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The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

Tv & Film

4.8 • 1K Ratings

Overview

Welcome to The Screenwriting Life, a podcast where Oscar-nominated writer Meg LeFauve and Emmy-nominated writer Lorien McKenna discuss not only the craft and business of Screenwriting, but also the emotional life: the ups and downs of being a creative, to remind you that you are not alone and to keep writing.

259 Episodes

248 | Working Writers Ask Us Questions: An Industry Mailbag

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.sol 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 into what it means to grow and survive as a writer at the professional level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

247 | Directing Fundamentals That Make You a Better Writer (ft. Rob Spera)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 elevate your screenwriting. From working with actors to mastering visual storytelling, Rob shares actionable insights that will sharpen your craft and help you write with a director’s eye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

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+. They dive into what it actually takes to make your own work, how festivals and buzz helped build momentum, and why animation is such a powerful space for self-starters. If you've ever felt stuck in development limbo, this episode might just give you the spark (and strategy) to make your move. CHECK OUT EMILY'S BOOK HERE: https://www.emilybrundige.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

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 get ready to slork! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

244 | Brent Forrester's (The Office, The Simpsons) Comedy Writing Masterclass

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 when it comes to cracking the code on comedy. And focus on plosives. Always plosives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

243 | If You've Ever Wanted To Quit Writing, Listen To This.

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so You are not alone, and keep writing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

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 making something authentic, and that same spirit fills every frame of their follow-up film, LOS FRIKIS. Like the filmmakers themselves, the movie follows a group of lovable outsiders finding their own way to make beautiful art in a system that opposes it. In today's conversation with Jeffrey Crane Graham, they discuss how filmmaking is like building a house: pre-production is a blueprint, production is about "collecting lumber," and post-production is an act of construction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

242 | Welcome To Wrexham Showrunner John Henion Discusses Theme As A Central Creative Throughline

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 TABLE and WELCOME TO WREXHAM, but whatever the project may be, John tells us how it always comes down to finding the emotional center of your story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

241 | Bob's Burgers Executive Producers & The Great North Creators Discuss Adult Animation

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://twslworkshops.circle.so The Molyneux Sisters believe that character is at the center of all great comedy. For them, specificity, character quirks, and close observations about the friends (and strangers) around them will always provide the cocktail for a great character. Hear about these two found their voice, honed their craft, and became important voices in the adult animated world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

240 | George Saunders' Storytelling Masterclass

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so George Saunders is a writer of writes novels, shorts stories, and non-fiction, whose work has amassed a collection of awards including The Booker Prize for his debut novel, Lincoln in Bardo. Like us, George is a story junkie. 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 passionate responses from his readers who are as obsessed with story math as we are. As such, George has started a wildly popular substack: "Story Club," which features his musings all about the mechanics, mystery, and magic of great storytelling. CHECK OUT GEORGE'S SUBSTACK: https://georgesaunders.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

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 those blocks - or perhaps more fittingly, defies gravity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

238 | How To Create and Maintain a Screenwriting Career Outside of LA or NY (ft. Will Fetters and Chris Sparling)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.cricle.so 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 practical logistics of making your Hollywood writing career work no matter where you live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

237 | Malcolm Washington & Virgil Williams (The Piano Lesson) On Adapting August Wilson's Pulitzer-Winning Masterpiece

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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-nominated "Mudbound" co-writer Virgil Williams came on board to help nurture that take on the page. In today's conversation, you'll hear how the two of them wrote together in the desert, creating a routinized approach to the material, while still leaving space for discovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

236 | Liz Feldman (Dead To Me, No Good Deed): Writing is Self-Destruction, Self-Reflection, and Self-Correction

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 Netflix that she created and showran: Dead To Me and No Good Deed. Join us as she unpacks her creative process.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

235 | Mike Jones (Soul, Dream Productions) Returns: What Makes a Great Act 3?

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 developed (and even helped direct!), is on Disney+ now.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

234 | Why Fairy Tales Are The Foundation For Modern Storytelling (ft. Kelly Younger)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so To say that Kelly Younger is a fairly tell 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, Hulu, Disney Studios, Paramount Animation, Warner Animation Group, DreamWorks Animation, Disney Originals, and has also consulted at Skydance Animation, in addition to Illumination on both SHREK 5 and PUSS IN BOOTS 2. So why would should we care so much about a centuries-old art form? Today, Kelly breaks it all down.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

233 | TV Development: Everything You Need To Know (ft. Glen Mazzara)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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, and the studio can be a complicated game of chess, but today, Glen breaks the game down with a refreshing amount of candor.

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

232 | A Writers' Assistant Deep Dive (Part 2)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 creatives.

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2025

231 | A Writers' Assistant Roundtable & Deep Dive

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 writer's assistants Jonathan Hurwitz, Maggie Gottlieb, and Lauren Halberg detail their experience as writers assistants. They answer the important questions like: how do you actually get a writer's assistant job, how can you elegantly parlay that job into bigger opportunities, and...the dreaded quesiton: can I pitch?

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

231 | A Writers' Assistant Deep Dive (Part 1)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 like: how do you actually get a writers’ assistant job, how can you elegantly parlay that job into bigger opportunities, and... the Big Scary Question: can I pitch in the room?

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

230 | Sing Sing Writer Clint Bentley: Creating Character Arcs Based On Real Lives

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so 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 decided to tackle the project, how they involved the real life creators behind the program that inspired the movie, and - yes, this is true - how they managed to pay everyone on set the exact same day rate.

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2025

229 | The Screenwriting Life: Joy, Pain, & Legacy (TSL 2024 Supercut, Pt. 2)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so What brings you the most joy when it comes to writing? What pisses you off about writing? Advice for 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 Kessler (Episode 199) 19:48 - Joey Slamon (Episode 200) 25:28 - Christopher Vogler (Episode 204) 31:29 - Nitza Wilon & Elizabeth Kaiden (Episode 207) 33:25 - Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky (Episode 209) 39:28 - Andy Breckman (Episode 210) 42:51 - Kelly O'Sullivan (Episode 211) 46:18 - Barbara Stepansky (Episode 212) 47:42 - Tate Hanyok and Alex Convery (Episode 213) 1:02:09 - Jon Huertas (Episode 214) 1:08:06 - Patton Oswalt (Episode 215) 1:11:15 - John Hoffman (Episode 216) 1:16:00 - Jenna Lamia (Episode 222) 1:20:40 - Sharon Horgan (Episode 225) 1:23:52 - Justin Kuritzkes (Episode 226) 1:27:25 - Susannah Grant (Episode 227)

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2024

228 | The Screenwriting Life: Joy, Pain, & Legacy (TSL 2024 Supercut, Pt. 1)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so At the end of every episode, we ask our guests the Three Big Questions: What brings you the most joy when it comes to writing? What pisses you off about writing? What advice would you give to your younger self? Today's supercut captures the heartfelt answers from TSL guests over the past year. Part 2, coming soon! 1:04 - Charlotte Stoudt (Ep 164) 7:24 - Tom McCarthy (Ep 169) 12:24 - Adam Grant (Ep 171) 22:45 - Jodie Foster (Ep 174) 28:00 - Michael Arndt (Ep 176) 31:00 - Celine Song (Ep 177) 37:54 - David Heminsgon (Ep 178) 42:15 - Elizabeth Hargrave (Ep 180) 46:50 - Lloyd Taylor (Ep 181) 50:25 - Dave Mullins, Brad Booker, & Sean Ono Lennon (Ep 182) 1:06:22 - Jennifer Deaton (Ep 184) 1:14:32 - Cole Haddon (Ep 185) 1:19:30 - Jeff Melvoin (Ep 186) 1:23:00 - Debby Wolfe (Ep 187) 1:26:20 - Octavio Solis (Ep 188) 1:34:27 - Carole Kirschner (Ep 189) 1:39:26 - Navid McIlhargey (Ep 190) 1:43:50 - Linda Seger (Ep 191) 1:49:23 - Billy Mernit (Ep 194)

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

227 | Oscar-Nominated Writer Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich, Unbelievable): "Know The Difference Between Truth and Facts"

Many of Susannah Grant's movies are based on true stories, which, for a writer, often invites thorny questions about adaptation — What should I include? Is it essential that every detail I include happened verbatim? In answering these questions during today’s fascinating conversation, Susannah sheds light on an important reality: sometimes in fiction writing, there’s profound difference between truth and facts.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

226 | Challengers/Queer Writer Justin Kuritzkes: Asking The Right Questions While Writing

Justin Kuritzkes is having a good year. Two of his scripts Challengers and Queer, were brought to life by world-renowned director Luca Guadagnino, and despite being about completely wildly different world's, both scripts center complicated characters swirling in romantically complicated politics. Challengers, our focus of today's conversation, was born out Justin's sudden and newfound interest in tennis, and a fascination with what might be happening off the court between players in what is such a clearly intimate sport. His script almost instantly attached Zendaya, so he must have done something right.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2024

225 | Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters/Catastrophe) On Revealing Character

Join TSL Workshops: www.tslworkshops.circle.so (Through January 1, use coupon code HOLIDAY24 to get a 5-day free trial + 50% off your first 3 months!) Despite the BAFTA wins, Peabody Awards, and IFTA nominations, Sharon Horgan didn't really begin her writing career until her mid-30s, but her previous professional experiences have given her valuable ammo to write interesting, nuanced characters. Today we discuss how she reveals that nuance as she writes. Season two of Bad Sisters is available on Apple TV+ now.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

225 | Actor/Showrunner Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters/Catastrophe) On Revealing Character

Join TSL Workshops: www.tslworkshops.circle.so (Through January 1, use coupon code HOLIDAY24 to get a 5-day free trial + 50% off your first 3 months!) Despite the BAFTA wins, Peabody Awards, and IFTA nominations, Sharon Horgan didn't really begin her writing career until her mid-30s, but her previous professional experiences have given her valuable ammo to write interesting, nuanced characters. Today we discuss how she reveals that nuance as she writes. Season two of Bad Sisters is available on Apple TV+ now.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

224 | LIVE From Austin Film Festival 2024: Story Workshop

Join TSL Workshops NOW with our special 2024 coupon code HOLIDAY24: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Thanks to AFF for welcoming us back this year for another Story Workshop, and a special thanks to Brittney, Jessica, and Adam for sharing their projects. If you'd like to reach Adam to discuss his cult-inspired TV show, you can reach him here: https://www.adambranson.com/contact

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

223 | Character Psychology Masterclass w/ Dr. Dan Siegel

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.cricle.so As writers, we're aiming to create the most believably human characters we can, and one of the best ways to do this is to understand their psychology. Today, we're honored to welcome world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel to share how human beings form belief systems based on traumatic experiences in their developmental years, and what it takes for them to transform (a.k.a., the three-act journey of a feature). GET DAN'S NEW BOOK HERE!

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

222 | The Perfect Couple Showrunner on How To Craft a Murder Mystery (ft. Jenna Lamia)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Jenna Lamia's first producer/creator/showrunner credit wasn't just a success — it was a smash hit, becoming one of Netflix's top five most streamed TV seasons EVER. The show, which stars Nicole Kidman, is a sleek and funny murder mystery set around a bougie Nantucket wedding, and today, Jenna talks all about how she adapted Elin Hilderbrand's best-selling novel into one of the year's most successful shows.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2024

221 | Strategies To Focus Better While Writing (And Other Mailbag Questions)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Another mailbag! We answer your brilliant questions, and talk a bit about Austin. Buckle up!

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024

220 | Writing Horror with the Carved Creative Team

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so On today's eerie episode, we welcome three creatives behind Hulu's new campy horror slasher film, "Carved" - director and co-writer Justin Harding, co-writer Cheryl Meyer, and star Peyton Elizabeth Lee - to talk about horror, and particularly, how to write it. Happy Halloween!

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

219 | Practical Ways To Treat an Inactive Protagonist

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so We talk about ACTIVE protagonists all the time on the show, but we know that creating one is easier said than done. Luckily, Meg and Lorien have a laundry list of practical exercises you can explore today to bring your protagonist to life. But first, we talk with longtime TSL listen and TSL workshops member Laurel Senick about a lovely email she sent us.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2024

218 | Lessons In Chemistry, The Office, and Jury Duty: Lee Eisenberg's Multi-Genre Screenwriting Career

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so How does a TV writer go from working on a classic sitcom (The Office), to a deeply-felt immigrant dramedy (Little America), to creating a hidden camera show (Jury Duty), and most recently, creating an Emmy-nominated female-driven workplace drama (Lessons in Chemistry)? Hard work. Despite his mega-career, Lee Eisenberg doesn't believe he is in the upper echelon of Hollywood's most talented writers, but he does believe he outworks almost anyone else in town. Tune in to find out how you can, too.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2024

217 | How To Get A Manager (ft. Roadmap Writers' Joey Tuccio)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Joey Tuccio may know more writers in Hollywood than just about anyone. In fact, he loves writers so much, that he created an entire program to nature, incubate, and propel writers to representation through his brainchild ROADMAP WRITERS. Today, in a re-broadcast of a hugely attended Facebook live from 2023, we ask the hard questions about what it really takes to get a manager.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2024

216 | Only Murders In The Building Showrunner John Hoffman: "Write What Delights You"

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so John Hoffman is the first to admit his surprise at just how comfortable he felt directing Meryl Streep on his set for Only Murders In The Building. She's not the only legend to have appeared on the show...Steve Martin, Martin Short, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Nathan Lane: it's a murderers' row. And yet, it's been decades of hard work, ups and downs, passes, "almost-greenlights" and visits from Moetta...John's imaginary muse, that have earned him the confidence to showrun one of TVs most beloved comedies. Learn about how he built that confidence in today's lovely conversation.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2024

215 | Patton Oswalt: Embracing Risk as a Writer, Stand Up Comic, and Actor

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so/ When Patton Oswalt considers a part, he has a simple litmus test: "When the movie is finished it's either gotta be, 'I can't believe they pulled this off, or this movie should not have been made.'" Risk has always been an important part of Patton's life as an artist in every medium: writing, acting, performing, and stand-up. Enjoy this incredible conversation with one of our best working stand-ups.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

214 | How TV Writers, Directors, and Actors Work Together (ft. Jon Huertas)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: http://tslworkshops.circle.so Though he's perhaps best known as Miguel on This Is Us, Jon Huertas has been a TV staple for decades, having worked on broadcast, cable, and streaming, both in front of and behind the camera. With such a deep well of experience, Jon has incredible advice for TV writers in today's conversation.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

213 | Using Festivals and Contests to Advance Your Career ft. Alex Convery (AIR) and Tate Hanyok (Sex APPeal)

RSVP for the TSL/Roadmap AFF Party Here: https://bit.ly/4cQWUHa Years ago, Alex Convery and Tate Hanyok were merely attending the Austin Film Festival as screenplay competition winners, and this year, they're attending as panelists! Find out how they used the festival to meet writers, rep, and most importantly, motivate their career in the right direction.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

212 | Outlander Writer/Producer Barbara Stepansky: How Winning The Nicholl Fellowship Changed Her Career

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS FOR FREE: https://tslworkshops.circle.so/ Barbara Stepansky’s career is the culmination of years of incredibly hard work. In addition to winning the highly competitive Nicholl Fellowship, Barbara is a WGA-award winner for a TV movie, the head writer on a German-language Netflix show, and a writer/producer on Starz’s Outlander. Today’s conversation is all about how Barbara built her uniquely multi-faceted career.

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2024

211 | Sundance Favorite GHOSTLIGHT's Kelly O'Sullivan: Indie Filmmaking Beyond LA/NY

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: tslworkshops.circle.so How does a Chicago-based Indie film team break into Sundance, sell their movie at the fest, debut with a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and make a Box Office Splash? They make a really, really great movie. Writer/director Kelly O'Sullivan knows a thing or two about Indie Filmmaking; her debut "Saint Frances" won SXSW in 2019. Today she discusses how she writes, casts, and directs outside of the traditional indie ecosystem, and how you can, too.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2024

210 | "Monk" Creator Andy Breckman: How To Find Luck In Hollywood

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Whether it was writing for SNL in the '80s, writing RAT RACE in the 90s, or creating MONK in the 2000s, it's no secret that Andy Breckman has had an incredible career. What does he chalk it up to? Luck (and a whole lot of hard work).

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2024

209 | Hacks Creators Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky: Writing and Selling A Mixed-Tone Comedy

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: www.tslworkshops.circle.so When Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, and Lucia Aniello were first pitching Hacks, they didn't have a precise tonal comp when the network asked. But the trio ultimately knew that they wanted a show that was allowed to be "hard funny," but still make lots of space for rich emotional moments. Today, Paul and Jen discuss HOW they walk that tightrope while writing, and how centering Ava and Deborah's professional and personal relationship serves as their creative North Star helps the process.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2024

208 | Writing Animated Children's TV: A Crash Course w/ Lorien

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: www.tslworkshops.circle.so Animation is a MEDIUM, not a genre. This, among many other important lessons on today's episode, is one of the first thing Lorien tells people who are interested in writing animated TV for children. Today we discuss how to break into children's animated TV, how production considerations weigh into the writing process, and what it means to signal a "red alert" in your work (hint: this is a good thing).

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2024

207 | Being (And Writing) Women Over Forty: A Candid Conversation (ft. Nitza Wilon & Elizabeth Kaiden)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: www.tslworkshops.circle.so Let's be frank: sexism and ageism are no joke in Hollywood. That being said, women over forty posses superpowers that the peers may lack - experience and wisdom. For Nitza Wilon & Elizabeth Kaiden, this is part of the juice behind the Writers Lab, the only screenwriting lab solely focused on nurturing women and non-binary folk over 40.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2024

206 | Everything You Need To Know About The Writer's Guild Foundation Library (a FREE Treasure Trove)

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS!: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Today, we’re joined by Jaiver Barrios, Lauren, O’Connor, and Hilary Swett to discuss the INVALUABLE resources that the WGAF library provides for writers…FOR FREE. RESOURCES DISCUSSED: WGF Blog (Spec Primer Example!): https://www.wgfoundation.org/blog/2023/1/18/formatting-your-spec-script-a-primer-part-22?rq=abbot WGF Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/WritersGuildFoundation

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024

205 | ANNOUNCEMENT: Last Day For A LIFETIME Discount on TSL Workshops

Today is your last day for a lifetime TSL Workshops Discount! Sign up here: https://tslworkshops.circle.so

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2024

204 | The Hero's Journey ft. Christopher Vogler

Sign up for TSL Workshops!: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Get Chris' Book!: https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Journey-Mythic-Structure-3rd/dp/193290736X Though Chris Vogler is generally credited with introducing the FRAMEWORK of The Hero's Journey into modern Hollywood discourse, it almost didn't happen. When someone else plagiarized his memo and trafficked it to Jeffrey Katzenberg trying to take credit for it, Chris faced a crossroads. Find out HOW he managed that, and became an essential creative pillar behind the development of THE LION KING.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2024

203 | BONUS: TSL Workshops Exclusive Preview

Sign up today - https://tslworkshops.circle.so

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2024

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