Podcasts about screenwriters

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Billy Ray talks about AI creeping further into Hollywood. Spoiler alert, he is not a fan of cinematic artificial intelligence. He refers to Tilly Norwood as an “it” and not as an actress. Billy Ray believes AI hurts Hollywood and takes away middleclass jobs from behind-the-scenes movie workers, like gaffers, workaday actors and camera operators, arguing that LA is a blue-collar town. Will AI become a powerful creative ally or is it a threat to their craft and livelihoods? Ray argues for strong protections, insisting that “the public has a right to know when they're watching something written by a human being.” The Dodgers have taken a 1:0 lead at Dodgers Stadium! Hurricane Humberto is drawing near Bermuda, thus sparing the U.S. East Coast. A nursing student at a carwash in Reseda was mugged for $4,000 while vacuuming her car, but she has a GoFundMe.

Send us a textJono Matt is BACK to get us started for our annual “Spooky Season,” here on the program! We're getting it started with our lust for discussing his choice “SE7EN,” (d. Fincher 1995) Starring: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Gwyneth Paltrow.  At times we have a lot of pride in our loud opinions of this movie, at others we become gluttons for information. You may yourself envying the fun we have in this deep dive on the Andrew Kevin Walker written thriller, and greedy for even more by the end! And that's understandable, but please keep your wrath to a minimum. Just relax, lie down, and give into the soothing relaxation provided to you by The Review Review, and don't do a single thing. 9/30!**All episodes contain explicit language**Artwork - Ben McFaddenReview Review Intro/Outro Theme - Jamie Henwood"What Are We Watching" & "Whatcha been up to?" Themes - Matthew Fosket"Fun Facts" Theme - Chris Olds/Paul RootLead-Ins Edited/Conceptualized by - Ben McFaddenProduced by - Ben McFadden & Paul RootConcept - Paul Root

Rachel and Simon speak with the screenwriter and novelist James Alistair Henry. James first started writing while working as a bookseller. He joined the writing team for Channel 4's "Smack the Pony" and went on to write the BAFTA-award winning "Green Wing", ITV comedy "Delivery Man" and sitcom "Campus" as well as episodes for the children's television shows "Bob The Builder" and "Hey Duggee". His Radio 4 sketch show, "Wosson Cornwall", was selected as BBC Radio Comedy of the Week and his newest sitcom, "Piglets", has been commissioned for a second series. James's recent debut novel, "Pagans", set in an alternate 21st-century Britain where Christianity, the Norman Conquest and the Industrial Revolution never happened, has been optioned for TV by production company Media Res. We spoke to James about comedy writing, his children's TV work, and his new novel. We've made another update for those ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠who support the podcast on the crowdfunding site Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We've added 40 pages of new material to the package of successful article pitches that goes to anyone who supports the show with $5 per month or more, including new pitches to the New York Times, the Washington Post and the BBC. The whole compendium now runs to a whopping 160 pages. For Patreons who contribute $10/month we're now also releasing bonus mini-episodes. Thanks to our sponsor, Scrivener, the first ten new signs-ups at $10/month will receive a lifelong license to Scrivener worth £55/$59.99 (seven are left). This specialist word-processing software helps you organise long writing projects such as novels, academic papers and even scripts. Other Patreon rewards include signed copies of the podcast book and the opportunity to take part in a monthly call with Simon and Rachel.A new edition of “Always Take Notes: Advice From Some Of The World's Greatest Writers” - a book drawing on our podcast interviews - is available now. The updated version now includes insights from over 100 past guests on the podcast, with new contributions from Harlan Coben, Victoria Hislop, Lee Child, Megan Nolan, Jhumpa Lahiri, Philippa Gregory, Jo Nesbø, Paul Theroux, Hisham Matar and Bettany Hughes. You can order it via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waterstones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.You can find us online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alwaystakenotes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on Twitter @takenotesalways and on Instagram @alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.

Screenwriter/Producer Michael Waldron joins the show to talk about his new football show "Chad Powers" coming out on Hulu.. Plus we take more of your phone calls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this audio podcast recorded at ICCC. I speak with Academy award winner Director/Screenwriter Roger Christian. We discuss his work in film being notable for set decoration of Star Wars and creator of the first lightsaber, and more! For more info: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002337/

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about all the different types of careers for a Screenwriter and which may be right for you, depending on your personality.    TWIW: How to navigate the Austin Film Festival successfully, even if you're shy / Tasha's newest "big page" / Josh finds writing in the dark is a new hack / the Anaconda trailer is whack / Tasha & Josh's spec is moving on to the next phase.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Jay Leno made the late night talk wildly popular viewing for American audiences for decades, but those days are fading fast thanks to declining ratings and ad revenue. Now, with two of today's biggest late night shows are in trouble after offending President Trump, we speak to the New York Times chief TV critic, James Poniewozik after the future of these show.This weekend the sculptor Martin Jennings was announced as the designer of the statue at the new national memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth in London's St James Park. In his first broadcast interview since being appointed by Norman Foster Associates, Martin Jennings tells us how he is approaching the task. Today marks the autumn equinox, and according to viewing data, it's a time when many of us seek out cosy romantic comedy films to watch. Screenwriters and sisters Nora and Delia Ephron made some of the most loved, often set in autumn - When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail, all three starring Meg Ryan. Delia Ephron tells us what it was about autumn in NY that made such an irresistible setting.It's been 10 years since Shamima Begum and her friends left the UK for Syria, having been indoctrinated online by the Islamic State group. While press coverage at the time focused on the horrors of the group, a new fiction film, Brides, seeks to put out a more sympathetic portrayal about similar teenage girls who made that journey. Director Nadia Falls is on to discuss.

The screenwriters Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn are cousins, and they grew up in the 1970s and '80s in a big Catholic extended family in St. Louis. The Gunns are an incredibly creative clan that has produced all sorts of actors and writers and directors, including Brian's brother James, who you might know as the director of the most recent “Superman” movie and the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. Brian and Mark are both Jesuit educated twice over, alumni of St. Louis University High School and the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was during college that they started performing sketch comedy together, and they both moved to Los Angeles in the '90s to pursue Hollywood dreams. Since then, Brian and Mark have worked together on films and TV shows, including the family adventure movie “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and a 2019 superhero horror film called “Brightburn” featuring Elizabeth Banks. Their first project that made it big was a movie and series called “2gether,” which debuted on MTV in 2000. It was a hilarious parody of the boy band era of Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC and it was influential on the development of AMDG host Mike Jordan Laskey's sense of humor. The actors playing the boy band became an actual boy band themselves, opening for Britney Spears and hitting the Billboard charts with two different albums. If you are an elder millennial, all we have to say is, “I know my calculus,” and you'll sing back: “You plus me equals us.” Mike asked Brian and Mark about their family and their Jesuit education, how they work together as a writing team, and what it's like to work in the film industry. Mark and Brian also shared some creative tips they've learned in more than a quarter century in the trade. Finally, Mike couldn't let them go without reminiscing about “2gether” and marveling at the fact that 25 years after the movie's debut, the most popular film in the world right now is another movie about a fictional boy band. Though this new one is composed of demons and they're being hunted by a KPop girl group... Anyway, we think you'll enjoy this sneak peek into the lives of Hollywood screenwriters. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/

Episode 592 - Joe McClean - Screenwriter, Author and Director - Putting Yourself Out There and Into Your Story, That is Where the Opportunity LiesJoe made a bunch of short films and one feature length movie with friends and no money. To this day, I enjoy watching those early attempts to craft a story, but essentially this era of on-the-job-training was my film school. Now it was time to take my first big swing. I wrote a script I felt I could raise enough money to shoot myself, a found-footage film, and I spent a year begging for cash and favors. The star of a hit TV show, who had gone to the same high school as me, graciously agreed to act in it. An NBA player made a small investment. Actor, comedian, and Late Show with David Letterman regular, Jay Thomas agreed to make a cameo. The snowball was growing and eventually I scraped together enough cash to direct Life Tracker. The movie played over 20 science fiction conventions and got a digital distribution deal with Charter Communications (now Spectrum) and streamed into millions of American homes.Life Tracker Great! Now I needed a follow up to prove that my work ethic couldn't be mistaken for beginner's luck.​ Taking advantage of a group of talented actor friends and another who owned property outside of Fresno, I wrote and directed a super-low-budget homage to The Big Chill called The Drama Club which can currently be seen on Tubi.The Drama Club Looking back from that point, I could see the years of work I'd put in. Meeting people. Working with casts and crews. Going on adventures together. taking risks and building trust. Jobs started to fall into place. I signed my first manager. I joined the Writers Guild of America. I pitched big shot producers at legacy studios and powerhouse production companies. Always searching for that next opportunity. That's when I met Blair Underwood. A business lunch turned into an attachment (and a friendship), and soon I was hitting up everyone I'd ever done business with to see who wanted to join the team.Viral was written and produced by me, it's directed by and stars Blair, and he shares the screen with Sarah Silverman, Jeanine Mason, and the incomparable Alfre Woodard! The movie is finished and we're actively working with our sales team to bring it to audiences.In the mean time, I'm working with Amistad (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing) on a two-book deal titled Sins of Survivors about the plight of a family who lived in the once vital African American neighborhood of Black Bottom in 1930s and 40s Detroit. The first book is currently available everywhere books are sold, and the second hits shelves in the summer of 2026... So, go to your local bookstore's website get your copy!Why "Ginger Beard," you ask? My wife's maiden name is "Beard," and when our son was born he had a reddish tint to his hair. So, my company is named after my son, my "Ginger Beard"... It's only a bonus that I have red facial hair.https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mcclean-6668b018https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565697/https://www.gingerbeardfilms.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

Honey Don't by Ethan Coen, the second chapter in a lesbian pulp trilogy that began with Drive Away Dolls, subverts the femme fatale trope. The post “Honey Don’t”, interview with director Ethan Coen and screenwriter Tricia Cooke appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

Honey Don't by Ethan Coen, the second chapter in a lesbian pulp trilogy that began with Drive Away Dolls, subverts the femme fatale trope. The post “Honey Don’t”, interview with director Ethan Coen and screenwriter Tricia Cooke appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

Honey Don't by Ethan Coen, the second chapter in a lesbian pulp trilogy that began with Drive Away Dolls, subverts the femme fatale trope. The post “Honey Don’t”, interview with director Ethan Coen and screenwriter Tricia Cooke appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

Honey Don't by Ethan Coen, the second chapter in a lesbian pulp trilogy that began with Drive Away Dolls, subverts the femme fatale trope. The post “Honey Don’t”, interview with director Ethan Coen and screenwriter Tricia Cooke appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

Honey Don't by Ethan Coen, the second chapter in a lesbian pulp trilogy that began with Drive Away Dolls, subverts the femme fatale trope. The post “Honey Don’t”, interview with director Ethan Coen and screenwriter Tricia Cooke appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

Honey Don't by Ethan Coen, the second chapter in a lesbian pulp trilogy that began with Drive Away Dolls, subverts the femme fatale trope. The post “Honey Don’t”, interview with director Ethan Coen and screenwriter Tricia Cooke appeared first on Fred Film Radio.

Watch the best scene reading: https://youtu.be/biuPP3yLUY4 Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? A gunslinger is hired to rescue and return a young person to their family despite all outlaws, odds, and attire. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Western, Action, Drama Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? I believe, especially now, that understanding, listening, and accepting are something we need to get back to doing. Whatever form/medium necessary to push that, might be helpful. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Episode Summary:In this captivating episode of WV Uncommonplace, we're joined by Autumn Karen, a professional ghostwriter, screenwriter, and writing professor whose work brings uncommon and untold stories to life. Autumn's journey is filled with extraordinary experiences that challenge societal norms, inspire deep conversations, and empower through storytelling.Autumn shares her insights on how storytelling shapes culture, fosters empathy, and sparks transformation. From feminist erotica set in Appalachia to award-winning sci-fi screenplays addressing disability and women's autonomy, her work redefines the narrative landscape.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The inspiration behind Amy: Book One, a feminist novel set in Charleston, WV, exploring women's agency and sexuality in Appalachia.How ghostwriting fosters empathy and offers unique perspectives on mental health, identity, and connection.A behind-the-scenes look at Autumn's award-winning sci-fi screenplay, Infinity Care, and its cultural impact on conversations about disability, child loss, and women's rights.Unforgettable stories from Autumn's ghostwriting career, including a Black preacher who took over the KKK and the unusual claim of Osama Bin Laden's visit to a rural Iowa gas station.Who This Episode is For:Aspiring writers, creatives, and storytellersListeners curious about the hidden stories that shape our worldAnyone seeking inspiration to challenge societal norms and embrace new perspectives

“The goal is freedom. The goal is your own happiness. The goal is joy, and it's hard to have as much joy and lightness as you can if you're holding onto old resentments.” Simbi Hall, Storyteller, Screenwriter, Director, and Producer, sits down with Hoffman Podcast host Sadie Hannah to share her life journey of healing. While Simbi completed the Process in 2022, her journey of self-reflection began at the age of seven, when she had her own subscription to Psychology Today. From a young age, she tried to analyze things in her head and figure things out. Somewhere within her, she felt there was something she needed to address. For Simbi, one of the main transformations at the Process was the shift in her relationship with her father. Raised by her mom, her nana (technically her step-great-grandmother), and a dog “who helped raise” her, her father was absent. Simbi felt abandoned by him. She could count on her hands the number of times she's seen him in her life. As Simbi says, you idealize what you don't have. She grew to resent him and what she could never have. It's been “the homework of her life” to attempt to resolve the pain of her childhood. Her birthday is always right around Father's Day. Each year, this has been a big trigger for Simbi. This past year, just a few years after doing the Process, Simbi had a very different birthday experience. She discovered that she had let go of her deep resentment toward her father. Listen in as Simbi shares wisdom learned from doing the homework of a lifetime. Be sure to listen for Simbi's mic-drop moment at the end. More about Simbi Hall: Simbiat Hall is an award-winning Nigerian-American filmmaker who divides her time between LA and NYC. Born in Chicago and raised in Virginia, Simbi graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a double major in film and dramatic writing. She is also a graduate of AFI's “Directing Workshop for Women” and the Bill Cosby-sponsored “Guy Hanks/Marvin Miller Screenwriting Fellowship at USC. Simbi is well-known for Long Story Short (2004), Bring It! Vegas Dreams and Disney Parks' Magical Christmas Celebration (2016). Follow Simbi on Instagram at @simbihall. Listen on Apple Podcasts As mentioned in this episode: Daily Buddhist Practice Buddha-nature Buddha-nature in Hoffman terms: The Spiritual Self, or the Light that's within you. This is the foundation from which growth can evolve. The Divine Mother Positive Legacy: While much of the work of the Hoffman Process involves disconnecting from negative parental patterns, we also receive a positive legacy from our parents. This is also addressed during the 7-day retreat. Black woman tropes/stereotypes – What is Transference? A couple of great quotes from Simbi: “If you're open and seeking, you can get guidance from a stop sign.” “If you don't do the work, life adds Miracle-Gro to the belief systems.”    

PARANORMAL ENCOUNTERS: Be Careful What You Wish For.  This episode will run on the several networks - AUDIO (Phantasm Podcast and Para-X Radio Network), and VISUAL (Paranormal Latte and Haunted Mysteries Podcasts) beginning October 9, 2025.  Educational. Entertaining. Intriguing.On this show, Dr. Schutz interviews Shane Grove, Host of From the Shadows Podcast.  Shane puts his creativity to the test - he is a recognized musician, screenwriter, actor, podcaster, and storyteller.On this show, we discuss extensively, Dogman and Bigfoot.Be careful what you wish for.WEBSITEwww.shanegrove.comFACEBOOKYOUTUBETo learn more about me, read my biography at www.paranormaluniversalpress.com.  Click on the upper right Podomatic button to go into my podcast site to hear my guests.  View my books on my website or go to Amazon.com.  Copyrighted. Go to Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes & Noble to purchase. PLAY, LIKE, FOLLOW, and SUBSCRIBE to this program to be notified of future episodes. Doing so is FREE.

Eric Miller never had a job on a film set he didn't like. Production manager, production assistant, transportation coordinator, screenwriter, author, Director and guy who brings coffee and donuts. The Grim and Bloody gang checks in with man who brought us the sci-fi favorite movies Shadow Men and Night Skies to talk up his latest literary chiller Whatever Happened to Uncle Ed? and a life lived behind the camera.

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Derek Kolstad, writer and creator of the JOHN WICK and NOBODY franchises, to discuss everything from crafting character-driven action movies to the reality of the grind behind being a successful working Screenwriter.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Josh's agent, David Boxerbaum, a partner at Verve, to discuss how successful writers work with their agents, the recent boom in short story sales and what that means for Screenwriters, and why some specs sale and others don't.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to showrunner-writer Craig Mazin and editor Timothy A. Good about their Emmy® nominated TV show - The Last of Us. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

A story teller at heart and an award winning Filmmaker, Charleen continues to write and develop material in a variety of formats. She is a Producer, Screenwriter, Playwright, Actor and Director.Over 40 years of experience as a registered nurse in the area of Mental Health, Forensic Nursing has influenced her work. www.wingsofthewindproductions.com Find Charleen PhelpsContinue reading "The Gifts of Retirement: Opportunities to Follow Your Dreams"

Life gets crazy and overwhelming. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down how screenwriters multitask - balancing multiple projects, writing more than one script at a time, and staying productive along the way. Plus... TWIW!   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to creator, showrunner and writer Tony Gilroy and writer Dan Gilroy about their Emmy nominated TV show - Andor. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

It's that time once again folks and for this one I'm being joined by Kirsten Rudberg; Host of Byte Sized Blessings podcast, Author, Screenwriter, Clergy, and more. She was a blast to talk to and we had a very spirited discussion on everything from podcasting, tarot cards, synchronicity, England, bigfoot, dogmen, and more. Come enjoy! Byte Sized Blessings Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7r8DfKhos3tiuy7LotXoH6?si=ade3023d613b431c Kirsten's Website: https://bytesizedblessings.com/ Uncensored, Untamed & Unapologetic U^3 Podcast Collective: https://www.facebook.com/groups/545827736965770/?ref=share Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juggalobastardpodcasts?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8xJ2KnRBKlYvyo8CMR7jMg

Read From Paris to Columbus to California: Screenwriter Grace Cunard Was the Ultimate Hyphen as an Actress-Writer-Director (And Sometimes Editor) Read about more women from early Hollywood   Related posts: Her Career Outlasted the Hays Code: Kathryn Scola – Dr. Rosanne Welch, Script Magazine, March 2025 Lois Weber: More than a Writer-Director She's the Auteur Activist of Early Cinema – Dr. Rosanne Welch, Script Magazine, April 2025 From Silent Murder Mysteries to Andy Hardy's Americana, Agnes Christine Johnston Wrote it All – Dr. Rosanne Welch, Script Magazine, November 2024

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to showrunner, creator and writer Lauren LeFranc about her Emmy nominated TV show - The Penguin. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Send us a textScreenwriter and author Eric Miller joins us to discuss his newest novel, Whatever Happened to Uncle Ed? Eric, who has worked as a screenwriter for a number of SyFy films such as Ice Spiders, has also worked on a number of horror anthology novels with various authors including film actress Lynn Shay. This was a great film conversation and digs into the life of screenwriting.Follow us on Social Media: @pvdhorror Instagram, X, TikTok, FacebookWatch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@pvdhorrorSpecial thanks to John Brennan for the intro and outro music. Be sure to find his music on social media at @badtechno or the following:https://johnbrennan.bandcamp.com

Sabrina Dhawan's debut feature as screenwriter, Monsoon Wedding, won the ‘Leon D'Oro' at the Venice Film Festival and a Golden Globe nomination. Sabrina's other produced screenplay credits include Kaminey, directed by Vishal Bharadwaj for UTV; Ishqiya, directed by Abhishek Chaubey for Shemaroo Entertainment. 11.9.01, directed by Nair for Canal Plus; Cosmopolitan for PBS; Rangoon, directed by Vishal Bharadwaj.  She served as co-producer on Bollywood Hero, a mini-series for IFC and as story consultant on Bharadwaj's Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola and wrote a documentary Greatest Love Story Ever Told to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema for UTV and Shekhar Kapoor.Sabrina has been commissioned to write for include UTV, 20th Century Fox, HBO, Disney, Fox-Star, Killer Films, ABC Family and Fox Searchlight.Her student short Saanjh – As Night Falls won ‘Best of the Festival' at the Palm Springs Film Festival; ‘Most Original Film' from New Line Cinema, ‘Audience Impact' Award at Angelus Awards, and was nominated for a Student Academy Award.Support the showFor more information on Lovinder Gill's best-selling book "Scriptcake Secrets" or his public speaking schedule, please check out www.lovinder.com.

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-creator, co-showrunner and writer Kim Rosenstock about her Emmy nominated TV show - Dying for Sex. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Screenwriter and bestselling author of the ‘Skulduggery Pleasant' series Derek Landy joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Screenwriter and Tennis Pro, Michael Basha, to discuss how the psychology of professional athletes can be a useful road map for professional screenwriters, and other ways pro sports mirrors the screenwriting industry.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

All aboard the Cat Bus for a moving conversation about one of the greatest animations of all time – and the emotional madness of trying to bring that tale to the stage in London's West End. If you're in London at the moment, you need to see the current theatrical adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro currently showing in the West End. Produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with puppet designs by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, this magical re-telling of the iconic Studio Ghibli animation was written by our guest today, Tom Morton-Smith – a storyteller whose past work includes Oppenheimer (not the Christopher Nolan movie, but an acclaimed stage drama) and Ravens, a Cold War thriller set at the 1972 World Chess Championship. Taking on Totoro was an undertaking as big and daunting as the titular forest spirit himself. Set in post-war Japan, Hayao Miyazaki's story told the tale of a father and his two daughters who move to the edge of an enchanted forest, to be closer to the hospital where the girls' mother is undergoing medical care. As uncertainty gathers, strange creatures reveal themselves to little Satsuki and Mei – leading them on an adventure of wonder and awe. In the spoiler conversation you're about to hear, Tom details how he translated that wonder and awe to the stage. He's also open about his persoal experience, writing the play amid huge change in his family life. The grief and loss – or potential for loss – that sits in the background of the Totoro story is something Tom was moving through himself as he sat down to pen this adaptation.We break down the tale's themes of environmentalism and the kindness we owe to each other. We also get into the darkness of Ghibli that is often erased or reduced in how the west talks about films like this one. Finally, we talk about “ma” – the Japanese word for “emptiness” – that Miyazaki fills Totoro with, and why it might just be the secret to the joy of this film, now more than ever, in a frantic, digital world. Script Apart is hosted by Al Horner and produced by Kamil Dymek. Follow us on Instagram, or email us on thescriptapartpodcast@gmail.com.Screenwriters – get comprehensive feedback on your latest script from Al Horner by visiting ScriptApart.com/coverage.To get ad-free episodes and exclusive content, join us on Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch Today's Best Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNkD7_Fp8HI Get to know writer Darryl Mansel: What is your screenplay about? Once Upon a Time in Space is about perseverance and struggle. It asks the question ‘how far are you willing to go to obtain something that you need?' What genres does your screenplay fall under? Science fiction, action, adventure Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? It should be made into a movie because adventure is sorely lacking these days. Plenty of action, very little adventure. The audience wants to go on a ride with characters, this will give them the means to do so while having the choice of which character they ultimately want to succeed. How would you describe this script in two words? WILD BUSINESS. What movie have you seen the most times in your life? Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope How long have you been working on this screenplay? 2.5 years Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5QkTVemr88 Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? Necrotica is about breaking new ground in the sacred (but tired) Zombie Apocalypse genre. It's about uncompromising survival, family, and finding meaning in the face of devastating loss. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Horror/Zombie Apocalypse with a healthy spoonful of Lovecraftian terror. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Necrotica is a character-driven story that flips the zombie genre on its head. It's something new that still feels familiar. With only two characters who have a lot of speaking lines and easy set pieces, it would be a great showcase for two actors to demonstrate their character chops while being producible. How would you describe this script in two words? Festering doom. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyK8K0-Hi3k Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? Caligo Inn is about a power-hungry senator who goes to a secluded inn to work on his vice-presidential platform, only to be confronted by the ghosts of people destroyed by his ambition—soldiers, victims, even his own son. It's part political drama, part supernatural reckoning, where he's forced to face everything he's tried to bury. What genres does your screenplay fall under? It's a psychological thriller at its core, but it leans heavily into supernatural horror with a strong thread of political drama running through it. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? It puts a fresh spin on the haunted house story by tying the horror directly to real-world politics and personal guilt. It's creepy, timely, and has a central character who's both fascinating and deeply flawed—which makes for a compelling watch. How would you describe this script in two words? Haunting retribution. What movie have you seen the most times in your life? Probably The Shining. That mix of isolation, psychological tension, and surreal horror really stuck with me, and you can feel its influence in this script. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Back on this day in 2009 screenwriter and director John Hughes passed away. He gave us many classics including, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "The Breakfast Club", "Planes, Trains and Automobiles", and "Home Alone". KTAR Timeline is brought to you by Beatitudes Campus. 

In this episode, recorded live at the London Library, Simon and Rachel speak with the screenwriter Jesse Armstrong. Born in Shropshire and educated at Manchester University, Jesse co-created the Channel 4 comedy series "Peep Show" (2003–2015) and "Fresh Meat" (2011–2016), was a writer on "The Thick of It" (2005-2012) and "Four Lions" (2010) and is the creator of the HBO series "Succession" (2018–2023). He has received many nominations and awards, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for co-writing the film "In the Loop" (2009), and four wins for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. In 2016 Jonathan Cape also published his novel set against the background of the Bosnian War, "Love, Sex and Other Foreign Policy Goals". We spoke to Jesse about his early career as a screenwriter, creating a global hit with "Succession", and his latest film, "Mountainhead".We've made another update for those ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠who support the podcast on the crowdfunding site Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We've added 40 pages of new material to the package of successful article pitches that goes to anyone who supports the show with $5 per month or more, including new pitches to the New York Times, the Washington Post and the BBC. The whole compendium now runs to a whopping 160 pages. For Patreons who contribute $10/month we're now also releasing bonus mini-episodes. Thanks to our sponsor, Scrivener, the first ten new signs-ups at $10/month will receive a lifelong license to Scrivener worth £55/$59.99 (seven are left). This specialist word-processing software helps you organise long writing projects such as novels, academic papers and even scripts. Other Patreon rewards include signed copies of the podcast book and the opportunity to take part in a monthly call with Simon and Rachel.A new edition of “Always Take Notes: Advice From Some Of The World's Greatest Writers” - a book drawing on our podcast interviews - is available now. The updated version now includes insights from over 100 past guests on the podcast, with new contributions from Harlan Coben, Victoria Hislop, Lee Child, Megan Nolan, Jhumpa Lahiri, Philippa Gregory, Jo Nesbø, Paul Theroux, Hisham Matar and Bettany Hughes. You can order it via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waterstones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.You can find us online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alwaystakenotes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on Twitter @takenotesalways and on Instagram @alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.

Host Tasha Huo went to San Diego Comic-Con this year and has thoughts on why it's a great con for Screenwriters. Plus, Are You Excited about what's coming out in theaters in August?    TWIW: How to get unstuck in your writing / Jurassic World: Rebirth / Happy Gilmore 2 made Tasha cry   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Watch the screenplay reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyAJad2rPlg Based on Concepts from the novel Considering SomeplacElse By Barry B.L. Lindstrom Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? The Galactic Council has seen enough and has voted 8 to 1 to eliminate all humanoid Earthlings. Padrin, the lone dissenter, an expert extra-terrestrial world saver, must now save humanity using only the positive actions and interactions of individual humans as evidence. In this, the pilot episode, Padrin's android, Facto, unexpectedly connects with the plight of suddenly, violently, orphaned 18 year old Charlene and her 12 year old sister, Jennifer who, apparently, are being forced into a polygamist cult run by their only next of kin. Padrin, sensing that Facto's discovery is something far beyond coincidence contemplates invoking Galactic Assertion 5: There MUST be something that moves a system from its current state to one that is better for the planet and its population, in defiance of all probabilities, patterns and past behaviors. We Earthlings call it Fate, Destiny, Faith, Luck and Random Chance, but the rest of the galaxy calls it: NaturalAwe. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Consider, if you will, “the twilight zone” as genre. Half hour serialized Character driven episodes centered around the idea that: The Galactic Council has been monitoring the behavior of planet populations for eons.Whenever a planet's ecosystem is threatened or a planet's population threatens other planets, the council, after following due process can directly intervene without warning, Unless, of course, there is significant evidence of NaturalAwe. Why should this screenplay be made into a TV show? Sometimes it seems like things have never been worse, That we are incapable of fixing that which is broken, That those who blame everything on those not-like-us are in control, That the doom and gloom dystopian vision of our entertainment depicts our destiny. As one who was raised on lessons gathered from Good-triumphs-over-Evil 50s and 60s Broadcast Television, (Occasionally impacted by exemplary public education), built a highly successful Information Systems career based on Richard Feynman's “Perspective is worth 80 IQ points”, and has extensive experiential evidence that there is no such thing as coincidence, I feel we need to deliver SOMETHING that might just move us to ways that are better for the planet and its population, in defiance of all probabilities, patterns and past behaviors. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDHl6jdZ3M4 Blue (formerly Logan) is a gifted transgender surgical nurse whose life spirals after a violent romance exposes her truth. Surviving a suicide attempt, she's sent to an off-grid trauma retreat, where healing begins amid a web of broken souls, betrayal, and revelation. Returning home to confront family and memory, Logan reclaims his identity—detransitioning not in retreat, but in power. Blue Idaho is a raw, redemptive journey of self-forgiveness, queer identity, and the quiet strength it takes to choose yourself. What is your screenplay about? This screenplay is a bold, soul-stirring exploration of identity, redemption, and the courage to love one's true self. At its heart is Blue (also known as Logan) — a precise, compassionate, and quietly suffering OR nurse who identifies as a trans woman. Behind her composed exterior lies a turbulent past: a childhood marred by neglect, abuse, and rejection. She inflicts harm on herself not for attention, but as a tragic ritual — a conversation with the inner child who was never allowed to speak. Based on real memories, true events, and lived characters, this story is an emotional autopsy of shame, survival, and transformation. When Blue opens her heart to Connor, a young doctor who genuinely sees her, it shatters the rule she swore to live by: never mix vulnerability with proximity. When Connor uncovers her truth, the rejection that follows is brutal — familiar — and almost final. Blue's near-death suicide attempt leads her to an unconventional retreat, where healing unfolds in messy, unexpected ways. There, she finds not only herself, but also her voice — as Logan. This story is not about being trans. It's about being human in the aftermath of trauma. It's about reclaiming dignity when the world has tried to erase it. It's about survival — and the raw, beautiful work of learning to live again. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Drama and Coming-of-Age, with powerful psychological and emotional undercurrents that resonate universally. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Because it tells a story that has rarely — if ever — been told with such honesty, depth, and compassion. Blue/Logan is a protagonist we haven't seen before: a trans woman, a detransitioner, a medical caregiver, a wounded survivor, a human being whose experiences speak across lines of gender, politics, or identity. This is not a culture-war film. It's a human story, and that is its power. The screenplay holds a mirror up to all of us who have felt unworthy of love, who carry an injured inner child, who have learned to survive by shrinking. It dares to say: you are still here — and that matters. It is intimate yet universal, deeply personal yet painfully relatable. This is not just an LGBTQIA+ story. It's a redemptive character journey that speaks the emotional language of anyone who's felt voiceless, invisible, or broken — and longs to heal. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

To celebrate the release of SHE RIDES SHOTGUN, a new crime thriller, I talked with the author and co-screenwriter Jordan Harper about the joy of watching his work remixed by director Nick Rowland, co-screenwriters Ben Collins & Luke Piotrowski and stars Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger.Synopsis: In the gritty, explosive action-thriller She Rides Shotgun, Taron Egerton stars as newly released ex-con Nate. Marked for death by unrelenting enemies, Nate must now protect his estranged 11-year-old daughter, Polly (Ana Sophia Heger) at all costs. Shy, precocious, and wary of her father, Polly is swept up in Nate's dangerous plight as they flee to evade the corrupt sheriff and brutal leader of a gang who will stop at nothing to protect his criminal interests. With scant resources and no one to trust, Nate and Polly form a bond forged under fire as he shows her how to fight and survive — and she teaches him what unconditional love truly means in this intense, moving story about loyalty, strength, and redemption.SHE RIDES SHOTGUN will be released in American cinemas on August 1, 2025.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-heat-minute-productions/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Geoffrey Blake Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Geoffrey Blake. You know Geoffrey from such iconic hits as: Young Guns, Forrest Gump, Contact, Midway, and more. In this episode, we chat about almost none of those projects. Instead, we get to know Geoffrey. We find out how & where he grew up, why they moved around so much, how his health is these days, and some crazy stories about his family. Next, we move into some of the acting classes that he was part of when he was just getting started, as well as the acting class that he teaches these days. Naturally, we touch on Young Guns, and his work with Emilio Estevez & Lou Diamond Phillips. He shares a crazy story about paparazzi in Santa Monica, involving him, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and the city council. This story is insane. Of course, we talk about some of his past and upcoming writing projects, and so much more! Geoffrey has promised to come back on the show for round 2, and maybe THEN he will share the story of the time he met Lizzo!

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GncsGI4_L3o Get to know the screenwriter: What is your screenplay about? Bitter is a belated coming of age story for anyone that feels like the paradigm of success has shifted. It takes the traditional geek vs bully high school sub-genre and basically turns it on its ass, focusing on WILLOW, a once-hopeful two-time valedictorian, slated for success. Now, 10 years later, she's a bitter waitress, struggling with resentment and unmet potential, all while PARKER, her high school bully, lives the good life as a prominent influencer. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Bitter is definitely a comedy. When developing this story, it felt necessary to look through a humorous lens. The plot tackles a lot of socially-relevant themes and issues we all deal with on a daily basis: comparison culture, scam-influencers, toxic personalities—things that can absolutely consume a person. So, I thought it was important to craft the story and its characters from a place of comedy. I wanted to avoid the perception of whining or lecturing, and write a story that has something to say, but also has audience wanting to listen because they're getting to laugh along the way. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Movies have changed drastically over the last decade—some changes good, some bad, but I think a gap has been created for some of the sillier, more light-hearted comedies that can still pack a punch—that have something to say, but do it in a way to invites, not divides. I think Bitter recaptures this approach, in line with early-2000's movies like Mean Girls, Bruce Almighty, Miss Congeniality. The themes are there. The lessons are there. But so is the fun. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundp

After being embedded with the U.S. military in Afghanistan, which ends in tragedy, a journalist heads to rural Maine to fully recover and finds herself on the frontlines of another battle, between a family of wolves and the ruthless land developer who wants them hunted down. After a comrade dies in a horrific incident on the frontlines in Afghanistan, a war correspondent, forced to take time off, travels to Maine, only to stumble upon a exotic-animal hunting resort that threatens the local wolf population. When two wolf pups come under her care, she risks everything to stop the corruption and return the wolves to their pack. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? This script is about a war reporter experiences the death of a close friend, she thinks she never known a tougher battle until she inherits his dog and they witnesses the murder of a wolf, then a brutal land developer set his sights on them when she informs his his landbelongs to the Penobscot Tribe, now with the two wolf pups they've rescued as she wages the biggest battle of her life to save them and absolve herself of her friends death. What genres does your screenplay fall under? My screenplay is an action/ adventure/thriller with a kick-ass female lead. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? This screenplay is about a woman stepping outside of herself to do something for the greater good in a world she knows nothing about. We have become so detached from nature and what the true meaning of what balance is and how important it is, I know this- you won't find any true meaning to life buried in your phone. This movie will remind everyone who sees it what it feels like to be connected to something bigger than yourlittle world when you experience nature through the eyes and hearts of animals. How would you describe this script in two words? Redemption. Love. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

In this compendium episode, John and Craig set their focus on directors — and how to work with them as a screenwriter. They look at the inner-workings of the writer-director relationship, etiquette on set, how to communicate notes from pre-production through post, and outline the qualities of the “perfect” director. We also offer advice to a first time director, looking at how to prep a project, how to run a set, working with actors, and how to inspire a crew to make the best movie possible. In our bonus segment for premium members, Drew joins John back in 2025 for advice about casting, and what to do when actors pass on your project. Links: Episode 4 – Working with directors Episode 176 – Advice to a First-Time Director Scrappy HyperCard Mount Wilson Observatory John's shorts God and The Remnants Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Become a Scriptnotes Premium member, or gift a subscription Subscribe to Scriptnotes on YouTube Craig Mazin on Instagram John August on Bluesky and Instagram Outro by Nick Moore (send us yours!) Segments produced by Stuart Friedel. Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Welcome listeners to Your World of Creativity, where we talk with creative professionals around the globe about how they bring ideas to life.Our guest today is Jordan Morris—an award-winning producer, director, and screenwriter known for Nintendo Quest and Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, which won TIFF's People's Choice Award for Best Documentary. He's also the creator of the Life & Death Story Model™ and founder of the Six Months to Screenplay program. Jordan is known as The Writer Igniter—and we're excited to explore how he helps writers bring emotionally powerful stories to life.Jordan 's Website Here's an overview of our conversation:1. The Story Starts HereJordan, your Life & Death Story Model™ is a fascinating framework. What inspired you to rethink traditional narrative structures, and how does it shift the way writers approach their scripts from the start? Can you give us a quick example of this model in action?2. From Plot to PulseYou say, ‘Plot grabs attention. Emotion keeps it.' What does it take for writers to master The Emotional Arc™—and why do so many scripts fall flat in this area? How do you help writers dig deeper emotionally without losing structure?3. Story Forge & Undercooked ConceptsYou've coined the term ‘undercooked concepts'—which feels painfully accurate for many writers. What's your process for Story Forging™, and how can it help pressure-proof a story idea before diving into draft one?4. The Writer's Voice & MindsetOriginality isn't always about ideas—it's about voice. How do you coach writers to uncover a voice so distinct it can't be ignored? And what mindset shift must occur for a writer to go from aspiring to producing? How do you balance preserving voice with the demands of marketability or genre?5. Creativity in a Changing LandscapeYou've worked across theatre, film, and now community-building with Storytowne. How do you see the creative process evolving today—especially with new tools like AI? Are we witnessing the revolution or the ruin of storytelling? What role does Six Months to Screenplay play in future-proofing storytellers?Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Use the code CREATIVITY at checkout for 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.comBe sure to subscribe to Your World of Creativity, rate us, and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. Join us again for more insights into how creative professionals around the world bring their ideas to life.