Podcasts about Screenplay

The BTS team discusses the film's decades-long development, its rich story world, and ultimately how inconsistencies in pacing, character motivation, and tone keep it from feeling like a cohesive narrative.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x7zpbrdCM4sBig Swing Summer Schedule: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131204547

Have any questions about screenwriting? Comment below and I'll address them in future podcasts.My novel Deadpan is out in hardcover! Order it here. Get full access to Get Reel with Richard Walter at richardwalter.substack.com/subscribe

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to actor Jason Isaacs about Season 3 of White Lotus. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

The BTS team discusses the construction of a modern musical with a small cast, the central's character's choices and motivations, and how the opening musical number sets the stage for the rest of the film.Big Swing Summer Schedule: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131204547

There are so many Roger Corman films we could've discussed but we throw a few curves and talk about some of the ones people miss on their Corman lists. From 1954's Highway Dragnet, which was Corman's first produced Screenplay to Frankenstien Unbound his last directed film from 1992

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to actor Dichen Lachman about Season 2 of Severance. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

The BTS team discusses the film's grounded central relationship, ambitious plot mechanics, and masterful blending of the two at the story's midpoint.Big Swing Summer Schedule: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131204547

Want to watch the video version of this podcast? Check it out on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkLXkS6rfns Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd 0:00 - True Story Behind One Of The Biggest Screenplay Sales In History 15:37 - This Is The Story I Tell New Screenwriters 26:32 - What I Finally Understand About The Screenwriting Business 20 Years Later 36:44 - Why The Logline Is The Most Important Part Of The Screenwriting Process 47:37 - Difference Between A Hollywood Movie Idea And One That Isn't Good Enough 58:42 - If You Don't Cry While Writing A Screenplay... Throw It Away 1:10:06 - Truth About The First 10 Pages Of A Screenplay 1:19:57 - How A Screenplay Sale Actually Works Mike Thompson is a veteran Hollywood writer/producer, perhaps best known for his feature films, Dragonfly, starring Academy Award-winner, Kevin Costner, and Love Happens, featuring Emmy-winner Jennifer Aniston. He also co-created and was a showrunner of the FOX television series, John Doe, starring Dominic Purcell, and co-wrote and produced the indie horror film, Choose, starring Academy Award-nominee, Bruce Dern. In the documentary realm, he executive produced the multi-award-winning feature, A Lawyer Walks Into a Bar, and appears as himself in the cult classic award-winner, The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. In addition to his produced credits, he is uniquely distinguished for having written and sold dozens of high-profile spec scripts, pitches and teleplays to nearly every major Hollywood studio, including multiple seven-figure deals and at one point, the “highest-paying scripter deal ever" ~ Variety. He has collaborated on projects involving the likes of Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Will Smith, Edie Falco, Chris Pine, Michael Keaton, Richard Gere, Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump), and presently, blockbuster producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun: Maverick). Upon graduation from film school at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Mike began his career at Paramount Pictures, where he worked as an assistant to Academy Award-winning producer, Scott Rudin (No Country for Old Men), and subsequently for legendary producer, Larry Gordon (Field of Dreams), who set up Mike's very first spec script sale at Walt Disney Studios. Mike lives and works in the mountains outside of his hometown of Seattle. MORE VIDEOS WITH MIKE THOMPSON https://tinyurl.com/5bk7st83 CONNECT WITH MIKE THOMPSON https://themissilesite.com https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0860513

Happy Pride Month! The Wedding Banquet Year: 2025 Screenplay by: Andrew Ahn and James Shamus Based on the screenplay by: Ang Lee, Neil Peng and James Shamus Directed by: Andrew Ahn Stars: Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-Chan, Joan Chen, Youn Yuh-jung, Bobo Le Show notes: A remake of the 1993 Ang Lee film, this 2025 update is queer struggle and queer joy and green cards and IVF and family and chosen family. It's not a rom com but it's a beautiful film and we loved it. If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film you can spool forward about 12 minutes into the episode. In this episode we mention the films: The Wedding Banquet (1993) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107156/) Minari (2020) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10633456/) Watermelon Woman (1996) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118125/) Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5537002/) A Nice Indian Boy (2024) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16431330/) If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.  Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley. Thank you for listening! 

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to creator-writer Charlie Brooker about Season 7 of Black Mirror. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

We're launching our summer season, "Big Swing Summer" with a new episode releasing every Friday! We'll be taking a look at ambitious movies where the filmmakers reached for the stars and discussing what can be both lost and gained by taking such big swings.June 13th: InterstellarJune 20th: La La LandJune 27th: A.I. Artificial IntelligenceJuly 4th: Patreon-Exclusive — Cloud AtlasJuly 11th: Romeo + JulietJuly 18th: Pulp FictionJuly 25th: The Fountain

In this episode, we welcome Toby Oliver, ACS. Toby is an award-winning cinematographer of projects including Get Out, Insidious: The Last Key, M3GAN 2.0, “Apple Cider Vinegar” and “Dead to Me.” In our chat, he shares about his early days, education, and his collaboration with Jordan Peele on Get Out. He also dives deep into his latest TV series — and offers many insights for up-and-coming filmmakers today. “The Making Of” is presented by AJA:Commercial shoots require speed and precision, which is why Dubai-based freelance editor Nikolay Ivanov depends on AJA's Io 4K Plus for fast, reliable I/O for on set editorial. Find out how he uses the technology alongside other creative tools to collaborate with stakeholders and deliver cuts while the camera is still rolling. Read the Story HereThunderbolt 5 Speed. Ultra Portable Storage.The OWC Envoy Pro Ultra the first portable SSD to harness the power of Thunderbolt 5, delivering real-world speeds over 6000MB/s in a rugged, pocket-sized design. With up to 4TB of capacity and next-gen bandwidth, it's built for high-res video, VFX, and demanding post-production workflows—anytime, anywhere. Lightweight, bus-powered, and blazing fast, it redefines what portable storage can do.Explore it hereScreamfest Horror Film Festival: The 25th annual Screamfest Horror Film Festival call for entries deadlines are approaching! Screenplay submission deadline is June 15th. Winning screenplay receives $1,000 cash prize, software and more. Deadlines for new genre feature films and shorts are regular 7/15, final 8/1 and extended final 8/15. For more information visit screamfestla.com New Solutions from Videoguys:Now through June 30, 2025, get more value when you buy an Atomos monitor-recorder from Videoguys.com! Purchase a Ninja or Ninja Ultra and receive a FREE qualified 240GB SSD. Upgrade to a Shogun Classic, Shogun Ultra, or Sumo 19SE and get a FREE qualified 480GB SSD. To claim your free drive, simply buy from Videoguys.com and complete the mail-in rebate directly through Atomos.With five big reasons to go Atomos—record direct from the sensor, enable a direct-to-edit workflow, capture longer sessions, access pro monitoring tools, and share your shoot—this is the perfect time to upgrade. Act fast, this offer ends June 30, 2025! Call Videoguys at 800-323-2325 to find the right Atomos monitor-recorder for your workflow. Browse hereFeatured Book Release:The Director's Guide to Everything is the ultimate road map for mastering the craft. More than just a guide — it's a masterclass in how to turn your vision into reality. The Director's Guide delivers a comprehensive, no-nonsense education in the art and science of directing — with practical knowledge drawn from decades of experience in the trenches of motion picture production. www.adakinpress.comPre-orders only for now. Shipping July 1st.One-Lens 360 Plates. Seamless by Design.IgelkottPlates.com offers the only plug-and-play driving and environment plates made specifically for virtual production. No stitching, no setup fuss—just clean, calibrated material designed to drop into any pipeline with zero surprises. Built for real-time workflows and in-camera results.Learn more hereCheck out the ZEISS Otus ML:Now on sale, the Otus ML 1.4/50mm photography lens from ZEISS is the new generation of high-quality optics for your photographic art. Find it at your favorite photo retailer! Explore it herePodcast Rewind:June 2025 - Ep. 84…“The Making Of” is created by Michael Valinsky.Promote your products or services to 190K filmmakers, broadcast production pros, and content creators reading this newsletter… email us at mvalinsky@me.com Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

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In this preview of our patron-exclusive episode on The Last of Us (Season 2), the BTS team discusses a crucial scene in the game and how it compares to the series.Listen to the full episode over on the Beyond the Screenplay Patreon:⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/beyondthescreenplay

The most recent Table Read My Screenplay contest brought the grand prize winner to the South of France during the Cannes Film Festival. Hear from screenwriter Allegra Oxborough & director Paul Lindsay.

Our Hitchcock countdown takes us one last time into his British era. This week we discuss the 1938 classic, The Lady Vanishes. ***SPOILER ALERT*** We do talk about this movie in its entirety, so if you plan on watching it, we suggest you watch it before listening to our takes.A Gainsborough Picture. Released October 7, 1938. Produced by Edward Black. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Screenplay by Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder, based on the 1936 novel The Wheel Spins by Ethel Line White. Starring Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Paul Lukas, May Whitty, Cecil Parker, Linden Travers, Naunton Wayne, and Basil Radford. Cinematography by Jack E. Cox. Edited by R. E. Dearing. Music by Louis Levy and Charles Williams.Ranking: 10 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It's also fun. And it's a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranked lists from critics, fans, and magazines The Lady Vanishes got 2,519 ranking points.

In this preview of our patron-exclusive episode on Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the BTS team shares their initial reactions to the film.Listen to the full episode over on the Beyond the Screenplay Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-130269997

It's wedding season at Mildly Pleased, so we took a look at one of the most wedding-fetishizing romantic comedies ever made. You won't believe how many dresses Katherine Heigl wears! Or perhaps you will, because it's right there in the title. Either way, the boys have fun discussing the rise and fall of Miss Heigl, […]

Cat Fight is the new novel from author Kit Conway which centres around big cat encounters in Kent, published in the UK in May and the US in June 2025. We speak to Kit about how Big Cat Conversations helped shape her ideas for the big cat aspects of the plot. The book has already been optioned as a future TV screenplay, and Kit discusses how she weaved big cat sightings into a novel about the developing frictions across a close community in south-east England. It is a rollercoaster of a story which explores people's switch to wild behaviour on different levels.Our second guest Gary describes some big cat incidents in Surrey, just 50 miles west of where Cat Fight is set. He himself has twice observed a black panther in a neighbouring agricultural field, viewed from the same spot in his parents' house. Believed by Gary to be a black leopard on each occasion, the sightings were 20 years apart in 2003 and 2023.   Word of the week:   rosetteCat Fight book availability in UK:https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/463613/cat-fight-by-conway-kit/9780857506597 Cat Fight book availability in North America:  https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cat-Fight/Kit-Conway/9781668066348Copies of Cat Fight are available for UK and for North America listeners to win by emailing ‘word of the week' suggestions – details in the podcast.Kit Conway, Cat Fight author's website: https://www.kitconway.com/ 1st June 2025

Film scholar and returning guest James Kenney has a knack for uncovering lost and forgotten cinematic treasures. You can listen to episodes 18 and 32 of the Movies In Focus podcast to learn about his headline-making work on Peter Bogdanovich's Squirrels To The Nuts and the rediscovery of the original version of the Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas film, God's Daughter. James now returns to discuss his latest find: Brian De Palma's ‘lost' film script, Ambrose Chapel. The now-published screenplay features an introductory essay from James, which examines De Palma's fascinating and stylish career as a master of suspense. Written by De Palma in the 1990s between Carlito's Way and Mission: Impossible, audiences can finally catch sight of De Palma's 'screwball noir'. Virtual reality, mind control, and De Palma's famed voyeurism are the order of the day for this Hitchcock-inspired, Mexico City-set thriller. James digs into the origins of Ambrose Chapel, exploring how it fits within many of De Palma's signature themes. The conversation takes a broader look at De Palma's legendary career, tracing his evolution as a filmmaker and examining how Ambrose Chapel fits into the director's cinematic legacy - ultimately offering a look at one of Hollywood's most misunderstood auteurs. AMBROSE CHAPEL - A screenplay by Brian De Palma is out now from Sticking Place Books www.stickingplacebooks.com

Justin Scott makes his Suit Up! debut to discuss The Fountain of Youth, the new release you didn't stay home to see. We discuss the screenplay, actors, Guy Ritchie, and the decline of Adventure cinema. Follow Justin https://www.instagram.com/rogue_bond_lifestyle/?hl=en Follow The Show! https://terrancelayhew.com/suitup/ https://www.instagram.com/suitup.podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/tlayhew  

Complaining about the Trail Blazers is a right of passage on this show. Will is an expert… Luke is an optimist. But what will this team do with a new owner in years to come? Luke and Will do a thought experiment; How would you spend your first 100 days as owner? We discuss!

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to Producers Craig Perry and Sheila Hanahan Taylor + co-writers Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor about Final Destination: Bloodlines. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

All great institutions bestow awards… and now so does Multiplex Overthruster! It's our first ever Multi Awards episode, in which Paul, Javi, and - mercifully - Producer Brad run down the nominees and winners from all of the films they watched during this most august of summer movie summers. In addition to naming their Best Picture, Director, Screenplay - and so on and so on - Producer Brad has also compiled a list of superlatives (“best character introduction of all time!”) and revisits them with the benefit of hindsight to see which stood the test of time! Will Javi stand by that thing he said about Captain Morgan in “The Sword and the Sorcerer”? We won't spoil it here. Trust us, you don't want to miss the first ever Multi Awards! Listen and share so that it won't be the last!Follow us!Instagram Bluesky email: Multiplexoverthruster@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode delves into Ode to Billy Joe, a PG-rated film with adult themes.  Trigger warning: The film Ode to Billy Joe, and the song on which it is based, both discuss the suicide of one of the characters. Listener discretion is advised.  BONUS EPISODE: The celebration of the upcoming 150th episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST continues with this special bonus episode. Join your hosts as they head up to Choctaw Ridge to discuss Ode to Billy Joe, the 1976 film adaptation of Bobbie Gentry's classic story song.    Ode to Billy Joe. Starring Robbie Benson and Glynnis O'Connor. Screenplay by Herman Raucher, based upon the song by Bobbie Gentry. Directed and produced by Max Baer, Jr. “Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry (from the album Ode to Billie Joe) is available on Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music. Ode to Billy Joe is available to stream on YouTube. Learn more at IMDb. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Instagram (storysongpodcast), and Facebook (thestorysongpodcast), Threads (storysongpodcast), GoodPods, and Podchaser. THE STORY SONG PODCAST is a member of the Pantheon Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sunnyside (1979) AIP Production # 7908Jeff and Cheryl explore the dark side of urban living by watching Sunnyside.Screenplay by Timothy and Jeff King Story by Jeff King and Robert L. SchaffelProduced by Robert L. Schaffel Directed by Timothy Galfas Starring:Joey Travolta as Nick Martin John Lansing as Denny Martin Stacey Pickren as Donna Rosario Andrew Rubin as Eddie Reaper Michael Tucci as Harry Cimoli Talia Balsam as Ann Rosario Joan Darling as Mrs. Martin Chris Mulkey as Reggie Flynn Richard Beauchamp as HectorHeshimu Cumbuka as Ice Jonathan Gries as Wild Child E. Lamont Johnson as Rage Billy Jacoby as BillyAn American International Pictures Release View the Sunnyside trailer here. You can stream Sunnyside on Prime Video, Fubo or MGM+. Visit our website - https://aippod.com/ and follow the American International Podcast on Letterboxd, Instagram and Threads @aip_pod and on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericanInternationalPodcast  Get your American International Podcast merchandise at our store. Our open and close includes clips from the following films/trailers: How to Make a Monster (1958), The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962), I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957), High School Hellcats (1958), Beach Blanket Bingo (1965), The Wild Angels (1966), It Conquered the World (1956), The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971), and Female Jungle (1955)

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to creator-writer-showrunner Tony Gilroy about all of Andor Season 2. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Tom Bissell about Andor S2, episodes 10-12. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

This week we take a look into Hitchcock's popular chamber room mystery, Dial M for Murder. Set in a luxurious London flat, a marital drama unfolds that leads into blackmail and murder. ***SPOILER ALERT*** We do talk about this movie in its entirety, so if you plan on watching it, we suggest you watch it before listening to our takes.A Warner Bros. Picture. Released May 29, 1954. Produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Screenplay by Frederick know, based on his 1952 play. Starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, John Williams, Anthony Dawson. Cinematography by Robert Burks. Edited by Rudi Fehr. Music by Dimitri Tiomkin.Ranking: 11 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It's also fun. And it's a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranked lists from critics, fans, and magazines Dial M for Murder got 2,510 ranking points.

After talking about Flash Gordon two episodes ago, it seemed only fitting that we review Barbarella, producer Dino De Laurentiis's first foray into sci-fi comic book adaptation. Of course, this one has a much dirtier mind, stemming from director Roger Vadim's eagerness to bring campy eroticism into the far reaches of space with the help […]

In this episode Billy and Emma recap episode 1 of The Next Prince. Billy struggles with remembering everyone's name. And Emma shares her old high school screenplay that sounds very similar to a specific scene in this episode.

For our half century, a film that is approaching its whole century. It Happened One Night Year: 1934 Screenplay by: Robert Riskin Based on the short story by: Samuel Hopkins Adams Directed by: Frank Capra Stars: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert Show notes: With the exception of a couple of non-consensual slaps, the words “shut up” and the title (which we think is silly), there is really nothing we would change about this 92-year-old film. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! If you would like to skip the plot summary for this month's film, it begins about 7 minutes into the episode and finishes about 18 minutes in. In this episode we mention the films: The Philadelphia Story (1940) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032904/) Father of the Bride (1950) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042451/) When Harry Met Sally* (1989) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/) Overboard (1987) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093693/) Runaway Bride (1999) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163187/) Far and Away (1992) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104231/) Gone with the Wind (1939) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/) Fire Island* (2022) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15218000/) *These films have previously been featured on the podcast. You can read more about the Hays Code on Wikipedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hays_Code And you can find the trapeze song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bWU1ezHLI0  Next month we are going to be talking about The Wedding Banquet (2025) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32214413/)  If you would like to suggest films for future episodes, you can tweet Lisa: @LisaStowaway. We record these episodes over the internet. Sometimes the audio is not perfect. We apologise for that.  Music in this episode is by Martin Zaltz Austwick (martinzalzaustwick.com). Artwork is by Lisa Findley. Thank you for listening! 

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Dan Gilroy about Andor S2, episodes 7-9. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

This week we discuss Hitchcock's 1963 thriller about birds attacking humans.***SPOILER ALERT*** We do talk about this movie in its entirety, so if you plan on watching it, we suggest you watch it before listening to our takes.A Universal Picture. Released March 28, 1963. Produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Screenplay by Evan Hunter based on the short story by Daphne du Maurier. Starring Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Veronica Cartwright, and Suzanne Pleshette. Cinematography by Robert Burks. Edited by George Tomasini.Ranking: 12 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It's also fun. And it's a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranked lists from critics, fans, and magazines The Birds got 2,479 ranking points.

The Villas is a dark comedy about a young man who gets a job at a senior living community in Florida. This is an audio screenplay from Zero Point Fiction. 

At a national-level high school Model UN, something strange is afoot. High-profile members are dropping like flies, suddenly sick or socially destroyed, videos of their humiliation posted by a mysterious online account called The Seagull. As the weekend event unravels, a serious student known as “Luxembourg” (all the students go by their country names, it's more fun) sets out with the rest of the members of the Model UN security council to solve the mystery of who The Seagull is and what they want. How deep does this conspiracy go? Scripts start at 57:49StarringCassie MiddlemistMike MazzellaLaura PetroHobert ThompsonDaryn Robinson

In this preview of our patron-exclusive episode on The Last of Us (Season 1), the BTS team shares their initial reactions to the film.Listen to the full episode over on the Beyond the Screenplay Patreon:⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/beyondthescreenplay

Host Jeff Goldsmith screenwriter Beau Willimon about Andor S2, episodes 4-6. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Host Jeff Goldsmith creator-showrunner-writer Tony Gilroy about Andor S2 eps 1-3. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Have you ever wondered how a movie gets made? Or better yet, where do the ideas from movies come from? And if you have your sight on making a short film, wouldn't it be great if someone helped you buff your idea and make the end product simply spectacular? Shannan E. Johnson is that someone! As a former creative executive at NBCU/The Syfy Channel, Shannan left her full-time gig to become a storytelling expert who develops creatives and their ideas for the screen. As a script consultant, teacher, and therapist, she uses her innate understanding of storytelling to make compelling TV and movies. In today's podcast, Shannan walks us through her wide-ranging career and shares what it's like to work in Hollywood. She offers invaluable tips on how to write and tell a great story. I walked away from our conversation with a framework on how to approach fear and how to position my vision to achieve my desired outcomes! As you listen to the interview, the conversation will skip forward here and there - this is because Shannan's audio cut off at certain points, but the insights remain powerful throughout. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Shannan E. Johnson 02:09 The Journey into Storytelling 07:14 Understanding the Craft of Screenwriting 12:23 The Differences in Storytelling Mediums 18:19 Transitioning to Executive Roles in Hollywood 24:15 Navigating the Business of Hollywood 26:48 The Evolution of Storytelling in TV 35:03 Navigating the Transition from Executive to Entrepreneur 41:08 Building Confidence and Leadership Skills 47:09 The Professional Pen: Empowering Screenwriters 51:03 Introducing Truffle Sauce: A New Film Experience Connect with Shannan: Website: http://www.shannanejohnson.com/ The Professional Pen: https://www.awriterforyourwriter.com/bio.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanejohnson/ The Professional Pen IG: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalpen/ Connect with your host: Website: Martine Severin Instagram: Martine | This Is How We Create Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack This episode of This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Ray Abercrombie.  

This week we discuss Foreign Correspondent, Hitchcock's spy movie set at the outbreak of World War II and released only shortly after. This is Hitchcock's second American movie.***SPOILER ALERT*** We do talk about this movie in its entirety, so if you plan on watching it, we suggest you watch it before listening to our takes.A United Artists Picture. Produced by Walter Wanger, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Screenplay by Charles Bennett and Joan Harrison with dialogue by James Hilton and Robert Benchley. Starring Joel McCrea, Laraine Day, Herbert Harshall, George Sanders, Albert Bassermann, Edmund Gwenn, and Robert Benchley. Cinematography by Rudolph Mate. Music by Alfred Newman. Editor Dorothy Spencer.Ranking: 14 out of 52. Ranking movies is a reductive parlor game. It's also fun. And it's a good way to frame a discussion. We aggregated over 70 ranked lists from critics, fans, and magazines Foreign Correspondent got 2,052 ranking points.

Click to listen – your characters (and audience) will thank you.Have you ever created a character that felt… flat? No matter how detailed the backstory or how polished the prose, something just doesn't click — and worse, your audience doesn't care. That's the pain point. And we've all been there.In this episode, we dig into why your characters might be missing that vital spark — and how to fix it. Whether you're writing a novel, screenplay, or short film, you'll uncover:✅ The essential trait all compelling characters share (hint: it's not just likability)✅ How paradox, sympathy, and intrigue shape unforgettable protagonists✅ Why suffering might just be the secret weapon of great storytelling✅ Real-world examples and feedback that bring these concepts to lifeJoin us as we workshop character ideas live, break down why some characters captivate us instantly, and reveal the storytelling truths that most writers learn the hard way.

By Harryette Mullen

 With the year 1/4th over, it is time to finally stick a fork into 2024 movies, with our list of our favorite films... AND awarding the best films of the year. It's the coveted Deucie Awards, and for the 12th year in a row, Mikey, d$ and Dr. Earl are here to give out the best in Comedy, Drama, Cinematography, Animation, Documentary, Music, Screenplay, Sci-Fi/Horror, Brain Candy, and of course, the acting awards, direction, and Best Picture! The Brutalist has a record 8 nominations, with Civil War getting 7 noms, A Complete Unknown with 6, while Dune Part Two and Wicked each getting 5.  Can Denis Villeneuve get his 3rd Deucie Award of his career?  Can Saoirse Ronan get her third?  Or can Florence Pugh join Denis, Saoirse, and Adam Driver as the only movie makers to get 2?   Plus, what films impressed Dr. Earl, Mikey, and d$ that they end up on their respective Top Ten lists of the year?  And you'll recognize a lot of the voices you hear on this ep, as we get all of our faves to assist!

In this episode, the team discusses the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2, exploring themes of character development, the adaptation process from video game to television, and the balance between narrative and action. They delve into the significance of time jumps, the introduction of new characters, and the emotional stakes involved in the storytelling.

Host Jeff Goldsmith interviews co-writers Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach about Drop. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

In this episode, the Beyond the Screenplay team discusses the season finale of White Lotus Season 3, Episode 8, titled 'Amor Fati.' They explore the themes of fate, character arcs, and the narrative structure of the season. The participants delve into the complexities of the third season of 'The White Lotus,' discussing its balance of satire and seriousness, the buildup of tension, character arcs, thematic clarity, and the underlying themes of religion and belief systems.

In this episode of Beyond the Screenplay, the team discusses the penultimate episode of The White Lotus, focusing on the themes of violence, character dynamics, and narrative structure. They explore how the show subverts expectations, the complexity of relationships, and the characters' journeys towards self-revelation and identity. The conversation highlights the show's unique storytelling style and the tension between characters, culminating in a rich analysis of the episode's thematic elements. The hosts explore the sinister undertones of character actions, and the intertwining themes of money and violence. They discuss character motivations, the anticipation of chaos in the finale, and the building tension that suggests a significant climax. The episode concludes with reflections on fate and the meaning behind the unfolding events, setting the stage for the season finale.

Host Jeff Goldsmith interviews screenwriter and debut director Jimmy Warden about Borderline. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

In this episode of Beyond the Screenplay, the team discusses White Lotus Season 3, Episode 5, titled 'Full Moon Party.' They explore the midpoint of the season, character development, thematic elements, and the role of music and style in storytelling. The conversation highlights the importance of irreversible decisions and how they impact character growth, as well as the show's ability to create tension and drama through its cinematic techniques. In this conversation, the participants delve into various themes surrounding masculinity, familial dynamics, and the exploration of religious and cultural encounters in the context of the show 'White Lotus'. The conversation also touches on the function of scenes in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of thematic depth and character work.