as much as jokes, and how committing fully to the stupidest ideas can sometimes be the smartest choice.
Doug and Dan talk candidly about fearlessness, rejection, impos
275 | How Holiday Movies Get Made (ft. Screenwriter Maggie Lane & Producer Eric Jarboe)
This week we’re celebrating one of our favorite genres: holiday movies!
Screenwriter Maggie Lane (HOTEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS) and producer Eric Jarboe (FALLING FOR CHRISTMAS, THE PRINCESS SWITCH) join us to pull back the curtain on how Christmas films are conceived, pitched, developed, budgeted, and shot - sometimes in as little as 13 days.
We dig into what networks actually want, how to craft a gr
274 | Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Nobody): How to Craft Character and Action on the Page
In this episode, JOHN WICK creator Derek Kolstad joins us to break down how he crafts character-driven action on the page. Derek shares how he thinks about tone, rhythm, and world-building, why action is an extension of the hero’s journey, and the psychological tricks he uses to survive rewrites.
We also dig into his collaborations with actors like Keanu Reeves and Bob Odenkirk, his approach to
273 | The Roots of Imposter Syndrome - Part 2
In Part 2 of our conversation with counselor and healer Madaline Blau, we move from understanding imposter syndrome to learning how to work with it in the body.
Madaline guides us through grounding practices and shares a powerful 10-minute guided visualization designed to help you return to your truth, your courage, and the deeper steadiness beneath your storytelling.
If you haven’t heard Part 1
272 | The Roots of Imposter Syndrome - Part 1
In Part 1 of our deep dive into imposter syndrome, counselor and healer Madaline Blau helps us understand where creative insecurity really comes from - and why so many writers feel stuck between confidence and collapse.
We unpack instinct, how insight shapes character and story, and the early experiences that form our creative identity.
This episode ends at a powerful emotional pause, with Part
271 | Melissa Rosenberg (Jessica Jones, Dexter): Finding Your Creative Center
Melissa Rosenberg - creator of JESSICA JONES, head writer of DEXTER, and screenwriter of the TWILIGHT films - joins Lorien to talk about what it takes to stay grounded as a storyteller.
From building creative communities to rediscovering her artistic voice after decades in Hollywood, Melissa reflects on the evolving balance between ambition, authenticity, and healing through story.
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270 | Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty): Writing Love, Longing & Coming of Age
Jenny Han - creator, showrunner, and bestselling author of THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY - joins Lorien to talk about the art of writing love, longing, and growing up.
From balancing fandom expectations to crafting authentic emotion, Jenny shares how she translates deeply personal themes to the screen, keeps romantic tension alive over multiple seasons, and why writing about first love never gets ol
269 | Writing Horror with the Carved Creative Team (REBROADCAST)
With Halloween around the corner, we’re revisiting one of our favorite spooky episodes.
Join us for a conversation with the team behind Hulu’s CARVED — director and co-writer Justin Harding, co-writer Cheryl Meyer, and star Peyton Elizabeth Lee — as they share how they brought their campy slasher film to life and what it takes to write really great horror.
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268 | Where to Begin as a Screenwriter (REBROADCAST)
So you want to be a screenwriter… now what?
In a rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes, we dig into the essential questions every writer should ask before jumping into a draft — questions that are just as valuable for seasoned pros as they are for those starting out.
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267 | The Elevator Pitch + Austin Film Festival Prep Workshop (REBROADCAST)
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With the Austin Film Festival coming up next week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes to help everyone attending get ready to share their stories!
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The Austin Film Festival is known for many things — but few are as legendary as its annual 90-Second Pitch Competition, where writers have just 90 seconds to share their stories. In Ho
266 | Emmy-Winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) on the Myth of the “Big Break”
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Meg was already a fan of Jeff Hiller from his Emmy-winning performance in SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, but after listening to his moving and hilarious memoir Actress of a Certain Age, she fell completely in love with his honesty, humor, and heart. She knew she had to have him on the show — and we were deeply honored when he said yes, fresh off his big Emm
265 | KPop Demon Hunters Directors: Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans on Balancing Heart, Humor & Music
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This week, we’re joined by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the writer-directors of KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, to unpack the craft behind one of the year's biggest movies.
From finding the emotional core of their story to shaping "Golden" into a late-breaking "I Want" song, Maggie and Chris share how they balanced friendship, romance, comedy, worldbuil
264 | Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I Am Legend, Star Trek): Turning Writing Into a Job (and a Life)
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We’re thrilled to welcome Oscar-winner Akiva Goldsman for a masterclass on making writing sustainable. For Akiva, the real “tragedy” is living in the anxious space between drafts. His cure? Treat writing like a job: set hours, clock out, and commit to the work.Akiva unpacks his process – why a first draft should feel like seduction, why knowing
263 | Feature Film Story Engine Checklist: 8 Elements to Turn a Situation Into a Movie (REBROADCAST)
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STORY ENGINE. Two words we so often dread, but let's be honest: the engine of your story is what POWERS your movie. It's make, or break. And today, we break down eight elements to test whether or not you are on your way to a feature film story engine that will take you from fade in, to fade out!
Learn more about
Indie Film Craft 5 | How a Celebrity-Free Microbudget Feature Premiered at SXSW (ft. GG Hawkins)
What does it take to make a celebrity-free, microbudget feature and premiere at one of the most competitive festivals in the world?
Filmmaker and No Film School podcast host GG Hawkins joins Jeff to share how she turned a family house in Panama, a tiny team, and a three-month timeline into I REALLY LOVE MY HUSBAND, a breakout SXSW premiere with no celebrity attachments.
They break down every sta
262 | Writing (and Directing) Intimate, Personal Films That Feel Cinematic (ft. Sorry, Baby's Eva Victor)
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In this episode, Meg sits down with writer, actor, and filmmaker Eva Victor to discuss their debut feature, SORRY, BABY — a darkly funny, deeply personal story about friendship, trauma, and hope.
They dig into how to make a personal story feel truly cinematic, both in the writing process and on set. Eva also opens up about their determination to
Indie Film Craft 4 | How to Make Your Script Undeniable to an Indie Producer (ft. Julie Waters)
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Every writer dreams of getting their script into the right hands — but what actually makes a producer want to fight for your project?
This week, Jeff sits down with powerhouse indie producer Julie Waters (Watermark Media), fresh off producing OH, HI! — one of the few films sold at Sundance this year and now playing in theaters. Julie not only shares wha
261 | Clarity, Subtext, and Want vs. Need: Kaz Firpo on Crafting Great Screenplays
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In this episode, Meg and Lorien sit down with Kaz Firpo (Marvel’s ETERNALS, RUIN) to talk about the timeless craft lessons that make a great screenplay. From writing scenes that still land without sound, to creating emotional clarity on the page, Kaz shares why subtext is the secret engine of great dialogue, and why every character’s want and nee
260 | From Barf Draft to Next Draft: 5 Steps to Take Now
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In this episode, Meg and Lorien dive into a messy, magical stage of screenwriting: the barf draft — your first unfiltered pass at a script.
They share how to tackle chaos on the page, whether your draft is too long, too short, tonally inconsistent (hello, surprise aliens!), or just plain confusing. You’ll learn how to shift from “fixing” to disc
259 | Costume As Character: What (& What Not) To Include in Your Screenplay (ft. Courtney Hoffman)
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Costume designer turned writer/director Courtney Hoffman has worked on some truly iconic films (THE HATEFUL EIGHT, BABY DRIVER) and beloved indies (CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, THE BOY NEXT DOOR). These experiences have profoundly shaped how she approaches storytelling, especially now that she’s writing and directing projects starring the likes of Laura De
258 | From Assistant to Executive Producer: Frida Perez on Co-Creating The Studio
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Apple TV+’s THE STUDIO is both a razor-sharp satire and a surprisingly heartfelt love letter to Hollywood — born out of Seth Rogen’s own frustrations and empathy for studio executives. For co-creator Frida Perez, the show explores the spectrum between art and commerce, a balance that serves as a guiding principle for writing its hilariously flawe
257 | Getting Repped in a Post-Strike Industry - Part 2 (ft. Daniela Gonzalez & Garrett Greer)
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In part two of this incredible conversation, literary managers Daniela Gonzalez (Good Fear Content) and Garrett Greer (Haven Entertainment) join us to unpack what “breaking in” looks like today.
How do writers getting their second staffing job, what are some red flags we should avoid when repped, and what the heck is actually happening in the
256 | Getting Repped in a Post-Strike Industry - Part 1 (ft. Daniela Gonzalez & Garrett Greer)
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In part one of a two-part conversation, literary managers Daniela Gonzalez (Good Fear Content) and Garrett Greer (Haven Entertainment) join us to unpack what “breaking in” looks like today.
Even as the industry pulls back and fewer projects are greenlit, getting repped isn’t out of reach. In some ways, the path has fewer gatekeepers than ever —
Indie Film Craft 3 | How to Get Life Rights As an Indie Filmmaker (and Make the Biopic Indie Audiences Actually Want) ft. The Bragg Brothers
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How do you turn a real-life moment into a movie — without studio backing or a big festival launch?
Jeff talks with The Bragg Brothers about making PINBALL: THE MAN WHO SAVED THE GAME, an indie biopic about GQ journalist Roger Sharpe, who helped overturn New York’s ban on pinball in 1976.
They share how they spotted the story’s potential, built
255 | From Finalist to Staffed: How Austin Film Festival Helped Us Break In (ft. Sylvia Batey Alcalá & Mac Smullen)
This week, we’re spotlighting two incredible TV writers whose journeys were meaningfully shaped by the Austin Film Festival.
Sylvia Batey Alcalá (A MAN ON THE INSIDE, PRIMO) and Mac Smullen (SOUVENIR, ALASKA) share how AFF helped get their names out there —building momentum, sparking connections, and opening doors that had long felt closed.
But a festival isn’t the finish line — it’s the startin
254 | "I'm Stuck": What to Do When the Writing Just Isn't Working
In this episode, Meg gets real about where she’s at in her writing process — the doubts, the stalls, and the honest truth of feeling stuck. We answer listener questions about momentum, mindset, and the tough question of when it’s time to move on from a project that just isn’t working. Whether you're in a rut or wrestling with a story that won’t cooperate, this one’s for you.
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253 | Producing a Hit Studio Movie: What Writers Should Know ft. Sheila Hanahan Taylor (Final Destination: Bloodlines)
Fresh off the massive critical and commercial success of FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES, friend of the show Sheila Hanahan Taylor is back to share the ins and outs of producing a studio movie. What can writers do to develop a good relationship with a producer? How does a producer serve both the studio's voice and the writer's voice? On today's episode, Sheila unpacks it all!
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252 | Creating a Complex Protagonist with a Simple Goal ft. Kim Rosenstock (Dying for Sex)
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This week, we’re joined by Kim Rosenstock (DYING FOR SEX) to explore how a complicated protagonist with a simple goal drives interesting, rich, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Through the lens of her deeply personal and genre-blending show, which she co-created with Liz Meriwether, Kim shares how clarity of objective gave DYING FOR SEX it
251 | Writing with Your Partner (in Life & Work): Joe Forte on Collaboration, Mentorship, and Creative Retreats
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What’s it like to collaborate creatively with your spouse — and still want to have dinner together after? This week, we’re joined by Joe Forte, screenwriter (Firewall) and longtime writing partner (and husband!) of Meg LeFauve.
We talk candidly about the unique dynamics of working with your life partner — the communication hurdles, the unexpecte
250 | Jac Schaeffer (WandaVision, Agatha All Along): Having a “Take” When Pitching on IP — or Anything
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When you’re pitching — whether it’s on studio IP or your own original idea — what sets you apart is your take. But what does that actually mean?
This week, Jac Schaeffer (WandaVision, Agatha All Along) breaks it down. For Jac, a great take starts with the emotional core — “what is the deep down” that connects you to the material. From there, it’
249 | Screenwriting & Social Media: How Being Online Can Help Your Career
In this special roundtable, we’re joined by three working screenwriters — Nic Curcio, Kristen Tepper, and Julia Yorks — who have each built successful writing careers while also growing authentic, engaged followings online.
We talk candidly about the growing pressure for writers to maintain a social media presence. From expanding your network to attracting opportunities, social media can help. Bu
Indie Film Craft 2 | Trey Edward Shults on Working With The Weeknd, The Role Of The Camera & Vulnerable Storytelling
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Trey Edward Shults is an inspiration to directors everywhere — including Jeff. His debut feature, KRISHA, was a no-name psychological drama shot in his own home on a shoestring budget under $30K. Against all odds, it won SXSW, screened at Cannes, and eventually sold to A24. KRISHA stands as a beacon for anyone looking to make a personal, ambitious
248 | Working Writers Ask Us Questions: An Industry Mailbag
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In this special edition of our mailbag series, we’re flipping the script. Instead of questions from newcomers, today we hear from working, professional screenwriters—people already inside the industry, navigating the real-world challenges of a creative career. From handling difficult notes to sustaining momentum between jobs, Meg and Lorien dig
247 | Directing Fundamentals That Make You a Better Writer (ft. Rob Spera)
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BUY ROB'S BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/FILM-DIRECTORS-FIELD-MANUAL-Filmmaking/dp/1662850549
Whether you're on set or on the page, great storytelling relies on clarity, efficiency, and emotional truth. This week, veteran director Rob Spera joins us to discuss his new handbook on the fundamentals of directing—and how those same principles can elev
246 | Do I Need to Self-Produce to Sell My Writing? (ft. Emily Brundige)
Emily Brundige was tired of waiting around for gatekeepers to say yes. So, she stopped asking.
In this candid conversation with Lorien, Emily shares how her frustration with the traditional hurry-up-and-wait pitch process pushed her to self-produce an animated short. That project — born from passion, resourcefulness, and a refusal to wait — eventually became GOLDIE, a series now on Apple TV+.
Th
245 | How To Pivot Genres and "Re-Brand" Yourself As A Writer (ft. Carla Banks-Waddles)
Carla Banks-Waddles (BEL-AIR) has lived many lives as a writer. From being a valued member of multi-cam half hour rooms, to pivoting towards single cam serialized family dramas, Carla has had a wonderfully diverse career. How? She wrote her way there. Enjoy Carla's insightful, optimistic, and sometimes obsessive approach to how we can craft our dream career as writers. Whip out your swobes, and ge
244 | Brent Forrester's (The Office, The Simpsons) Comedy Writing Masterclass
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TAKE BRENT'S CLASS: https://www.brentforrester.com/webinar
Brent Forrester wasn't naturally funny, and he's the first person to admit it. And yet, when Brent was in his early 20s, he studied comedy like a science, and it has fostered one of the most successful comedy writing careers of anyone working today. Listen to some of Brent's inside tips
243 | If You've Ever Wanted To Quit Writing, Listen To This.
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You are not alone, and keep writing.
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Indie Film Craft 1 | Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz (The Peanut Butter Falcon, Los Frikis) Discuss Authentic Collaboration
WATCH LOS FRIKIS: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Los-Frikis/0H49M436MMS223JUKJ26Q95EKJ
READ ALONG: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3QojbCeXG11xowk5u6y-RONQhCSguwG/view?usp=drive_link
Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz are the first to admit "they're not the cool kids." Their widely celebrated debut THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON was bootstrapped by grit, hard work, and a ferocious commitment to ma
ANNOUNCEMENT: New Bonus Spinoff Show For Filmmakers Drops In Feed THURSDAY!
We are launching a brand new monthly BONUS show this Thursday in feed, hosted by our producer Jeffrey Crane Graham. Don't miss it!
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242 | Welcome To Wrexham Showrunner John Henion Discusses Theme As A Central Creative Throughline
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Whether you're on your billionth draft, or stuck in post on a docuseries, finding a connective THEME to tell your story is one of the most valuable ways to create a cohesive and satisfying story. Today's guest, John Henion, understands that better than anyone. His impressive career as an episodic documentary filmmaker includes shows like CHEF'S T
241 | Bob's Burgers Executive Producers & The Great North Creators Discuss Adult Animation
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The Molyneux Sisters (BOB’S BURGERS, THE GREAT NORTH) believe that character is at the center of all great comedy. For Wendy and Lizzie, specificity, character quirks, and close observations about the friends (and strangers) around them will always provide the cocktail for a great character. Hear about how these two found their voice, honed thei
240 | George Saunders' Storytelling Masterclass
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George Saunders is a writer of novels, short stories, and non-fiction, whose work has amassed a collection of awards, including The Booker Prize for his debut novel, Lincoln in the Bardo. His essay collection A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, which focuses on the storytelling prowess of four Russian masters, was not only a bestseller, but invited pas
239 | Wicked Co-Writer Dana Fox on Why You're Avoiding Your Writing
Dana Fox offers an incredibly generous admission in today's conversation: "I find writing REALLY torturous." And yet, she's one of Hollywood's most successful writers, having written on major franchises like CRUELLA and recently WICKED, which has earned her countless industry award nominations. What's her secret? Tune in as she discusses why writing can feel so hard and how she pushes through thos
238 | How To Create and Maintain a Screenwriting Career Outside of LA or NY (ft. Will Fetters and Chris Sparling)
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For decades, if you wanted to make it as a Hollywood writer, the first step was simple: move to Hollywood. But increasingly, screenwriters have found that they're able to create and foster screenwriting careers outside of Los Angeles. Two folks who have done that successfully, Will Fetters and Chris Sparling, join us today to talk about the practi
237 | Malcolm Washington & Virgil Williams (The Piano Lesson) On Adapting August Wilson's Pulitzer-Winning Masterpiece
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It's no secret that plays and movies are entirely different mediums, so how do you give the cinematic treatment to a play as celebrated as "The Piano Lesson" by Pulitzer Prize-winning August Wilson? From the start, co-writer and director Malcom Washington came in with a very specific take on the material, and was incredibly grateful when Oscar-nom
236 | Liz Feldman (Dead To Me, No Good Deed): Writing is Self-Destruction, Self-Reflection, and Self-Correction
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What sounds harder? Writing a pilot alone at your desk, or running your own TV show with 300 folks trying to execute your vision? For Liz Feldman, it's the former, which affirms what we often say on this show: writing is really, really hard. Despite that, Liz has almost 30 years of TV writing experience under her belt, including two hits for Netfl
235 | Mike Jones (Soul, Dream Productions) Returns: What Makes a Great Act 3?
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Pixar story genius Mike Jones gets candid with Meg about endings: what makes a great ending, and more important, what makes an emotional ending. Meg and Mike also discuss selfish characters, narrative feature film engines, and how to keep our storytelling fresh when we feel like we're locked in the same old patterns. DREAM PRODUCTIONS, which Mike
234 | Why Fairy Tales Are The Foundation For Modern Storytelling (ft. Kelly Younger)
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To say that Kelly Younger is a fairy tale expert is an understatement. He's built an entire career around his obsession with fairy tale principles, so much so that he's become a coveted story consultant, and a frequent writer for THE MUPPETS universe, with credits on MUPPETS NOW and MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION. Younger has developed at Amazon, Apple,
233 | TV Development: Everything You Need To Know (ft. Glen Mazzara)
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Glen Mazzara has produced, created and/or showran a litany of amazing projects. His impressive resume includes The Walking Dead (he showran seasons 2 and 3) and Damien, which he also created. But even Glen is the first to admit that there's a certain amount of luck that comes with getting the coveted greenlight. Navigating producers, networks, an
232 | A Writers' Assistant Deep Dive (Part 2)
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As promised, here is part two of our writers' assistant dive. We chat with Anthony Musella, writer's assistant to Rodney Barnes, who's known for some of the most subversive shows and movies of the last 15 years, such as The Boondocks and Winning Time. Anthony dives deep into what it's like working in development with one of Hollywood's busiest cre
231 | A Writers' Assistant Deep Dive (Part 1)
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To help support relief efforts related to the fires in LA, consider donating to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812
Listen as former writers' assistants Maggie Gottlieb, Lauren Halberg, and Jonathan Hurwitz detail their experiences as writers' assistants. They answer the important questions
230 | Sing Sing Writer Clint Bentley: Creating Character Arcs Based On Real Lives
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Clint Bentley, our guest on today's show, and his filmmaking partner Greg Kwedar, co-write and co-produce every feature film project they tackle, with one of them taking on the role of director. This wildly unique and successful partnership has led to one of the year's most beloved movies, "Sing Sing."
Today, Clint unpacks how he and Greg decid
229 | The Screenwriting Life: Joy, Pain, & Legacy (TSL 2024 Supercut, Pt. 2)
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Part 2 of our 2024 TSL guests answering the Three Big Questions: What brings you the most joy when it comes to writing? What pisses you off about writing? And what advice would you give your younger self?
Happy New Year!
:45 - Dave Holstein (Episode 196)
7:04 - Kelsey Mann (Episode 197)
12:40 - Meredith Scardino (Episode 198)
17:11 - Todd A. K
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