Podcasts about Screenwriting

This fortnight, we finally reach the last season of The Boys (14:24), and fair warning, the spoilers are all over this one, so I'd not listen to this until you've seen the show if that's a concern. And then we also review Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu (40:32), with a little more spoiler discpline. Plus bonus chat about Detectorists and the Evangelion anniversary special.

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to writer-producer Aline Brosh McKenna about her latest film, The Devil Wears Prada 2. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Eliminators (1986) Director: Peter Manoogast Cast: Andrew Prine, Denise Crosby, Patrick Reynolds, Roy DotriceRobots. Cavemen. A ninja who shows up two-thirds of the way through for absolutely no reason. A mandroid who can't stay on a boat. This is Eliminators, and it is exactly the fever dream you're hoping it is.This week, John and Sean dive headfirst into the 1986 Charles Band-produced sci-fi action romp that somehow got a PG rating despite side boob, constant explosions, and a villain who gets yeeted 100,000 years into the past by a random keyboard punch. It's stupid. It's charming. It almost works. We love it.In this episode, we discuss:"Bubblegum, Paperclips, and Tank Treads" — The plot holds together by vibes alone, and that's somehow fine. The mandroid falls off the back of a boat mid-river, John rewinds it twice, and we break down why this movie's relentless, logic-free momentum is actually its greatest asset."The Sandbox Theory of Screenwriting" — Robots, time travel, Neanderthals, a ninja who materializes from the woods two-thirds in — John's thesis is that this script was written by handing kids a box of action figures and transcribing the chaos. We make the case for why that works here when it absolutely shouldn't."The Mandroid Disguise Industrial Complex" — A fedora, a tarp-cape, and a giant red flashlight bolted to his head. Incognito. We also settle the tank tread debate: hyped in the trailer, used for five minutes, abandoned, brought back only to fall over. A true cinematic crime."PG? Are You Sure About That?" — Wet T-shirts, a bar brawl led by someone named Bayou Betty, laser violence, side boob. Apparently all fine in 1986. We dig into what the ratings board was and wasn't paying attention to, and what it says about this gloriously unhinged era of filmmaking.We Also Talked About:Mr. Inbetween (Hulu) — An FX series Sean fell hard for: 26 half-hour episodes about an Australian hitman balancing contract kills with single parenthood. Dark, funny, completely addictive.The Magician (2005) (Tubi) — The Scott Ryan mockumentary that originated the Ray Shoesmith character before Mr. Inbetween existed. Essential context.WWE Biographies: Legends (Amazon) – The Von Erichs — Three hours of documented tragedy covering the same ground as The Iron Claw but with more Kevin, more Sportatorium, and more time to sit in the sadness. Sean watched it. He reports back.Video Vixen (Bloodstream) — A shot-on-video indie slasher streaming on Bloodstream (free, but they want your email, which John resents) about a cam girl with a snuff fetish that eventually stops being a fetish and just becomes murder. The most interesting thing about it is the intentionally chaotic camera work — 1080p to vertical phone shot to Super 8 grain, switching based on which influencer is on screen. Cool concept, largely forgettable execution. John supports it on principle because indie filmmakers need somewhere to put their stuff, but he's not going to pretend it's good.King Kong (1976) (Pluto) — John revisited the Jeff Bridges-and-Jessica-Lange remake. Practical effects, a worthy successor to the original, and a soft spot for a giant ape that never fully goes away.SNL on Peacock — John went back to episode one and kept going. What he found: a legitimately fascinating variety show buried under 40 minutes of content per 90-minute slot, missing skits, and enough '90s-era comedy choices to keep a content moderation team busy for years.Some of the above links are affiliate links — if you purchase through them we get a small kickback, and it's the best way to support the show.New episodes of the Dewey Pod Monster podcast drop every week. We're proud members of the YouRun Podcast Network at https://yourunpodcast.com.

In this podcast, Dan Howarth talks about Drone, Lionhearts, Northern Republic, and much more. [4:35] Conversation start/biggest changes for Dan in the last year. [19:00] Screenwriting. [20:00] Lionhearts. [26:00] Journey to publication. [45:30] Writing a comedy. [50:45] Editorial process. [1:01:15] David Peace influence on book covers. [1:05:10] Drone. [1:09:00] Creating dread from a sound. [1:15:20] Inspiration for Drone. [1:18:20] How to decide which idea is for a novel and which a novella. [1:23:40] Lessons learnt writing Drone. [1:25:30] Landing the ending. [1:30:25] Northern Republic and where Dan will and won't submit stories going forward. [1:38:50] Connect with Dan and final thoughts. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-666-dan-howarth-on-drone-lionhearts-and-northern-republic Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In today's episode, we're diving into a key principle of screenwriting: SHOW DON'T TELL. This simple yet powerful rule can truly elevate your writing to new heights. These three words hold a lot of meaning—so what exactly does SHOW DON'T TELL mean? Join us as we explore this idea and share some great examples from well-known films and TV shows that beautifully illustrate this principle.Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller 

Filmmaking is a time machine and we're going back to the late 1990s to quietly observe Sasha's family move into a small Vancouver Island community and try to deal with their son Jeremy's ever increasing social disconnection. The subtle sleight of hand in Sophy Romvari's Blue Heron sneaks up on Matt and Shahir in one of the most praised films of the year. If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CinemAddicts Episode 349 features reviews for the week of Friday May 29, 2026. They are Tuner, Speed Demon, and The Currents. Bruce Purkey also reviews The Yogurt Shop Murders and The Bride.  Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:59 - Remembering our friend William Lindus, co-host of the Movie Bears Podcast.  10:20 - Speed Demon hits theaters, Digital and On Demand May 31.

ABOUT THE EPISODE --In Episode 270 of Reel Therapy, Daniel and Donavon are joined by UCA Professor of Film, Dr. Bruce Hutchinson, to discuss the 2006 classic, "The Devil Wears Prada". Does it hold up twenty years later? What's the deal with Nate's character? Should Andy have kept her job? Does the script hold up two decades later? We break it all down with the professor before we see the sequel and let us know in the comments below what you thought of the film and what are your thoughts on the "The Devil Wears Prada 2".TABLE OF CONTENTS --00:00:00 - About the Episode00:00:32 - Greetings from Dr. Bruce Hutchinson00:01:01 - The Devil Wears Prada01:56:33 - Before We GoABOUT THE MOVIE --"The Devil Wears Prada" follows Andy Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands a coveted job as assistant to Miranda Priestly, the powerful and demanding editor-in-chief of a leading fashion magazine. Thrust into the fast-paced world of high fashion, Andy must navigate impossible expectations, office politics, and the growing tension between her career ambitions and personal life. Blending sharp humor, memorable performances, and insightful commentary on work-life balance and ambition, the film has become a modern classic about success, sacrifice, and finding your own path.Before We Go: Additional Reading --"Spinstack" App: https://spinstackios.app"Wuthering Heights" - Directed by Emerald Fennell: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32897959/"Widow's Bay" on Apple TV: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33332385/"Scriptnotes: A Book About Screenwriting and Things That Are Interesting to Screenwriters" - Written by John August and Craig Mazin: https://a.co/d/02TyU3FmArt House Cinema: https://www.arthouse-cinema.netFIND US --To learn more about Bruce and follow his work, find him on:Instagram: @bdhutchX: @bdhutchAnd for more movie breakdowns checkout:LINK: https://www.thehutchfiles.com/For everything Reel Therapy and 241 Studios, check out our website:LINK: https://www.241studios.com/Follow us on:Instagram: @reeltherapy_podcastFacebook:   / reeltherapypod  TikTok: @reeltherapy_podcast

  Though Tess Slesinger wrote only 12 films her contribution to classic Hollywood screenwriting and adaptation deserves focus.  Born on July 16, 1905 to Jewish parents of Hungarian-Russian heritage, Slesinger grew up with three older brothers on New York's Upper West Side.  Her father worked in the garment world and her mother, Augusta Slesinger went from being … Continue reading "Empowered Women Ran in Her Family and Her Heroines: The Screenwriting Career of Tess Slesinger – Dr. Rosanne Welch, Script Magazine, May 2026" Related posts: Trusted to Write for the Greatest Stars of the Silent Screen: The Screenwriting Career of Ruth Cummings – Dr. Rosanne Welch, Script Magazine, January 2026 From Missouri to Musicals: The Screenwriting Career of Dorothy Yost – Dr. Rosanne Welch, Script Magazine, November 2025 Writing Successful Films into her 60s? Zelda Sears Did It! – Dr. Rosanne Welch, Script Magazine, March 2024

CinemAddicts co-host Eric Holmes interviews What's The Story, Wishbone? director Joey Stewart, producer Betty Buckley, and Larry Brantley (voice of Wishbone). For more info on What's The Story, Wishbone?: https://www.whatsthestorywishbone.com/ Pre-order the film on Apple TV  CinemAddicts are Bruce Purkey, Eric Holmes, and Greg Srisavasdi Facebook Facebook Group Patreon YouTube Channel Merch store Deepest Dream Thanks to our Patreon Community Ryan Smith Stephen Schrock Susan Charles Peterson Nelson B. McClintock Diana Van De Kamp Pete Abeyta Tyler Andula Stephen Mand Edmund Mendez Abbie Schmidt Jeff Tait Robert Prakash Kristen Chris M Jeremy Chappell Lewis Longshadow Iver Alex Clayton Daniel Hulbert Andrew Martin Angela Clark Myron Freeman Kayn Kalmbach Aaron Fordham Tracy Peters Grant Boston Ken Cunningham   #WhatsTheStoryWishbone #Podcasts #Documentary  

Listen to learn the emotional impact of revealing secrets vs discovering them. In this episode Stu, Chas and Mel apply the Landmark–Hidden–Secret framework (from DZ-126) across two very different genres: the thriller SIDE EFFECTS (2013) and the tragicomic pilot of SHRINKING. SIDE EFFECTS is a film of two genres. The first half plays as a drama about depression and over-medication; the second half is a 90s thriller. We talk about how every time Dr Jonathan Banks uncovers a new piece of information, it puts him in danger — and that danger motivates him to uncover more. In SHRINKING, we see a different use of the framework. "What are psychologists but detectives of the mind?" Rather than the cost of finding secrets, it's about the cost of sharing them. Chas also comes out of this with a paradigm he's been building toward (but we're keeping what that is secret until you listen!) And inevitably we go on some tangents: whether SIDE EFFECTS should even have been an erotic thriller! As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes. LIKE THIS EPISODE? Discuss with our Patrons on Patreon. Join the discussion on Reddit. Watch and comment on YouTube. Send us feedback. Thanks to our Patrons, especially Khrob, Theis, Sandra, Jesse, Randy, Paulo, Thomas, Jennifer, Malay, Alexandre and Lily. → Read the transcript for this episode. ——— "Every time Dr Jonathan Banks uncovers a new piece of information, it puts him in danger -- and that danger motivates him to uncover more." — Chas Fisher @ 00:26:04 ——— CHAPTERS 00:00:00 – Cold Open 00:00:16 – Intro: Secrets and Clues 2 - the Cost of Revelation 00:01:03 – Previously on Secrets and Clues (Recap of Part 1) 00:04:24 – Flashforward Insights 00:09:29 – SIDE EFFECTS 00:20:18 – › The First Half: Push and Misdirection 00:28:41 – › Genre Shift: Banks Becomes the Detective 00:48:06 – SHRINKING 01:00:02 – › The Inverted Paradigm: When Everyone Knows 01:07:47 – › The Cost of Sharing 01:22:02 – › Power Through Honest Acknowledgement 01:35:37 – The Key Tool Chas Learned 01:39:28 – Key Learnings & Wrap Up 01:50:48 – Many Thanks to our Patrons! FILMS SIDE EFFECTS (2013) — (w) Scott Z Burns (d) Steven Soderbergh SHOWS SHRINKING 1x1 "Coin Flip" — James Ponsoldt (d), Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence (w) SCRIPTS Study the script: SIDE EFFECTS (2013) — Scott Z Burns LINKS Website: DIY & dragons: Landmark, Hidden, Secret Website: The Alexandrian » Advanced Node-Based Design Website: Ascii Dreams: The Quest for Quests Website: Ascii Dreams: The Quest for Quests EPISODES IN THE SECRETS AND CLUES SERIES DZ-126: Secrets and Clues DZ-127: Secrets and Clues 2 - The Cost of Revelation RELATED EPISODES DZ-90: Setups & Payoffs in EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE ——— More Draft Zero is brought to you by our awesome Patreons. If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a rating on Spotify, or a review on Podchaser. We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter. Full show notes at: https://draft-zero.com/2026/dz-127/ Download episode: DZ-127.mp3

Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd 0:00 - The Best Time For Filmmakers To Reach Out To A Producer's Rep 13:21 - Managing Filmmakers Expectations 22:59 - What 99% Of Filmmakers Don't Understand About Distribution 31:29 - If Only Filmmakers Knew This Before They Made Their Movie 40:32 - What Filmmakers Need To Know Before They Sell Their Movie 52:17 - Former Netflix Executive Breaks Down Movie Financing 1:03:01 - Why Most Filmmakers Today Want To Get Their Movie On Netflix 1:12:40 - Where Can Filmmakers Make The Most Money 1:27:45 - If You Want To Make A Profitable Movie Here's What You Should Know 1:44:48 - Why Filmmakers Should Go To Film Markets Zac Reeder is an Emmy-nominated producer and seasoned media executive with leadership roles at Netflix, Hallmark, and MarVista. Now as a producer's rep and distribution/financing consultant, he helps independent film and TV producers secure deals, maximize exposure, and navigate the evolving media landscape through his company, Lucky 27 Media. His website is Lucky27 (dot) com. CONNECT WITH ZAC REEDER https://lucky27.com https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0715800 SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ THE ANATOMY OF STORY: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller http://amzn.to/2h6W3va THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING - Lajos Egri https://amzn.to/3jh3b5f ON WRITING: A Memoir of the Craft https://amzn.to/3XgPtCN THE WAR OF ART: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles http://amzn.to/1KeW9ob

Send us Fan MailTim and Jay had the opportunity to talk with Brett Neveu, playwright, professor, and screenwriter of (the play and) film Eric LaRue, directed by Michael Shannon. We talk about the differences between writing for the stage and writing for the screen; the absurdity of grief, pastors trying to help, and good intentions. Along the way, Brett gives us great insight into crafting a compelling story.You can watch Eric LaRue at Kanopy through your local library.Find more information about Brett here.Red Orchid Theatre.Some of the films we discuss in this episode: Eric LaRue and Mass.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube (starting with Episode 81)Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In this episode, Anika has a wonderful conversation with Chapman University screenwriting professor William Stribling.They discuss:- power of storytelling- learning and breaking rules- being more open to change- advice for creativesand more...Stay tuned for new episodes every week and for more updates follow Anika on Instagram @thecreativehustlewithanikag

REWIND. We continue our conversation about how PAGE Awards Judges evaluate your screenplay with Karen Craig and Scott Barkan. Next week, to wrap up this four-part series, we'll be talking to Kristin Overn, the Founder and Executive Director of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards.Karen Craig is a professional screenwriter and script doctor whose credits include AMERICAN PSYCHO II, starring Mila Kunis and William Shatner, and FORBIDDEN SECRETS, starring Kristy Swanson. Karen has served as a judge for the PAGE Awards for the past 12 years, reviewing both Thriller/Horror scripts and Family Films.Scott Barkan is a professional screenwriter with several produced films and sold scripts to his name. He has worked with Blumhouse and Lionsgate and is represented by Mainstay Entertainment and CAA. Scott is also a university professor, teaching music and communications. As a PAGE judge, he primarily reads Action/Adventure, Thriller/Horror, and Science Fiction scripts.

REWIND. PAGE Awards Judges David Portlock and John Evans continue our conversation about how they evaluate your screenplay. These two judges share a lot of helpful information in this interview.✰ David Portlock has worked as a script reader for United Talent Agency and currently works for Bassett Vance Productions. Over the past 15 years, David has consulted and assisted dozens of writers in developing their films. Also a screenwriter, David wrote and directed a feature film picked up by HBO, Cinemax, and Starz; a short film that premiered at Sundance; and a horror script that topped the Bloodlist. As a PAGE judge, David evaluates screenplays in the Science Fiction, Thriller/Horror, Comedy, and Drama categories.✰ John Evans received his MFA in Screenwriting from Boston University. Since moving to LA, he has worked in the development departments at ABC Studios, The Donners Company, Kopelson Entertainment, and AEI. John has also taught writing at the college level, authored six educational books, and worked as a copywriter and editor for several film distribution companies. John is the editor of our PAGE Awards ezine, and as a contest judge, he primarily reads Thriller/Horror scripts and TV Drama Pilots.

REWIND of two more PAGE Awards Judges, Dwayne Smith and Mike Kuciak, continues the conversation about how they evaluate your screenplay.Mike Kuciak has two movies coming out in 2022; he's the writer-director of one and the writer-producer of the other. He's a producer on a third film scheduled to begin production in late 2022. He has served as a producer and executive producer on several independent films. He was the senior vice president of development for a literary management-production company and, after that, the founder/CEO of his own company before hanging that up to focus on writing/directing/producing.Dwayne Smith has been a professional screenwriter since 1999 and has written scripts for Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Intermedia, and Gold Circle. His urban thriller PAY THE LADY is in post-production, and his sci-fi feature IMPLANT is in pre-production. Representing the management firm Circle of Confusion at numerous screenwriting conferences and festivals, Dwayne has listened to hundreds of pitches and read countless screenplays in search of new writing talent. As a judge for the PAGE Awards, he reads Comedies, Thriller/Horror, Science Fiction, and Action/Adventure scripts.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer/Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerIf you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 

REWIND. Two PAGE Awards Judges, Victoria Lucas and Laurie Ashbourne, discuss how they evaluate your screenplays, whether you're just starting or have a script in the competition. You do not want to miss this inside talk.⭐️ Laurie Ashbourne began her film career in Disney animation and has worked over the past 20 years as a story consultant, writer, and producer for Disney, Amazon, and many independent producers. She has more than 30 features and short films to her credit, including her new family feature, CHRISTMAS TIME, which is currently in post-production. As a PAGE judge, Laurie reviews scripts across several genre categories, including Family Films, Comedies, Dramas, and Shorts.⭐️ Victoria Lucas is an independent producer who has developed scripts for projects starring Antonio Banderas, Scarlett Johansson, Wesley Snipes, and Hilary Swank. Among her favorite projects is the highly acclaimed coming-of-age film The Island on Bird Street, which won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Victoria is also a judge for the PAGE Awards, covering a variety of genres, including Drama and Historical Films.

Be careful what you wish for because we're breaking the willow branch on Curry Barker's "Obsession" and following madly head over heels!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CinemAddicts Episode 345 features reviews of movies coming out the week of May 22, 2026. Movies include Saccharine, Relentless, Ask E. Jean, Sick Puppy. Bruce Purkey also reviews the new Netflix series The Boroughs and he joins Joseph Bridges to review Scared S**tless.  Review Timestamps 00:00:  Intro 08:09:  Saccharine (Theaters 5/22. 

Get over here as we get nice and toasty with Simon McQuoid's new player in video game adaptations... Mortal Kombat 2! JM8 from Second Wind rejoins the pod and throws us a friendship fatality while we try to figure out if this really was a flawless victory!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rewind. Spend some time with Sandy and Terry as they explore one of the most iconic last lines in cinema, "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown," from the 1974 film CHINATOWN, written by Robert Towne, directed by Roman Polanski, and starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. In this episode, they reveal the fascinating story of how this memorable line nearly didn't make it and why!Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

CinemAddicts Episode 344 reviews three movies that are coming out the week of Friday, May 15, 2026. They are Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, Magic Hour, and Forge. Due to technical difficulties, Bruce Purkey's CinemAttic will not be made available this week! Timestamps 00:00 - Intro and Taco Bell talk 08:59 - Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe

In this episode of Salt & Light, Zena Dell Lowe examines the Academy Award nominated film Blue Moon starring Ethan Hawke and asks an important storytelling question:What happens when a film portrays a broken man truthfully without glorifying him?At first, Blue Moon feels frustrating. Its protagonist, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart, is bitter, self-destructive, arrogant, emotionally stagnant, and deeply trapped in alcoholism and self-pity.But as the story unfolds, the deeper moral framework begins to emerge.This isn't a story asking us to admire Hart. It's asking us to confront the cost of refusing humility, gratitude, accountability, and change.In this conversation, Zena explores:the difference between tragedy and moral inversionwhy modern culture confuses cynicism with wisdomhow stories portray addiction and human bondagethe difference between understanding a character and endorsing themwhy tragic stories can still communicate moral truthwhat writers should understand about broken protagonistsSalt & Light is a worldview analysis series from The Storyteller's Mission that explores what stories reveal about morality, reality, and the human condition.If you enjoy film analysis, storytelling discussions, screenwriting conversations, worldview critique, or character-driven narratives, this episode is for you.Watch this episode on YouTubeFree Resources for Writers:Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingSign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

Colby Day is a breath of fresh air who refuses to be performative. In an industry that runs on heat and carefully curated perception, he just gives it to you straight. Day is an Emmy-nominated writer whose credits include the Netflix film "Spaceman" starring Adam Sandler and "In the Blink of an Eye," which premiered at Sundance this past year. He also served as a writer and story editor on Apple TV's For All Mankind season five. He is also the creator of Hollyweird, a Substack where he documents the unglamorous reality of being a working writer in Hollywood with more honesty than almost anyone else in this business. His directorial debut "The Comedy Hour "with Tim Heidecker and Tatiana Maslany is up next. This was one of my favorite chats of the year so far. Colby and get super real about 10-year timelines, selling a show and watching it collapse, why transparency is a radical act in this industry, and what keeps us going when everything falls apart. Tune in! xx CG

Send us a message.We open with a letter — Rilke's first letter to a young poet, written in 1903 — and the question at the center of it: must I write? Not do I want to, not is it going well, but must I. We talk about what it means to look outward for reassurance while making something, how that search for validation reshapes work before it's even finished, and what happens when you're writing toward an external voice instead of your own.That leads us into a broader conversation about photography as a practice of finding things rather than making them — and what that distinction reveals about why certain work holds and other work doesn't. We walk through what it means to stand in front of a print by Eggleston or Crewdson or Deana Lawson, what a body of work asks of the people presenting it, and what gets lost when criticism becomes a form of signaling rather than a genuine attempt to see. We end somewhere near solitude: the argument that if you've found the thing you need to do, everything else is secondary — and that's been true since at least 1903. -AiSupport the show If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode. Links To Everything: Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT Matt's YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT Matt's 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT Alex's YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT Matt's Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG Alex's Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG 

The film series "Wallace Shawn: The Master Builder" celebrates the work of the New York-native actor, screenwriter, and playwright. It was curated by comedian and actor John Early and director Lucas Kane, who also collaborated with Shawn on his new play, "What We Did Before Our Moth Days." The series runs at Metrograph through May 22. Wallace Shawn, Early, and Kane join us. Film still courtesy of Metrograph: Wallace Shawn in 'A Master Builder' Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gird your loins because Matt, Jamie and Shahir are about to give a performance evaluation to one of fashion's most notorious bosses. Put on your best heels because The Devil Wears Prada 2 is sashaying down the runway with the return of Andy, Emily and Nigel in a post print journalistic quagmire!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's show, Sandy shares some fun insights about onomatopoeia, which can be a writer's best friend when you want to avoid using the same dull words repeatedly—especially in action scenes. Onomatopoeia is when a word is formed to imitate a sound, like “Boom!”, “Pow!”, or “Splat!”. If you're a screenwriter, it's a handy trick to keep in your toolkit, especially when crafting exciting action moments. Using onomatopoeia can really bring your writing to life and make it more engaging for your readers, actors, or development executives reading your screenplay.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

CinemAddicts Episode 343 features reviews of movies comingout the week of Friday, May 5, 2026 (Affection, Sleeping Dog, Silent Friend). Eric reviews Netflix's Apex and Bruce Purkey offers his thoughts on No Other Choice. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 08:50 - Affection (

What happens when a story needs something to happen… so the character suddenly stops thinking?In this episode of The Storyteller's Mission, we examine a common storytelling failure: when plot demands override character integrity.From Alex Rider to Sherlock to Game of Thrones, we explore why intelligent characters suddenly make unbelievable decisions—and why audiences immediately feel that something is off.This episode breaks down the difference between tension and frustration, how writers unintentionally manipulate character behavior, and what to do instead.Because when characters stop acting like themselves, the audience stops believing the story.Watch this episode on YouTubeFree Resources for Writers:Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingSign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd Watch the video interview on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV-jlp5GOu0 Shaked Berenson has marketed, sold, and released over 1,000 films and television series. As a Board Member at the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA™) and a public speaker, Shaked has been a vocal advocate for independent filmmakers and for shortening the content distribution supply chain. Shaked started his career as a coder, paying for his UCLA education by designing database architecture and running several e-commerce sites. His rare background in both tech and the film business allowed him to bridge creativity and analytics and design a tool that truly leverages both. MORE VIDEOS WITH SHAKED BERENSON https://tinyurl.com/4d5kr2pf CONNECT WITH SHAKED BERENSON https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2435550 / shakedberenson https://x.com/ShakedBerenson CHECK OUT BLOODSTREAM TV https://bloodstreamtv.com SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ THE ANATOMY OF STORY: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller http://amzn.to/2h6W3va THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING - Lajos Egri https://amzn.to/3jh3b5f ON WRITING: A Memoir of the Craft https://amzn.to/3XgPtCN THE WAR OF ART: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles http://amzn.to/1KeW9ob

What if the secret to creative success isn't perfection, but actually daring to suck? Brandon Firla, series regular on Suits and award-nominated screenwriter, reveals how embracing failure transformed his multi-faceted career spanning acting, writing, and restaurant ownership. From his breakout role as Jonathan Sidwell to co-owning a Pasadena restaurant for over a decade, Brandon shares the mindset shifts that helped him navigate uncertainty while juggling creative projects across continents. His insights about building trust on set, collaborating without ego, and finding success through incremental progress offer a refreshing perspective on sustainable creativity.Brandon's journey from Calgary to Los Angeles wasn't just about landing roles-it was about learning to let go of perfectionism and trust the process. Whether he's punch-up writing comedy scenes, surviving restaurant challenges during COVID and the Altadena fires, or teaching sitcom writing, his approach centers on one powerful principle borrowed from Aerosmith: dare to suck. You'll discover how this counterintuitive strategy opens doors to breakthrough moments, why becoming a parent shifts your entire relationship with time, and how building genuine trust with collaborators creates space for your best work to emerge.Want to start your own podcast, grow your show, or get featured as a guest? Let's map it out together. Book a free clarity call with Olivia to explore the next best move for your podcast strategy whether you're building from scratch, ready to scale, or looking to use guesting to grow your brand. MeetwithOlivia.meNeed more inspiration or tools?Access Olivia's book, podcast growth resources, and done-for-you support at Achieving-Success.comGet the Podcast Growth Partner For Yourself: Want to cut your content time from 12–20 hours a week down to under 30 minutes without sacrificing strategy, voice, or quality? The Podcast Growth Partner is the customized AI system built from Olivia Atkin's proven frameworks, giving you titles, descriptions, SEO, and monetization support in minutes. Access it here and get your free 3 day trial: Podcast Growth PartnerStay Connected With Us:LinkedIn: achieving-success-llcInstagram: @_achievingsuccessTwitter: @_achievesuccessFacebook: @Achieving SuccessBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/achieving-success-with-olivia-atkin--5743662/support.

It's time for another Soderbergh style heist, this time in the art world! We're joined by Blueprint Screenwriting group founder Timothy Michael Cooper who has a few succinct words about Ed Solomon's new screenplay for "The Christophers" If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rewind.  Did you know that our host and creator of The Writers' Hangout, Sandy Adomaitis, has extensive experience in script development for both television and film? She has worked with some of the industry's top showrunners, including Carlton Cuse, John Wirth, and Tom Spezialy. Now, for the first time, Sandy has compiled a list of ten warning signs that could dampen her enthusiasm for reading your script, available exclusively to our devoted listeners.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

CinemAddicts Episode 342 features reviews of movies coming out Friday, May 1, 2026. They are The Last One for the Road, Casa Grande, and Two Pianos. Bruce Purkey reviews the assigned pick Gloria and Eric Holmes has a digital release recommendation with Late Shift.   Two Pianos (Theaters 5/1).

This week we have an old school Meg and Lorien dive deep into the life and world of screenwriting. The day to day life stuff. The bucket of S*it stuff. The things that swirl in your head stuff. And the, "I still have to write" stuff. If you want to feel seen, heard, understood and connected to others and have a good laugh... this is the episode for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shahir Daud and Matt Krol present The Only* Podcast About Movie's discussion of The Lee Cronin's Mummy! We wrap up some Egyptian mythology and try to figure out which parent is the most negligent In this kidnapping caper.If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HAPPINESS INCLUDED: It's finally time for Jan, Jan, Jan!Sandy has a groovy chat with the legendary Eve Plumb, famously known as the misunderstood middle child, Jan from The Brady Bunch. Eve offers delightful insights into her new memoir, “HAPPINESS INCLUDED: Jan Brady and Beyond.” Since Eve and Sandy are longtime friends, their conversation feels like a cozy, personal catch-up—plus, they even talk about George Glass!Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerHappiness Included: Jan Brady & Beyond (Book)https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806545035/happiness-included/Eve Plumb Official Website https://eveplumb.tvFollow Eve Plumb https://www.instagram.com/theeveplumb

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to writer-director Lee Cronin about his latest film, Lee Cronin's The Mummy. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

  CinemAddicts Episode 341 features three movies that are coming out the week of April 24th (Omaha, Fuze, Frankie Maniac Woman). Films reviewed that are currently streaming include Undertone, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Shelby Oaks and Dust Bunny. Timestamps 06:12 - Omaha (NY's IFC Center starting 4/24, national rollout in May)

What happens when a dark film feels emotionally true—but quietly removes the possibility of hope?In this episode of Salt & Light, we examine If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You and explore a deeper tension in modern storytelling: the difference between honest depictions of suffering and narratives that present a hopeless worldview as “realism.”We break down how films shape belief—often more than we realize—and why some stories leave us unsettled in ways we can't quite name. Is it because they're telling the truth… or because they're teaching us something false about what it means to be human?For writers, filmmakers, and thoughtful viewers, this episode unpacks how worldview operates beneath narrative structure—and why it matters more than ever.Because stories don't just entertain us. They form us.Watch this episode on YouTubeFree Resources for Writers:Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingSign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

CinemAddicts host Eric Holmes interviews Omaha filmmaker Cole Webley and Frankie, Maniac Woman's Pierre Tsigardis (Director, co-writer, actor) and Dina Silva (co-writer, actor). Omaha hits NY 4/24/26 w/ a theatrical rollout in May. 

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to screenwriter Michael Lesslie about his latest film, Hamlet. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

Screenwriters Hannah Bos (HBO's Somebody Somewhere), Kim Krizan (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset) and Selina Lim (Sex Education, Hanna) on building writing partnerships, developing characters from the inside out, and finding your way into a writers' room.   You'll learn Why a writing partnership only works when you can separate your ego from your ideas. How seven years of making weird theatre in Brooklyn quietly set the stage for an HBO show. What it takes to write a quiet, character-driven show in a TV landscape built for plot. How a master's thesis on a diarist turned into one of the most beloved screenplays of the nineties. How Before Sunrise was built from index cards on a living room floor. Why thinking about the product kills the work, and what to focus on instead. The case for starting with character before plot, and letting the story follow. What breaking into TV actually looks like. How to set the tone in a writers' room so the ridiculous ideas can surface. A practical approach to dialogue. Episode Links #070: Hannah Bos — Writing TV From The Heart, HBO's Somebody Somewhere, Artistic Partnerships, Writing Friendships For The Screen #99: Kim Krizan — Writing 'Before Sunrise' series, Crafting Memorable Characters For Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy & Other Screenwriting Tips #013: Selina Lim — Writing Authentic Dialogue for TV, Writing about Sex, Love & Drama, and A Peek Into a Writers' Room About the Guests Hannah Bos is a Brooklyn based writer who, along with her writing partner Paul Thureen, is the creator and showrunner of HBO's Somebody Somewhere. The first season received an AFI Award and Peabody nomination, and Hannah and Paul were nominated for a 2022 Humanitas Prize for Comedy Teleplay for the pilot episode. Together they have also written for HBO's High Maintenance and Amazon's Mozart in the Jungle, and received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best First Screenplay for their feature Driveways (dir. Andrew Ahn), which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Along with Oliver Butler, Hannah and Paul were founders and co-Artistic Directors of The Debate Society, a multiple-Obie award-winning, Brooklyn-based theatre company. As an actor, Hannah has received a Drama Desk Award and Lortel Nomination. Contact: www.hannahbos.com Kim Krizan is the Academy Award-nominated writer of the films Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. Her book Original Sins: Trade Secrets of the Femme Fatale is a tongue-in-cheek examination of history's dangerous women. She is also the author of Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin, an analysis of the life of the 20th-century rule-bending diarist. Krizan's work has been hailed as insightful, penetrating, and profound. She lives and writes in Los Angeles, California. You can find her on Instagram and Patreon. Contact: www.instagram.com/kimkrizan Selina Lim is a BAFTA and BIFA-nominated screenwriter, with credits on Sex Education (Eleven/Netflix) and Hanna (Amazon/NBC). Her short films include Painkiller (BBC/B3 Media) starring Benedict Wong, Keeping Up with the Joneses (BFI/Lighthouse) with Maxine Peake and Adeel Akhtar, and BBC Studios/Green Door's Five By Five starring Ruth Madeley. Selina has also written for Hollyoaks (Lime Pictures/Channel 4) and was in the writers' room for The Night Manager Series 2 (The Ink Factory/AMC). Contact: www.curtisbrown.co.uk/client/selina-lim For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers' Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS' SALONTwitter: twitter.com/​​WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you're enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!

CinemAddicts Episode 340 features reviews of movies coming out the week of April 17, 2026. They are: Mārama, Ballistic, Amrum, Eagles of the Republic, and Wasteman. Timestamps: 06:30 - Mārama (Theaters 4/17)

Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to writer-director BenDavid Grabinski about his latest film, Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.net

TSL Workshops are one of the two tent poles of The Screenwriting life. Folks a part of the TSL Workshops community participate in two live zooms with Meg and Lorien per month. One, a Q & A about anything and everything writing and the business and the other, a select few get picked each month to "pitch" their stories/scripts to Meg and Lorien. The two then dive deep with the writer, asking questions, pushing to get answers and give constructive feedback to bring the writers to the next level of their stories. Danicah and Emily both pitched their stories in one of the zooms and now are back to share the unlock moment for them, what they shifted and where they are now in their process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CinemAddicts Ep. 339 features Movies that debut in theaters or are streaming for the week starting April 10, 2026. Films reviewed: My Undesirable Friends Part I - Last Air in Moscow. Streaming on MUBI (

John sits down with the Northwest Screenwriters Guild at an event to promote the Scriptnotes book, and ends up having a poignant conversation about how the career of screenwriting has changed, missteps John made throughout his career, and how his approach to screenwriting has evolved over time. He also answers questions on kicking bad writing habits, screenwriting careers outside of Hollywood, what to look for in the projects you choose, whether age matters in a screenwriting career, writing your calling card movie, the sidekick problem, and the real story behind the Prince of Persia movie. In our bonus segment for premium members, John has been hanging out with sketch writers for the last few weeks and is excited to share what he's learned about writing sketch comedy. Links: Northwest Screenwriters Guild Steven Soderbergh's Sex Lies and Videotape book Our episode with KPop Demon Hunters writers Danya Jimenez & Hannah McMechan Notes on Notes John's screenplay library Dennis Palumbo episodes, 99 – Psychotherapy for screenwriters and 676 – Writing while the World is on Fire LA Material Get your copy of the Scriptnotes book! Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Become a Scriptnotes Premium member, or gift a subscription Subscribe to Scriptnotes on YouTube Scriptnotes on Instagram and TikTok John August on Bluesky and Instagram Outro by Nick Moore (send us yours!) Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.