Podcasts about screenwriters

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.”    

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

We are delighted to partner with the Writers' Guild of Ireland to bring you 2 very special podcasts of panels and discussions from the 2024 World Conference of Screenwriters, an international gathering of screenwriters and Writers Guilds' from all around the world, which took place in Galway, 2 – 3 October 2024. Day 2 This second podcast features Day 2's proceedings, beginning with: Globalising Screen Industries: Balancing Inward Production and Domestic Screenwriting Talent This panel delves into the dynamics of globalised production and the implications for screenwriters worldwide. As the influx of inward production persists, often sidelining domestic writing talent, the panel examines the risks inherent in developing an industry heavily reliant on external service productions and share strategies to encourage more domestic projects. Speakers Alice Shearman Rachel Kilfeather Gabor Krigler Bruce M. Smith Lesley Gannon In Conversation with the WGA East and WGA West This conversation takes a deep dive into the organisation of 2023''s WGA negotiations and strike. [from 1hr 04mins] Speakers Josep Gatell David Goodman Meredith Stiehm Chris Keyser Lisa Takeuchi Cullen Roddy Who? A Commitment to Credits This panel explores how credits for screenwriters and producers diverge in different territories. The discussion analyze why showrunners sometimes belong in one category and sometimes in the other, and yet it's still not a recognized credit, how much the “created by” credit matters, who's getting it, and the value of a global standard for credits. [from 2hr 05mins] Speakers Denis Goulette Barbara Petronio Emma Reeves Betsy Thomas Marcus Seibert Artificial Intelligence A conversation on what's being done to protect screenwriters, and what they need to do next. [from 2hr 59mins] Speakers Jennifer Davidson Dr Abigail Rekas Ellen Stutzman Victoria Shen David Kavanagh KEYNOTE SPEECH: The Future is Unwritten Speakers [from 3hr 45mins] Laura Slattery Terry George Liaten back to Day 1 https://filmireland.net/2025/04/18/wcos-podcast-2024-world-conference-of-screenwriters-day-1/ https://script.ie/ https://filmireland.net/

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 

Send Us A Message or Ask Us A Question? On this powerful episode of the Us People Podcast, Savia Rocks welcomes award-winning novelist and screenwriter Karlyle Tomm for a conversation that travels through darkness and light, pain and triumph. Karlyle's story is one of remarkable resilience and creativity, as he shares with Savia the raw and real moments that shaped his life and inspired his art.- Together, they dive deep into:- Childhood memories of growing up in the small, breathtaking Ozarks mountain range during the 1960s- Navigating the challenges and joys of growing up gay in a conservative community- The heartbreak of his parents' separation while his mother was pregnant, and the profound loss of becoming an orphan when his mother died- Enduring and overcoming childhood abuse, and the role of trauma in shaping his worldview- The steadfast love and support of his grandmother, who became his anchor and guiding force- The importance of relationships and having someone in your corner someone who believes in you and helps you believe in yourself- The journey toward self-love, healing, and acceptance- Why writing became not just a passion, but a lifeline, and the stories behind his acclaimed novels and screenplaysWith honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom, Karlyle Tomm's story reminds us that even in the most difficult circumstances, hope, creativity, and connection can lead us to healing.Join Savia Rocks and Karlyle Tomm for this unforgettable conversation and so much more, only on the Us People Podcast.“Karlyle, thank you for opening your heart and sharing the beautiful complexities of yourself with us. Your courage to embrace every chapter of your story, both the pain and the joy is a gift to us all. You remind us that true strength lies in vulnerability, and that every part of our story deserves to be told.” - Savia Rocks“It's in the beautiful complexities of yourself, every twist, every scar, every triumph, where your true light shines brightest. Embrace all that you are, for it is within those layers that your most authentic beauty lives.” - Savia RocksSupport the show

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

Josh Stolberg is a Screenwriter and Director. The Saw Franchise, Avatar, Piranha 3D, and that's just barely tipping the iceberg of his extensive resume. He has a new podcast called "Darren and Josh Make A Movie". It's a must-listen for any writer slash filmmaker slash creative.

Taking center stage is the well versed Stand-Up Comedian, Filmmaker, Screenwriter & Podcast Host Toni Nagy! With over 800,000 followers across social media platforms and her bold, unpredictable, and unique approach to comedy, she's performed on many huge stages from the Comedy Store in LA to the Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. She also hosts her latest show, 'Grape Culture,' and is 1/2 of the podcast "Gnarly Girls." We get straight to the punchline discussing her journey into comedy, Hecklers during Shows, Cancel Culture, Evolution of Comedy, her success and she is also put in the Hot Seat RANKING some of the most Iconic Comedians to hit the Stage!

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

Watch the script reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8dO89qOZRk An adventure seeking young girl comes of age, joins the Peace Corps, gets posted in the Congo and takes a wild ride through culture clashes and love affairs. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? My screenplay is about an adventure seeking young woman who joins the Peace Corps to advance her career, gets posted in the Congo, and ends up falling in love with two fellow volunteers. What genres does your screenplay fall under? The genre is Romantic Drama. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? This movie needs to be made because there has never been a Peace Corps movie made before, and the Congo is the 4th world that Americans need to see. How would you describe this script in two words? In two words: compelling and original. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundp

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnOurfvF21E Sci-Fi/Political/Action – A popular President's re-election campaign is beset by a relentless, brutal Assassin with whom he shares a dark, shocking history. Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? The fundamental story of Justice and the Machine is about one of the most popular presidents in US History, William B. Justice, becoming the target of a brutal assassin during his run for re-election. Calling himself “the Machine”, the assassin unpredictably succeeds in killing the President's innermost cabinet. His loyal wife gets kidnapped by the Machine, and he soon reveals that he has a secret history with her husband that goes beyond anything she understood to be reality. Much to her disbelief, she comes to accept the truth that her husband, the President of the United States, is an alien from another planet with murderous intentions to conquer the planet. The Machine is, in fact, his sworn enemy, and whenever they meet, they are obligated to duel to the death. So, on its surface, there's a lot of fun action and sci-fi sort of genre bending elements, but at its core is a story of deception and betrayal and the discovery that completely changes one woman's world view. What genres does your screenplay fall under? I used to enjoy calling it: My Sci-Fi/Political/Action/Thriller – so, depending on which page you turn, it's one or more of those. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Are you freaking kidding me!? This is a franchise starter baby, come on! I've got the sequel and a follow up if they wanna go for three – I know how to meet a deadline, let's write up that deal! How would you describe this script in two words? Crazy Politics Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

We're going deep into the real, raw truth of screenwriting with Hilliard Guess — writer, producer, podcaster, and director. From breaking into the industry to surviving the writer's room, Hilliard is here to spill it all.With credits on Deadly Class (SYFY), the award-winning digital series TICKER, Amazon's CROSS: AFTER HOURS, and the upcoming coming-of-age film MERMAID!, Hilliard knows what it really takes to make it in Hollywood.He's also the longtime host of Screenwriters' Rant Room, a WGA advocate, and a voice for underrepresented writers across genres. Expect real talk, wild stories, and serious insight.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on ⁠⁠BraveMaker ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow BraveMaker on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #Screenwriting #TV #BlackWriters #Live

Screenwriter Stuart Wright talks with Adam ‘Tex' Davis, screenwriter about the podcast his co-hosts: THE OSCARS: What Were They Thinking? & "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life"    To listen to Adam's podcast checkout https://www.oscars.wtf   "3 Films That Have Impacted Everything In Your Adult Life" JAWS (1975) RAISING ARIZONA (1987)  TAXI DRIVER (1976)   "3 FILMS THAT HAVE IMPACTED EVERYTHING IN YOUR ADULT LIFE" is a podcast by screenwriter Stuart Wright that explores the transformative power of cinema. From emotional masterpieces to thought-provoking classics, each episode delves into the films that have had a profound impact on our personal growth and perspective. Through engaging storytelling, critical analysis, and cultural commentary, Stuart aims to uncover the lasting influence that movies have had on his guests. Please join him on an emotional journey through the world of film and discover how just three movies can change the direction of a life, cement memories you will never forget or sometimes change how you see the world."   Credits Intro/Outro music is Rocking The Stew by Tokyo Dragons (www.instagram.com/slomaxster/) Podcast for www.britflicks.com https://www.britflicks.com/britflicks-podcast/ Written, produced and hosted by Stuart Wright   "This podcast contains copyrighted material used under the fair use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act. The purpose of this podcast is to "provide educational/expert analysis" of speechwriting in Hollywood films. All rights to the copyrighted material belong to their respective owners. We do not claim ownership of the content used."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLrcCUBi10A Facing death due to different illnesses, three patients find themselves playing a made up game called The Mortality Game to experience life one last time risking it all. www.instagram.com/thevelamonster Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? It's about 116 pages! Sorry, I just had to get one “Dad Joke” in, even though I'm NOT a Dad (that I know of). “The Mortality Game' is in essence a story of life as seen through the lens of impending death. It's about how we as humans face the “final act” of the stage play of our lives. In the case of my three headed lead: Schubert, Halada and Tugger face it in their own differing, yet quirky ways. Ultimately deciding to take a final road trip across the country while playing a game where they do dangerous things to challenge and defy death, since they have nothing to lose. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Character Driven Dramedy for the most part, as it has elements of Comedy and Drama, with a bit of Coming of Age mixed in for good measure. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Because the characters are as diverse in age and attitude as they are strong in development and memorability. Because the story, about how we face death is an important one to tell, since that is a situation that none of us can avoid. Because it explores letting go as well as fighting back, finding the joy in the dreaded, and allowing yourself to feel what you feel facing the end, whether it's understandable or not, expected or not, appropriate or not. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundp

Watch best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1057hMo7JU Get to know the writer: What is your screenplay about? High Ground is a dramatic, near-future story set in climate-ravaged Miami. Gloria Tejeda, a brilliant, physically disabled architect, becomes an unexpected hero. As rising seas and political polarization threaten lives and values, her fight against societal judgment, and radical extremists transforms her from a misunderstood figure into a national symbol of strength, vulnerability, and moral courage. What genres does your screenplay fall under? Drama, with elements of Science Fiction, Social Commentary, and Thriller. It delves into abstruse disability issues and touches on Romance and Political Satire. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? High Ground is a blend of personal and planetary crisis, addressing timely issues of climate change, misinformation, overcoming disabilities, and extremism. Gloria is emotionally insecure and physically limited, yet her internal and external challenges bring out inner strength. Her journey is inspiring, cinematic, and relevant. The story delivers suspense, emotional weight, visual spectacle, and a message of hope in a divided world. It is a story that needs to be told. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundp

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host, tv/film writer Saeed Crumpler recorded a "LIVE" Screenwriters' Rant Room podcast at the Bravemaker film festival in Redwood City, California!HILLIARD GUESS With credits on Deadly Class (SYFY), showrunner on the award-winning digital series TICKER, Exec Producer on Amazon's CROSS: AFTER HOURS, and the upcoming coming-of-age film MERMAID!, Hilliard Guess knows what it really takes to make it in Hollywood.  graces the cover of the esteemed iTunes book "The Top 100 Indie Writers in The World" and is revered as the longtime host/moderator of the popular “Screenwriters' Rant Room”, as well as the WGAW “3rd & Fairfax” podcasts, where he drops industry game with some of our top luminaries.He is the host of both long-running podcast SCREENWRITERS RANT ROOM and the WGAW 3rd & FAIRFAX where he drops industry game with some of our top luminaries and Filmmakers. He recently completed the new WGAW TV WRITERS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (4 Producers-Showrunners) and is busy developing TV and Film projects for some major companies in Hollywood.SAEED CRUMPLERA fellow in the 2021 Nickelodeon Writing Program, and he's in a First Look deal with SONY TV. Saeed's been staffed on FLATBUSH MISDEMEANORS for Showtime. He consulted on BLINDSPOTTING for STARZ, working closely with Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs. In 2021, Saeed completed a feature rewrite on MTV's HIP-HOP FAMILY CHRISTMAS for Jamie Foxx's company and a biopic about legendary underground hip-hop artist Mac Dre for Double Down Pictures. A Bay Area screenwriter with a music background, as a former hip hop artist in the hyphy scene, he has recorded with Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, and Chamillionaire. Saeed strives to bridge the gap to bring stories from the subculture into the mainstream.⁠WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COMSubscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!"For information, Merch (NEW T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/productsEMAIL:ScreenwritersRantRoom@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.socialIG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom@balance510

You HAVE to hear this episode. How did doing just one thing change everything for Jen Butler? Listen, and be amazed, friends. And then go be amazing, too. Jen Butler is a Barnes & Noble bestselling author, dark comedy screenwriter, and one of ISA's Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch. Her work blends absurdity, emotional truth, and big existential questions... often through the lens of recovery, rejection, and being a messy human with a sense of humor. With over 300K followers across social media (@jenbutlersays), Jen is known for sharing real-talk stories that make people laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone. She also really, really loves dark chocolate and her dog, Floyd. Volume Control is her first book. Get started with your Avoidance Journey here: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTE4NzI1NDQ2MDc4NTg5Her Shakti code for a discount! https://shaktimat.com/jenbutlersays (or just use the code JENBUTLERSAYS at checkout, for US & UK only)Her Insight Timer meditations: http://insighttimer.com/jenbutlersaysHer Etsy link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JenButlerSays⭐️ 90 Day Classes NOW OPEN! ⭐️

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-writer Erik Jendresen and writer-director Christopher McQuarrie about Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

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.