This is about to be your new favorite movie podcast. On Broken Projector, screenwriter Geoff LaTulippe and movie critic Scott Beggs dole out interesting angles on movie culture, talk to prominent filmmakers and debate topics of gargantuan importance.
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It's possible that the people who write the movies you love will stop working on May 2nd. Screenwriter John Gary joins us to explain how we got here, and what may happen next.
This week on the show, a special interview with Splice writer Noah Berlatsky about movies made by and about fascism where we consider The Eternal Jew, Casablanca, Dirty Harry and more.
This week on the show we answer your screenwriting questions about how to make the Second Act easier to slog through [1:50 - 13:10] and what to do if your friends (and husband) make fun of you for taking time to write [13:10 - 23:30]. Then we mine Chef David Chang's article in Wired about "unleashing the world's most amazing flavors" for nuggets of wisdom for screenwriters [23:30 - 38:00].
The 2017 Oscars are this Sunday, and instead of complaining about the wrong movie winning, we're challenging ourselves to pick Best Actors, Actresses, Screenplays, Directors and Movies that didn't make the Academy Award cut. What didn't get nominated, but deserves to win? Let's find out.
Special guest Christopher Lockhart, story editor at WME, joins us to answer your screenwriting questions about your entitlement to have your script read [0:00 - 15:00], whether studio passion for IP extends to short stories [15:00 - 19:55], times Chris has passed on projects and regretted it [19:55 - 26:00], whether writing diversity into your script is a risk (hint: it isn't) [26:00 - 31:50], and if it's a good idea to write an adaptation for a book you don't own the adaptation rights to [31:50 - 40:00].
This week, award-winning filmmaker BenDavid Grabinski joins us to answer your screenwriting questions about writing for an international audience [0:00 - 8:25], what the heavy amount of biopics on the 2016 Black List means [8:25 - 18:00], and how to dance around the specter of Donald Trump at your pitch meetings [18:00 - 25:00].
This week on the show, we answer your screenwriting questions about Johnny Depp being overpaid [0:00 - 5:00], how much of a lunch meeting is spent on small talk vs the project [5:00 - 10:00], preparing for a pitch meeting [10:00 - 16:00], what a "set piece" is [16:00 - 23:00], and the best movie made from a bad script [23:00 - 33:00].
This week we welcome IndieWire's senior film critic David Ehrlich to the show to discuss the best movies of 2016, the state of cinema, and his supercut celebrating both. Plus, we officially close the door on 2016 (2017 now starts on December 10th).
Westworld's season one finale is this Sunday, so we brought on expert fan conspiracy theorist and probably-real-human Joanna Robinson to hash out what we think may happen in the closing moments. We'll unwrap some mysteries and contemplate some character growth in a world where Anthony Hopkins' yogurt puppets are packing.
This Thanksgiving week, we answer your screenwriting questions about pushing through depression-based writer's block [0:00 - 11:15], reaching the decision to give up on your dream [11:15 - 22:30], the difference between different incarnation's of the hero's refusal [22:30 - 23:55], and the line between world-building and dumping too much detail on the page [23:55 - 31:00]. We close out by sharing some of the TV shows and movies you told us you were thankful for (as well as offering a few of our own) [31:00 - 36:00].
This week, we return from a long hiatus to deliver a massive conversation about conversations with Talk Easy Pod host Sam Fragoso, who reveals how he gets people like Don Cheadle and Zoe Kazan to get their guard down for an intimate, real conversation. We talk about great conversational scenes in movies, something that may need a larger spotlight in an age dominated by plot-heavy, punching-fueled films. Plus, an epic rant/rave, imploring all of us to stop sharing cultural spoiled milk.
What's the 80siest 80s movie? What can 2017 learn from the era of Jaws and Indiana Jones? We answer these questions and more with the hosts of the 80s All Over podcast, film geeks-on-high Drew McWeeny and Scott Weinberg. Grab some leg warmers and join us.
This week we answer your screenwriting questions about creative script fixes for budget problems (Hey, Deadpool!) [1:15 - 11:30], showing a character lying with your visuals [11:30 - 16:40], writing an action synopsis that isn't just a laundry list of action scenes [16:40 - 22:15], figuring out why Doctor Strange showed up on General Hospital [22:15 - 27:45], and then Geoff wants to bring up the new Willy Wonka movie for some reason [27:45 - 33:00].
This week we answer your screenwriting questions about what to do with your old "practice" scripts [0:00 - 9:55], what to do if you keep spoiling the tone of your serious movie with unfunny jokes [9:55 - 16:30], what it means for a producer to attach themselves to a project [16:30 - 20:30], when you should give up on becoming a professional writer [20:30 - 41:45], and what music we listen to while writing [41:45 - 44:00].
This week, the Onion AV Club's Nathan Rabin introduces us to "7 Days in Ohio: Trump, The Gathering of the Juggalos and the Summer Everything Went Insane" while exploring the nexus where the Republican presidential candidate, the world's most hated clown-make-up-wearing hip hop crew and blockbuster cinema collide.
This week on the show we hang out with literary manager Michael Botti of Industry Entertainment. We learn how he became a manager [0:00 - 7:45], and answer your screenwriting questions about expectations for meeting with a manager for the first time [7:45 - 17:55], if following up ever leads to a 'yes' [17:55 - 20:45], whether cold queries are worth the time [20:45 - 26:00], how UK-repped writers can get in on the LA action [26:00 - 26:45], how someone with a few script under their belt who doesn't live in LA can catch a manager's attention [26:45 - 34:05], if managers are looking for writing teams [34:05 - 35:15], if managers should be more regulated as an industry [35:15 - 43:00], what the distinction is between managers who produce and producers who manage [43:00 - 60:45], what a manager does to develop a writer [60:45 - 69:35] and whether it's pronounced "By-o-pic" or "Bio-dome" [69:35 - 70:30].
This week, we get to know writer/director Emily Carmichael (Pacific Rim 2, Stryka, Powerhouse) [0:00 - 4:35] who sticks around to read through some of your board game movie pitches [4:35 - 8:45], and answer your screenwriting questions about structuring your rewrite process [8:45 - 13:25], what ideas to scrap when you see similar concepts sold [13:25 - 16:55], whether you change writing styles for something you know you're not directing [16:55 - 17:45], getting into the industry later in life [17:45 - 23:25], our approach to creating characters [23:25 - 34:05], how much to care about crafting a theme [34:05 - 39:05], annoying genre tropes we're bored with [39:05 - 45:00], and how to pronounce "biopic" correctly [45:00 - 49:00]. Spoiler alert: no one knows that last one.
Can movies and TV accurately portray politics and government? Are our politicians more Veep, Scandal or West Wing? What's the virtue of a proportional response? We explore these questions while talking Mr. Smith, Air Force One, Milk, Ides of March and many more.
This week on the show we follow-up on a question about selling yourself and your writing [4:30 - 12:30], then answer your screenwriting questions about how to know which manager is right for you [12:30 - 17:00], where to find solid script resources [17:00 - 20:00], if you can write about true crime without permission [20:00 - 22:45], and how to go about inventing a pitch for a board game that doesn't have a story behind it [22:45 - 35:00]. Send questions to podcast@filmschoolrejects.com or @brokenprojector on Twitter.
This week on the show, we answer your questions about selling your work and yourself [0:00 - 9:30], which production company we're dying to write for [9:30 - 15:45], and how to keep your script on target for a PG-13 rating [15:45 - 24:00]. Send your questions to @brokenprojector on twitter or email podcast@filmschoolrejects.com.
This week we talk about falling off a horse [0:00 - 3:30], then answer your screenwriting questions about the value of simplicity [3:30 - 11:35], the biggest mistakes of our respective careers [11:35 - 14:00], formatting a character who also goes by a nickname and other slightly wonky irritations [14:00 - 20:00], how much you can get wrong in a first draft [20:00 - 26:45], what lessons screenwriters can pull from great novels [26:45 - 31:45], and whether/why more actors are becoming screenwriters than any other time in Hollywood history [31:45 - 42:00]
This week on the show, guest host Eric Heisserer (Lights Out, Hours) offers a revolutionary way of thinking about horror screenwriting, talks about adapting a one-punchline short film into a feature and answers a few listener questions about when to introduce the big baddie.
Movies that make a ton of money are rewarded with sequels — and it's hard to find fault with that formula — but it's not working anymore. Pamela McClintock at The Hollywood Reporter and Derek Thompson at The Atlantic both have evidence that suggests studios will need to discover a new formula, and fast. Namely, a host of summer sequels that have flopped spectacularly this year.
This week we answer your screenwriting questions about the pitfalls of outlining too much, the market for delightful pg-rated rom-coms, how long it takes to become a great writer and more.
This week we answer your screenwriting questions about whether plot or characters are driving a script, what happens when a ton of writers work on a project and how to approach a slapstick scene that rests largely on the actor's shoulders.
On the doorstep of wedding season (and coming off the hangover of Geoff's bachelor party) we examine the few successful bachelor party movies in order to figure out why bachelor party movies typically don't work. Special guest appearance by things we don't remember doing the following morning.
This week we answer your screenwriting questions about tackling story concepts that are outside your personal experience, common mistakes to avoid when trying to get representation, and we learn what a First Class Twinkie really is.
This week, special guest Justin Marks (Jungle Book, Top Gun 2, Counterpart) helps us answer your screenwriting questions about IP, getting started in animation, if one bad film can hurt your career and more. Send us your questions @brokenprojector on Twitter and podcast@filmschoolrejects.com.
This week special guest Travis Beacham (Pacific Rim, The Curiosity) helps us answer your screenwriting questions about determining if your idea is a TV show or a movie, being unafraid of collaboration, the feeling of that first great script, and much more. Send us questions @brokenprojector on Twitter or podcast@filmschoolrejects.com.
Beyonce isn't a pop staranymore. Not content to put out fun, funky anthems that sweetlychirp about empowerment, she's taken a baseball bat to her imagealongside the artistic talents of Mark Romanek, Jack White andWarsan Shire. Consider Lemonade the dark andgritty reboot of the most dominte pop singer of our time. Whileyou're at it, stop worrying about Becky with the good hair.Angelica Jade Bastien has broken down and annotated the symbolic elements of the film andjoins us to discuss the bad ass, witchy ways of an emotional rollcoaster (and to tell Piers Morgan to kiss her ass).Plus, Geoff and I agonize over Neill Blomkamp'spresence at the helm of a new Alien movie and wonder how manysecond chances a failing director should get without snuffing outinteresting voices.
This week we answer your screenwriting questions about the best script ever written, how to know if your industry contact is worth anything, what to do when you've got a great script but want perfection, and we probably survive a kick-ass boat chase. Send us your questions @brokenprojector on twitter or podcast@filmschoolrejects.com
This week's questions involve pesky page economy, looking outside of writing for writing advice, how to avoid being longwinded and the absolute best screenwriting book to buy (if you can only get one). Send your questions to @brokenprojector on Twitter and podcast@filmschoolrejects.com.
Is Jon Snow really dead? How much stalling will the show need to do to let George R.R. Martin catch up? How good can a blind assassin be? Can you unring a Shame Bell? What armies are even out there still fighting? What main character should be killed to get the shock mojo back? This week's episode seeks to answer as many Game of Thrones questions as we possibly can, speculating and crossing our fingers with special guest hosts Joanna Robinson and Neil Miller (of the Storm of Spoilers podcast!).
Is doubling down on blockbuster construction the way to run a modern studio? Whether or not Warners is really going through with that, Geoff and I get into the weeds about what motivates a filmmaking industry constantly on the hunt for $1 billion and a shipment of plastic toys from China. We'll also discuss the implications of shifting all your money into big bets in an age of demanding fans and super-monotony. Plus, is it a curse or blessing when sequels for cult movies we love get cancelled?
This week we answer your screenwriting questions about crafting dialogue for a family fighting over dinner, where to find a qualified reader, and how insane writing a full season of a TV drama can be. Send us your questions @brokenprojector on Twitter or podcast@filmschoolrejects.com
The rubble of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the horizon of 20+ superhero movies hitting screens in the next few years is a disaster of bland action waiting to happen. Can the superhero movie be saved? The first step is admitting the problem. Elsewhere on the show we'll break down our 6 most anticipated summer movies and explain why hope springs eternal.
This week we answer your screenwriting questions about using a novel to promote your script, good summer internships and domes on the moon. Send us your questions @brokenprojector on Twitter and podcast@filmschoolrejects.com
Batman branding villains, Superman bleeding, a young Donald Trump building a monster to take both of them down. Yes, we're talking about Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in this larger-than-normal episode. We also debate whether Superman is the right superhero for our current social psyche and whether Zack Snyder understands the character, and how the film makes Man of Steel better, all with our friend Brian Truitt from USA Today. You should follow Brian Truitt (@briantruitt), the show (@brokenprojector), Geoff (@drgmlatulippe) and Scott (@scottmbeggs) on Twitter for more on a daily basis.
This week, we answer your screenwriting questions about character bio pros and cons, and whether you need an online presence to break into Hollywood. Send us more questions on Twitter @brokenprojector or podcast@filmschoolrejects.com
"We can make our own Wally World out of that." This week, we answer your screenwriting questions about using brands and IP in your script, what to do when your character names suck, putting personality in your descriptions, using banana computers and more.
Oh, movies of 2005, we can't quit you. This week on the show we will right some wrongs by using ten years' worth of hindsight in order to reevaluate the movies lauded at the 78th Academy Awards. Joining us for the operation is screenwriter John Gary, who helps us explore the correlations between Munich and Bridge of Spies and asks the toughest question of all about Crash. Plus, Capote, Walk the Line, Good Night and Good Luck and many more to examine with the test of time. It was also a year that brought us a new Batman and a new Fantastic Four movie, so it's a lot like stepping out of a time machine and thinking it didn't work. Should you join us anyway? Absolutely. You should follow John Gary (@johngary), the show (@brokenprojector), Geoff (@drgmlatulippe) and Scott (@scottmbeggs) on Twitter for more on a daily basis.
Your screenwriting questions, answered. This week, we look at some red flags that might tell you that it's time to get a new agent (if they're charging you money to take out scripts, RUN), try to figure out the puzzle of self-evaluation, decry feelings of worthlessness in the face of a difficult career goal and talk an unusually appropriate amount about Nana's birthday party. Send your questions to us: podcast@filmschoolrejects.com
Deadpool! It succeeded! It was R-rated! Studios are baffled for no real reason! Get ready for copycat syndrome and shoehorned violence. Today on the show we welcome on Forbes box office pundit Scott Mendelson to help us roll our eyes at shocked studio narratives and to examine the elements of what made Deadpool work (and which ones will be overlooked completely by executives looking for an easy turnaround buck). As we speak, interns are combing through studio-owned IP to see what goofy superhero they can pour blood all over. Plus, Geoff and I will talk about the movie review website and the statistics project that won the week. You should follow Scott Mendelson (@scottmendelson), the show (@brokenprojector), Geoff (@drgmlatulippe) and Scott (@scottmbeggs) on Twitter for more on a daily basis.
How much unfilmable material can you have in a script? What contests and festivals should you spend money on? Can a new computer program tell how emotional a script is? Your screenwriting questions, answered.
Inspired by Hail, Caesar!, Trumbo and Karina Longworth's outstanding (and ongoing) You Must Remember This series on the Hollywood Blacklist, we want to bring the past into the present. What would happen if Congress decided to go after Hollywood in 2016 for being "anti-American"? Would they still attack Communism or widen their gaze? Would they even be able to wrangle the broad, diverse amount of movies being made? Would TV be on their main hit list? This week, special guest host Joanna Robinson joins me to dig into this thought experiment and (hopefully) come out on the other side with our souls in tact. Listen to find out who we're calling before the new House Un-American Activities Committee.
This week on the show, Geoff and I debate the harmfulness of the Disney vault, and our special guest, Slate culture reporter Aisha Harris, joins us to discuss the underlying issues plaguing the so-white Academy Awards. Listen along as we solve Hollywood.
Your screenwriting questions, answered. This week: how much outlining and when to diverge from it; when to give a character a specific race; what Hollywood trends are on the rise and fall (and why that doesn't really matter).
Grab a pen. These are the movies you'll need to keep an eye on as they emerge from Sundance and onto the screens near you.
This week on the show we celebrate David Lynch's birthday by taking a non-random angle on Mulholland Drive and the keys to its mystery. If there is such a key. Probably not. Life doesn't make sense. Plus, we comb the news to explain why we're excited about Suicide Squad and ARRAY. Double plus, a bonus mystery segment that will be revealed only to listeners. You'll be given instructions during the show. We hope you have all your canned goods prepared. You should follow the show (@brokenprojector), Geoff (@drgmlatulippe) and Scott (@scottmbeggs) on Twitter for more on a daily basis.
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