

On The Page
Pilar Alessandra
ON THE PAGE: Join professional script consultant Pilar Alessandra as she demystifies screenwriting and answers your questions about script craft and story.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 20, 2024 • 37min
900. Getting Sucked Into the TV
 Adrian Colón Jr went from being a Wayans fan to working in the writers room with them on the new CBS show Poppa's House. Hear what he learned as he went from Writers PA to CBS Fellow to working writer. 

Sep 13, 2024 • 40min
899. Artevism
 Actress, director, writer Tiffany Yvonne Cox (Reasonable Doubt, Napa Ever After) talks about the work she does on screen, on the page and behind the scenes to improve artists' lives and "expose the world one story at a time." 

Sep 6, 2024 • 19min
898. Your Aging Superhero
 How do you write a character over 50? By writing them as a superhero. From their secret lair to their Kryptonite, Pilar gives a tip-packed lesson in writing mature characters. 

Aug 30, 2024 • 36min
897. "Fan Girling" Over Victoria Male
 From working in development for Ivan Reitman to writing short stories and making the Love List with her feature film, Victoria Male has done it all. Here she shares a wealth of information including her unique take on IP and the secret skills that come with being a "fan girl."  

Aug 23, 2024 • 42min
896. In the Thicket With Elliott Lester
 Director Elliott Lester returns to talk about how a gender swap and involvement by Peter Dinklage brought him to his latest project, The Thicket.  

Aug 16, 2024 • 24min
895. Light At the End Of the Tunnel
 Career coach Lee Jessup discusses Hollywood's current "contraction" and suggests that it might ultimately result in a positive outcome. 

Aug 9, 2024 • 31min
894. Writing From the Truth
 Tracie Laymon, an award-winning writer and director, shares her journey of creating the acclaimed feature "Bob Trevino Likes It" after facing personal truths. She discusses transforming painful emotions into compelling narratives and the importance of authentic casting in breaking stereotypes. Collaboration during the directing process is highlighted, showcasing how actors' insights shape a story. Laymon also emphasizes building a creative community through social media, fostering emotional connections and mentorship in storytelling. 

Aug 2, 2024 • 58min
893. Breaking Down the Logline
 James “Doc” Mason, a writer and author, shares his expertise on crafting effective loglines from his book, 'Mastering the Logline.' He emphasizes the importance of a strong logline in storytelling and discusses essential elements such as stakes and character flaws. Through analysis of films like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'The Godfather,' he illustrates how to balance intrigue with clarity. Mason also highlights the impact of mentorship and networking in the industry, sharing personal anecdotes that reveal the power of connections for aspiring writers. 

Jul 26, 2024 • 52min
892. Coming Full Circle
 From getting stuck in a Zoom room to working in hospice, everything that writer Lauren Glover (Chicago Med, Fight Night) thought was an obstacle, came full circle to help her in her writing career.  

Jul 19, 2024 • 46min
891. The Rules of the Show
 Barbara Stepansky, writer/producer on Outlander and head writer on Woman of the Dead, discusses adapting books for TV shows, maintaining character chemistry, exploring narrative rules, and the impact of industry changes. She shares insights on writing for the German market, TV vs US writing processes, and reflections on personal transformation in storytelling. 


