Scripted From The Bottom

This week Bry and I will be joined by special guest Kelly Larson for our second installment in the mini series- exploring the world of assistants in the writers room.Kelly's Bio reads below:Kelly Larson is a Writers Assistant on Batwoman who has written an episode of the show while also writing and selling other projects on her own.  Some companies she's worked with are DC, Nickelodeon, and Curation Entertainment.  She's been in rooms for the last 8 and a half years, and has worked for Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, and Caroline Dries.  This is the second episode in the mini-series deep dive of assistant roles in the writers' room.

Hey all this is Leah - Bry is busy this week but have no fear, we will be joined by a special guest for the first installment in our new mini series- exploring the world of assistants in the writers room.That special guest in none other than Showrunners Assistant Megan BacharachMegan's bio reads:Megan Bacharach grew up in the frozen tundra of Minnesota with two Ph.D. carrying professors as parents, so naturally, that led to her wanting to be an Olympic athlete. Years of hard work and frozen toes put her in the top 600 alpine ski racers in the world, but after waking up frozen to the bed in a Chilean hotel room, she decided a life of eternally chasing winter wasn't right for her. She landed at Montana State University where she competed as a D1 athlete and graduated with degrees in Film/TV Production and Business Management. Since then, Megan has applied the passion and drive that led to success in ski racing to the pursuit of TV writing. Her scripts have done well in various writing competitions, but more importantly, she's co-written two episodes of TV. An episode of NCIS: New Orleans that aired in May 2021 and the upcoming NCIS: Hawai‘i/NCIS crossover episode.  Outside of work you can find Megan doing home renovations projects, diamond puzzles, or pole dancing. She's also continuing to write new drama and dramedy scripts centered on female anti-heroes trying to forge their own paths. Oh and of course telling her parents that grad school is not the answer to every “no” she gets from Hollywood.This is the first episode in the mini-series deep dive of assistant roles in the writers' room. 

We look back at 2021 - the good, the bad, and the uneventful. In our journey through memory lane we admire the "roses and thorns" of the previous year and talk goals for 2022 to further grow our garden of scripts. No year in review is complete without a deep dive into our favorite movies and shows either. We list off why we specifically picked these and how we think they nailed our craft in exemplary ways. ____________________________We would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!Find us on the socials:•Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod•Leah: @leah_lame•Bry: @Bry_larrea

On the finale of season 1,  Bry and Leah discuss all things writers groups: the different types, how to join one, how to create one, how to run one. One of the most beneficial things emerging writers can do is to join a group of like-minded creators. If you're thinking about writers groups, this episode is for you! Some housekeeping: 1. We're moving to 2 episodes per month 2. Please follow us on Twitter! @scriptedpod What we're watching:ETERNALS in theaters Midnight Mass Spencer in theaters Succession on HBOFind us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comOther Mentions: Deadline Junkies Writers Group Safehouse Writers Group LA TV Writers Facebook Group 

This week, Leah and Bry talk REWRITING. When is a script a page one rewrite? Where should you start? What are good things to look for and improve upon when rewriting?   All that and more this week...We would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!Find us on the socials:•Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod•Leah: @leah_lame•Bry: @Bry_larreaWhat we're watching:•The Last Duel in Theaters is currently in theatersScripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day Podcast

This week, Leah and Bry talk CRAFT (AGAIN!) by discussing scene work. What should a scene have and what shouldn't it have. What's the structure of a scene and what purpose does it serve in the entire piece? What are some tips to crafting the perfect scene?  All that and more this week...We would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!Please check out our Twitter for referenced graphs and materials.Find us on the socials:•Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod•Leah: @leah_lame•Bry: @Bry_larreaWhat we're watching:•DUNE in Theaters and HBOMaxScripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day Podcast

This week, Leah and Bry talk CRAFT by discussing the importance of structure in a script. More specifically 60-min tv dramas. How many acts are there? What are the important beats?  Where should story points land All that and more this week...We would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!Please check out our Twitter for referenced graphs and materials.Find us on the socials:•Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod•Leah: @leah_lame•Bry: @Bry_larreaWhat we're watching:•YOU on NETFLIXScripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day Podcast

Going to AFF? Bry and Leah discuss their experiences from Austin Film Festival 2019 and their tips for optimizing your time at the conference. It's one of the best conferences in the game for screenwriters, so whether you have plans to go this year or are looking to make a spontaneous trip, this episode is for you! PS. Find us at the conference for some Scripted from the Bottom swag!  Thanks to @im_dukey and @BenLewisorBust for their tips, too!  Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comWhat we're watching: LAMB in theaters   Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it

This week, Leah and Bry talk about Leah's time on set for Legends of Tomorrow. What are a  writer's duties on set? Why is it important? All that and more this week...Let's discuss! Find us on the socials:•Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod •Leah: @leah_lame  •Bry: @Bry_larreaWhat we're watching: •LuLaRich on Amazon Prime•Vanderpump Rules on Hulu Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

This week, Leah and Bry talk about letting go. When is it time to let go of a project you love? How do you know it's time to put a piece of writing you love in your vault of scripts. Let's discuss! Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaWhat we're watching: LuLaRich on Amazon PrimeVanderpump Rules on Hulu Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

This week is PART TWO of our deep dive into the Academy's Nicholl Fellowship with 2020 Fellow James Acker. Winning with his piece SadBoi, James tells us the process of applying and finding out he placed.James Acker -James Acker grew up in New Jersey and he's based his entire personality off that fact. He received his Bachelor's in Screenwriting & Playwriting from Drexel University, an engineering school, and uses it in the following ways. While his writing has yet to be published, he did get a joke into Nickelodeon Magazine back in ‘03. A 2020 Nicholl Fellow for his script SADBOI, James is excited to continue writing YA stories with confident queer voices. Like a bisexual John Hughes. When he's not writing, James lives in LA with his supportive partner and their two recurring stress dreams.Find James on socials:instagram: instagram.com/james_um_acker/twitter: @JamesUmAckerFor more information on the Nicholl please check out:  https://www.oscars.org/nichollFind us on the socials:•Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod•Leah: twitter - @leah_lame  instagram - @leahlame•Bry: @Bry_larrea•Email us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comScripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email.Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

This week we dive into the Academy's Nicholl Fellowship with 2020 Fellow James Acker. Winning with his piece SadBoi, James tells us the process of applying and finding out he placed. James Acker - James Acker grew up in New Jersey and he's based his entire personality off that fact. He received his Bachelor's in Screenwriting & Playwriting from Drexel University, an engineering school, and uses it in the following ways. While his writing has yet to be published, he did get a joke into Nickelodeon Magazine back in ‘03. A 2020 Nicholl Fellow for his script SADBOI, James is excited to continue writing YA stories with confident queer voices. Like a bisexual John Hughes. When he's not writing, James lives in LA with his supportive partner and their two recurring stress dreams.Find James on socials: instagram: instagram.com/james_um_acker/twitter: @JamesUmAckerFor more information on the Nicholl please check out:  https://www.oscars.org/nichollFind us on the socials:•Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod •Leah: twitter - @leah_lame  instagram - @leahlame•Bry: @Bry_larrea•Email us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comScripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

What makes your screenplay unique? Most of the time, it's your characters. But how do you make your characters memorable and different? Bry and Leah explore the craft and business side of character. Why it's important, things to consider, and the business side of choosing a timely character. Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comWhat we're watching: Love Island on Hulu American Idol on Hulu White Lotus on HBO  Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

This week Leah and Bry sit down with screenwriter and friend Michael Stagliano. They discuss how he gets scripts optioned, adaptations, and so much more. You don't want to miss this one! Michael Stagliano is a reality TV star – turned Screenwriter, having worked for companies like SONY, VERTIGO, HASBRO, NETFLIX, VOYAGE, DC BLACK LABEL, USA, and many other pods in LA, ATL, and Toronto. He wrote episode 303 of THE SINNER on USA/Netflix. He's also won several of the industry's biggest screenwriting competitions including The Tracking Board, Save The Cat, Final Draft Big Break, Screencraft and The Page Awards. He runs the largest screenwriting group in Hollywood called Deadline Junkies, and owns his own entertainment company called Nerdy Pop Entertainment that specializes in sci-fi, fantasy, adventure projects, with a specialization in adapting existing IP.Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comEmail Michael at: stag.michael@gmail.com Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day Podcast. We would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

This week, Bry and Leah talk BIOS - what they are, what they should say, and how you will use them. In the second half, we feature a query email and bio sample from Legends of Tomorrow staff writer Emily Cheever.  Emily can be followed at:CF profile: https://writers.coverfly.com/profile/writer-3e3fcbfe5-840Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emilyfcheever/Twitter: https://twitter.com/emilyfcheeverFind us on the socials:•Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod •Leah: Twitter - @leah_lame  / Instagram - @leahlame•Bry: Twitter - @Bry_larrea / Instagram - @brylarrea•Email us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comScripted From The Bottom is produced by  Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

It's the question we see debated on Twitter the most: should you move to Los Angeles if you're trying to pursue screenwriting? Bry and Leah discuss how to decide, where to move, the cost of living, and more.   Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comWhat we're watching: OLD in theaters everywhere Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day Podcast. We would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

This week, Bry and Leah shoot the shit about remakes and reboots. If you're handed something that isn't your original work, how can you make it your own? We discuss! Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comScripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

This week we sit down with Jackie Decembly, story editor on 4400  on the CW. We discuss her journey from Spanish teacher to TV writer, how she got staffed for the first time, how she landed respresentation, the importance of the first few pages of a script, and so much more. This is one of our favorite episodes so far and you don't want to miss it!  Jackie's Bio: Born and raised in the Midwest, Jackie graduated from The Ohio State University and attended the University of Cincinnati for graduate school. After several years as a Spanish teacher, Jackie left teaching to pursue a career as a TV writer. Now an LA based 1hr dramedy/drama writer, Jackie's writing focuses primarily on female-driven stories that explore complicated family dynamics, female friendship and the idea of being a fish out of water. Her Blackish TV spec “Downsizing” was a semifinalist for The Breakk Screenwriting Competition. Jackie has worked as a set production assistant, a line producer's assistant and writers' production assistant. She was a writers' assistant on Netflix's Ginny & Georgia and was a staff writer on Disney +'s  upcoming show Turner & Hooch. She is currently a story editor for 4400 on the CW.Check out: Turner & Hooch  on Disney+ Find us on the socials:Jackie's Twitter: @JackiePenn18Podcast Twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comShows that made us want to be TV writers: Jane the Virgin Ugly Betty The Walking Dead Big Little Lies 

This week we talk conceit - in your script and in your life.  In our craft section we discuss the king of conceit - Ground Hog Day and movies it later inspired. Other examples discussed include Stranger Things, Unreal, Dead Set, and Searching..  For business, we concentrate on discussing “your brand”. Much like writers Spielberg, Shonda Rhimes, and Ryan Murphy - we talk shop on how we hone in on our voices. And from voices we give personal stories that have shaped us into who we are today and influence our writing - therefore influencing our story's themes and conceits.  Materials mentioned to check out:Blacklist article: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/reader-question-what-exactly-do-you-mean-by-story-conceit-a31ef090638f&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1626239426783000&usg=AOvVaw0dB-f_r2EINWLjOjBSsv7Z Lessons From The Screenplay YT discussing the movie Searching. (They also have a podcast -  Beyond the Screenplay)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVFHAvnfW1A To find the Stranger Things pitch deck / bible - https://scriptpipeline.com/stranger-things-bible Carol Kirshner: https://www.carolekirschner.com/ And CORRECTION:Goosebumps BOOKS don't have death - the show did have death.  Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.com What we're watching: Fear Street - NetflixTed Lasso - Apple TV Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

Whewwww, Bry and Leah are BURNED OUT. You, too? In episode 206, we talk tactics and tips for combatting burnout, relighting your creative fire, and our personal experiences with burnout this summer. Will we quit writing forever? Listen to find out! In the business segment, we explore the recent IATSE drama and assistant pay. “How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” - Henry David Thoreau Mentioned: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comWhat we're watching: Jersey Shore on Hulu Plant videos on YouTube Alone on Hulu   Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

For the second week, we sit down with John Zaozirny, a well-known lit manager and head of Bellevue productions. We discuss what to do once you're ready to be repped. In this episode, he breaks down tactics for querying and putting your work out there so you can land representation. If you've done the work and you have samples, this episode is for you! JOHN ZAOZIRNY John runs Bellevue Productions, a leading literary management company with a focus on discovering and breaking new writers and writer-directors, in both the feature film and television spaces. John's clients' writing and directing credits include INFINITE, PARALLEL, ELI, BAD MATCH, BETTER WATCH OUT, HEAVY TRIP, OFFICE UPRISING, SPLINTER, amongst others. His clients have written feature scripts that are set up at Warner Bros, Paramount, 20th, Lionsgate, New Line, Sony, Universal, amongst others. As well, his clients have had 20 scripts on the last 6 Black Lists, the annual list of the best unproduced feature scripts. His client Elyse Hollander wrote BLONDE AMBITION, the number one script on the 2016 Black List, and his client Sophie Dawson wrote HEADHUNTER, the number one script on the 2020 Black List. His clients have also written on TV shows such as FBI INTERNATIONAL, SHANTARAM, SECRET INVASION, BOSCH PI, MR ROBOT, TRAINING DAY, TINY PRETTY THINGS, HAWAII FIVE-O, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE and HAND OF GOD, amongst others.  He also reps the writer of the Eisner nominated comic book LITTLE BIRD. John has produced feature films ALWAYS WATCHING, PARALLEL, ELI, and, most recently,  INFINITE, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Mark Wahlberg and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Raised in Vancouver, Canada, John is a graduate of the Tisch Film and Television program at New York University.  He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Elyse.Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaJohn Zaozirny: @johnzaozirnyEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comWhat we're watching: Hacks on HBO MaxIn the Heights   Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

This week we sit down with John Zaozirny, a well-known lit manager and head of Bellevue productions. We discuss all things “prepping for a manager.” What samples do you need? What does John look for before signing a new writer? What does it mean to have a buzzy sample? If you're preparing to take your material out seeking representation, this episode is for you. JOHN ZAOZIRNY John runs Bellevue Productions, a leading literary management company with a focus on discovering and breaking new writers and writer-directors, in both the feature film and television spaces. John's clients' writing and directing credits include INFINITE, PARALLEL, ELI, BAD MATCH, BETTER WATCH OUT, HEAVY TRIP, OFFICE UPRISING, SPLINTER, amongst others. His clients have written feature scripts that are set up at Warner Bros, Paramount, 20th, Lionsgate, New Line, Sony, Universal, amongst others. As well, his clients have had 20 scripts on the last 6 Black Lists, the annual list of the best unproduced feature scripts. His client Elyse Hollander wrote BLONDE AMBITION, the number one script on the 2016 Black List, and his client Sophie Dawson wrote HEADHUNTER, the number one script on the 2020 Black List. His clients have also written on TV shows such as FBI INTERNATIONAL, SHANTARAM, SECRET INVASION, BOSCH PI, MR ROBOT, TRAINING DAY, TINY PRETTY THINGS, HAWAII FIVE-O, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE and HAND OF GOD, amongst others.  He also reps the writer of the Eisner nominated comic book LITTLE BIRD. John has produced feature films ALWAYS WATCHING, PARALLEL, ELI, and, most recently,  INFINITE, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Mark Wahlberg and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Raised in Vancouver, Canada, John is a graduate of the Tisch Film and Television program at New York University.  He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Elyse.Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaJohn Zaozirny: @johnzaozirnyEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comWhat we're watching: INFINITE on Paramount+  Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

LEAH IS STAFFED! Our very own Scripted from the Bottom host is now a full-time staff writer on DC's Legends of Tomorrow. In this episode, we walk through Leah's five-year journey of climbing the Hollywood ladder… and how she landed her full-time job writing for a TV show. Do you love inspiring stories about writers breaking in? This episode is for you. Find us on the socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPod Leah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comFeatured Tweets:@mattlaughery@meredithsonn@sankofa_bird@jessicarionero@Joey_Poach@pfeldWhat we're watching: Sweet Tooth on Netflix   Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

Today's episode explores the dreaded “day job” and how it is a necessary evil. We cover tips and tricks on how to focus on your writing while having a day job and highlight some fabulous advice from fellow writers in the twitter-sphere.Socials:Podcast twitter: @ScriptedPodLeah: @leah_lame  Bry: @Bry_larreaEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comFeatured Tweets:Tony: @AriasfilmsShanice Williamson: @ShaniceshowKana Felix: @Kanoodle7Gina G: GinagemeniLarry Pontius: @LarrypontiusErica Rosbe: @crashrosbeLee Bailes: @eibonfilmsZahra: @ZahraComedyAmber: @ketchupsnowmanJohn: @JWCMNot The Droid: @pas_le_droideJosh: @JoshTFoxWhat we are watching: Survivor (Paramount plus)Alone (Amazon Prime)A Quiet Place 2 (Now in theaters)Cruella (In Theaters and available on Disney+The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It Now available on HBO Max) Scripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!

Leah and Bry take on NOTES in the inaugural episode of Scripted From The Bottom. We discuss the art of taking them, giving them, and coded language. Finally, we discussed what we watched this week - Mare of Easttown! INFO:Watch Mare of Easttown on HBO and HBO MaxLeah's Twitter: @leah_lameBry's Twitter: @Bry_larreaScripted From The Bottom is produced by James Bradshaw at Next Day PodcastEmail us at: team@scriptedfromthebottom.comWe would love to hear from you! If you have questions, corrections, or personal feedback, please shoot us an email. Every review and subscription matters - so make sure to subscribe! We really appreciate it!