Best Lorien McKenna Podcasts (2024)

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220 | Writing Horror with the Carved Creative Team 1:18:26

9h ago1:18:26

1:18:26

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!…

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219 | Practical Ways To Treat an Inactive Protagonist 1:01:19

6d ago1:01:19

1:01:19

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 listener and TSL works…

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218 | Lessons In Chemistry, The Office, and Jury Duty: Lee Eisenberg's Multi-Genre Screenwriting Career 1:30:10

17d ago1:30:10

1:30:10

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-c…

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217 | How To Get A Manager (ft. Roadmap Writers' Joey Tuccio) 1:08:37

20d ago1:08:37

1:08:37

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 f…

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216 | Only Murders In The Building Showrunner John Hoffman: "Write What Delights You" 1:05:31

27d ago1:05:31

1:05:31

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, …

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215 | Patton Oswalt: Embracing Risk as a Writer, Stand Up Comic, and Actor 1:11:49

1M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

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, actin…

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214 | How TV Writers, Directors, and Actors Work Together (ft. Jon Huertas) 1:05:51

1M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

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.…

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213 | Using Festivals and Contests to Advance Your Career ft. Alex Convery (AIR) and Tate Hanyok (Sex APPeal) 1:39:54

2M ago1:39:54

1:39:54

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 di…

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212 | Outlander Writer/Producer Barbara Stepansky: How Winning The Nicholl Fellowship Changed Her Career 1:05:51

2M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

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. To…

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211 | Sundance Favorite GHOSTLIGHT's Kelly O'Sullivan: Indie Filmmaking Beyond LA/NY 1:14:28

2M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: www.thescreenwritinglife.co/workshops 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 "Sai…

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210 | "Monk" Creator Andy Breckman: How To Find Luck In Hollywood 1:02:46

2M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

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).By Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

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209 | Hacks Creators Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky: Writing and Selling A Mixed-Tone Comedy 1:04:55

3M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

https://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 …

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208 | Writing Animated Children's TV: A Crash Course w/ Lorien 1:01:29

3M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

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 things 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…

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207 | Being (And Writing) Women Over Forty: A Candid Conversation (ft. Nitza Wilon & Elizabeth Kaiden) 1:18:07

3M ago1:18:07

1:18:07

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 …

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206 | Everything You Need To Know About The Writer's Guild Foundation Library (a FREE Treasure Trove) 1:04:07

3M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

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 WGF 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-p…

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205 | ANNOUNCEMENT: Last Day For A LIFETIME Discount on TSL Workshops 0:52

3M ago0:52

0:52

Today is your last day for a lifetime TSL Workshops Discount! Sign up here: https://tslworkshops.circle.soBy Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

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204 | The Hero's Journey ft. Christopher Vogler 1:21:16

4M ago1:21:16

1:21:16

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 tra…

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203 | BONUS: TSL Workshops Exclusive Preview 30:14

4M ago30:14

30:14

Sign up today - https://tslworkshops.circle.soBy Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

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202 | Turning The Tables: Meg and Lorien Interviewed By Screenwriting Teacher/Author Andrew Zinnes 1:11:45

4M ago1:11:45

1:11:45

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: http://tslworkshops.circle.so Over the lifespan of our show, you've heard Meg and Lorien interview a ton of incredibly talented writers, but today, we turn the tables, and get to hear from them! (And a bit from producer Jeff too...) Andrew Zinnes, a screenwriter and teacher himself, helped compile a book of interviews by top-tie…

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201 | Mail Bag + Thoughts About the Dreaded Act 2b 1:10:22

4M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so On today’s show, we answer your (excellent) questions. Among the topics we discuss are: How to lean into our best writer selves How many drafts we “really” need to be taken seriously How to improve readability in our work Advice for sharing undeveloped ideas with executives Deepening our midpoint a…

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200 | Discovering & Embracing Your Strengths As A Writer (ft. Showrunner Joey Slamon) 1:03:56

4M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: tslworkshops.circle.so Joey's impressive resume in TV includes shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live, Arrested Development, and I'm Sorry, which she show-ran for two seasons next to Andrea Savage. And even so, she's the first to acknowledge her both her strengths and growth areas as a writer, which has been one of the most valuable tools…

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Episode Drops TOMORROW. 0:38

4M ago0:38

0:38

Thanks for your patience! Our new episode this week will be dropping TOMORROW in your feed.By Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

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199 | The New Look Creator/Showrunner on Finding Empathy for our Characters 1:09:24

4M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: tslworkshops.circle.so Todd A Kessler's newest Apple TV+ THE NEW LOOK is one of Meg's favorite of the year. The show, which chronicles the rivalry between infamous fashion designers Coco Chanel and Christian Dior tracks their rapid ascent against the tense backdrop of WWII Europe, and for Meg, the way the show explores art, surv…

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198 | Girls5Eva Creator Meredith Scardino On How To Become INDISPENSABLE In A Writer's Room 1:17:17

5M ago1:17:17

1:17:17

TSL WORKSHOPS IS LIVE!: www.tslworkshops.circle.so Use code "EARLYBIRD" at checkout for $5 off a month for LIFE! (Only lasts until Jul 15). Meredith Scardino has been many things: a fine artists, an animator, a late night writer, and now, a narrative comedy Creator/Showrunner (the wonderful Girls5Eva), but her focus on providing value wherever she …

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197 | Inside Out 2 Director Kelsey Mann and Writer Meg LeFauve on How To Approach A Sequel 1:10:16

5M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

When Inside Out debuted, it was quickly celebrated as one of Pixar's masterpieces, earning multiple Oscar noms (including one for our HOST Meg LeFauve!) How then, do you approach a sequel to such a beloved classic? This was one of the many questions that weighed on both Kelsey Mann and Meg LeFauve as they reopened Riley's head to jump back in. Jump…

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196 | Inside Out 2 Writers Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein 1:03:30

5M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

When asked about his first time working in feature animation, Meg's Inside Out 2 co-writer Dave Holstein described the process as: "writing inside a dishwasher while it's running." This is just one of many charming talking points in this lovely conversation between two brilliant minds: Dave, and our very own Meg LeFauve!…

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195 | Dustin Lance Black: Writing (And Adapting) Compelling Protagonists 1:09:36

5M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

TSL WORKSHOPS EMAIL LIST: www.thescreenwritinglife.co/workshops Friend of the show Dustin Lance Black is back to talk about the central lynchpin of a great film: the protagonist. Lance is known for his complicated heroes (often real people) who draw us in and don't let go. Today, we discuss how to draw a protagonist that will hold an audience's att…

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194 | Romantic Comedy Writing Masterclass w/ Billy Mernit 1:10:38

5M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

TSL WORKSHOPS: www.thescreenwritinglife.co/workshops BILLY'S BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JSFBR4 The romantic comedy is one of the most enduring genres in American Cinema and for good reason: it's all about love, joy, and transformation, aka, the heart of good storytelling. This is Billy Mernit's entire ethos, the foundation that…

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193 | Ten Common Traps That Will Kill Your Script (Pt. 2) 1:05:47

6M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: www.thescreenwritinglife.co/workshops We're back with part TWO of our ten common traps that will kill your script. Take notes, TSL Fam!By Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

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192 | Ten Common Traps That Will Kill Your Script (Pt. 1) 59:16

6M ago59:16

59:16

Whether you're a pro or a beginner, there are certain traps as screenwriters that will almost ALWAYS kill our writing. On today's show, we cover the first five...(stay tuned for the rest!) JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/thescreenwritinglifeBy Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

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191 | Writing Visually On The Page (And Connecting To Your Theme) ft. Linda Seger 58:57

6M ago58:57

58:57

Linda Seger basically created the job of independent script consultant. After years of exploring, she discovered that her gifts lie in making a good script great, which is the name of her first book: "Making A Good Script Great." Since then, Linda has become one of Hollywood's most sought after and celebrated consultants, because her ability to dis…

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#51 - Ronan Bennett: Creating Top Boy, Working with Michael Mann, Following Obsession, Stamina, and Why Screenwriting is like Playing Tennis with Novak Djokovic 26:21

6M ago26:21

26:21

Today’s guest began his career writing novels informed by his experiences growing up in the troubles of 1970s Northern Ireland such as The Second Prison which was shortlisted for the 1991 Irish Times prize. Soon after, he began writing for television and film, again bringing signature realism to his work in later projects including Michael Mann’s g…

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190 | Getting Candid About The Business of Hollywood (ft. Navid McIlhargey) 1:21:50

6M ago1:21:50

1:21:50

Navid Mcllhargey has been a studio executive and producer for over 20 years, and over the course of his impressive career, he has seen the business change dramatically. Today, we get an inside look into the life of a studio-exec-turned-producer, and more importantly, what it looks like for a producer to puzzle together a movie in today's dramatical…

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189 | Create Your Hollywood Game Plan w/ Carole Kirschner 1:10:19

7M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Carole Kirschner, the director of the CBS Diversity Writers Program & WGA Showrunner Training Program, is passionate about helping creative professionals build thriving Hollywood careers. Whether you're an emerging writer of a pro, Carole will offer you PRACTICAL advice as to how to approach this ever-changing business. FOR CAROLE'S BOOK: https://w…

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188 | Playwriting (and some BTS Behind the Making of Coco) ft. Octavio Solis 1:15:41

7M ago1:15:41

1:15:41

Octavio Solis is among the most celebrated playwrights discussing the Latin American experience, but he wasn't always a writer. Octavio began his artistic journey as an actor-turned-writing-teacher. But when his students started succeeding, he felt an emerging feeling; a need to take his own advice and get to the page. Since then, Solis has written…

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#50 - Lorien McKenna: How the The Pixar Story Department Actually Works, Creating Career Agency, Writing For Visuals, Challenging Shame and The Power of Vulnerability 38:09

7M ago38:09

38:09

Today’s guest began her creative journey in the world of theatre before moving to Pixar where she worked in the story department of hits including Ratatouille, Up, Brave, The Good Dinosaur and Inside Out. Having now transitioned to writing and showrunning her own projects, most recently the double Emmy nominated Tab Time as well as co-hosting mega-…

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187 | Writing For Multi-Cam Sitcoms (w/ Lopez vs Lopez Showrunner Debby Wolfe) 48:41

7M ago48:41

48:41

Even though Debby Wolfe began her career writing "edgy, brooding feminist shorts" (her words), but really found her lane as a writer when she wrote a Modern Family spec that launched her career. Since then, she's written on a number of multi-cams, eventually arriving on Lopez vs. Lopez, which she's currently showrunning. Today, Debby discusses how …

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186 | A Crash Course For Showrunners (And Their Staff Writers) ft. Jeff Melvoin 1:20:46

7M ago1:20:46

1:20:46

By Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

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185 | Why Tone and Genre ≠ Plot (ft. Cole Haddon) 1:03:31

8M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Cole Haddon is many things: a feature writer, a showrunner, a novelist, but he's grown an incredibly loyal community for his STORY brain, which mostly congregates on his very popular substack. Today we discuss tone, genre, and plot through a case study in which we compare two very popular TV shows: The Bear and Ted Lasso. In this discussion, we'll …

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184 | What Does A Hollywood Studio Reader Do? (TSL Listener Spotlight) 1:02:55

8M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Today is a chance to hear from YOU! We were thrilled to invite longtime listener Jennifer Deaton onto our show to hear about her impressive career in the biz including her life as a reader for Focus Features and screenwriting debut, the award-winning indie feature Jack of the Red Hearts. JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/thescreenwritinglife…

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183 | How The Animated Film Industry Is Changing (And Why That Matters Creatively): WAR IS OVER Chat, Part 2 44:16

8M ago44:16

44:16

This year, one of the most talked about Animated Shorts at this year's Oscars is WAR IS OVER. The project, inspired by the Music of John and Yoko, is an 11-minute animated short featuring the 50-year-old classic song Happy Xmas (War Is Over), set against the backdrop of war. Today, we welcome three of the shorts' brilliant creators: Pixar alum and …

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182 | What Goes Into Creating an Oscar-nominated Animated Short?: WAR IS OVER Chat, Part 1 46:18

8M ago46:18

46:18

This year, one of the most talked about Animated Shorts at this year's Oscars is WAR IS OVER. The project, inspired by the Music of John and Yoko, is an 11-minute animated short featuring the 50-year-old classic song Happy Xmas (War Is Over), set against the backdrop of WWI. Today, we welcome three of the shorts' brilliant creators: Pixar alum and …

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181 | Nimona Co-Writer Lloyd Taylor On The World Of Animated Feature Films 1:07:17

8M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Nimona isn't just one of 2023's best animated movies, it's one of 2023's best movies, full stop (and yes, it is Oscar-nominated). Today, we welcome one it's co-writers, Lloyd Taylor, to talk about adapting ND Stevenson beloved graphic novel, working through a roller coaster development window, and not being afraid to blow up his own work in service…

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180 | Award Winning "Wingspan" Game Designer Compares Writing To Game Design (ft. Elizabeth Hargrave) 55:56

8M ago55:56

55:56

Elizabeth Hargrave's debut board game Wingspan has become a one this century's most definitional games, but her inspiration to create was pretty simple. She says, "I felt like there were too many games about castles and space, and not enough games about things I’m interested in. So I decided to make a game about something I cared about." This is ju…

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#49 - Simon Blackwell: Writing Veep & The Thick of It, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Scary Phrase, Emergency Plane Writing, The Genius of Armando Iannucci, Sweary Grannies, & Why Parenting Makes You A Better Creative ... 36:05

9M ago36:05

36:05

I am lucky to introduce today’s guest who has been at the forefront of British comedy for the last two decades. The man behind hit shows such as Back starring Mitchell and Webb and Sky’s Breeders, his career is long and celebrated but it is his partnership with Armando Innaucci for which he is probably best known. Together they have brought movies …

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179 | Feature Film Story Engine Checklist: 8 Elements To Turn A Situation Into A MOVIE 1:09:28

9M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

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! JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/thescreenwritinglif…

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178 | The Holdovers Writer David Hemingson On Finding Humanity In Our Characters 1:15:05

9M ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Despite this being his first produced feature, David Hemingson's script for THE HOLDOVERS is one of the most celebrated of the year, nominated for over 40 industry prizes (including the Oscar), having won many of them. He's a self-proclaimed "journeyman" writer having bounced between children's animated, network comedy, and hourlong procedurals for…

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177 | Past Lives Writer/Director Celine Song: Standing In Your Authority As a Writer and Artist 1:17:40

9M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

Hearing Celine Song discuss her authority as an artist is powerful stuff. Despite no feature film directorial experience, she knew she had the secret key to lead the production of Past Lives, which is now a 2024 Oscar nom: a fierce commitment to her script, the story, and characters. For Celine, all of the power and authority that we bring to our w…

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176 | Michael Arndt on Balancing Plot & Emotional Storytelling 1:10:29

9M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

We talk about lava, character wounds, and emotional storytelling ALL THE TIME on the show, but it's important to remember: there's more to good storytelling than an emotionally juicy character. Today, Oscar-winner (and friend-of-the-show) Michael Arndt discusses this, along with trends he is noticing in the evolving world of 21st century cinema. GR…

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175 | American Fiction Writer/Director Cord Jefferson's Advice For Adaptating Material 45:03

10M ago45:03

45:03

Cord Jefferson knows what if feels like to watch a project die. Recently, he had a greenlit show that was so close to shooting that the production office for the show had an physical address. And then, it died. In a creative funk, Cord discovered Percival Everett's novel Erasure which immediately reignited a passion in Cord, and eventually became h…

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