OnWriting: A Podcast of the WGA East Episode 110: Ron Nyswaner, "Fellow Travelers"
Apr 24, 2024
Ron Nyswaner, an award-winning screenwriter and creator of the Showtime series Fellow Travelers, discusses his journey through Hollywood. He shares insights on balancing authenticity in LGBTQ+ storytelling while avoiding trauma tropes. Ron emphasizes the importance of collaboration on set, managing budget constraints creatively, and crafting compelling genre narratives. He also reflects on historical accuracy, structuring timelines across decades, and the challenges of writing intimate scenes that empower actors. Plus, he offers valuable advice for LGBTQ+ writers pitching their stories.
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Long-Brewed Project Sparked By A Friend
- Ron Nyswaner read Thomas Mallon's novel years before pitching and developed the idea over many years while working on other shows.
- Robbie Rogers reignited the project and helped attach Matt Bomer, which launched the formal pitch process.
Pitch As A Mini-Show, Not A Lecture
- Use a tightly scripted, multi-voice pitch with visuals and an actor attached to sell risky material.
- Frame the story with a compelling genre hook — in this case a high-stakes love story with thriller momentum.
One Story, One Season Preserves Stakes
- Making the series a contained limited run preserved narrative momentum and emotional payoff.
- Stretching to an ongoing series might dilute the show's focused stakes and pacing.
