The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

Rian Johnson, the creative force behind films like Knives Out and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, dives into the art of storytelling with Meg LeFauve. He shares insights on balancing high-concept ideas with deep emotional stakes, highlighting how character motivations drive plots. Rian emphasizes the importance of clear character introductions and effective outlining to navigate complex narratives. He encourages emerging storytellers to embrace their unique voices while tackling themes drawn from personal experiences, making every story resonate.

Noah Baumbach (MARRIAGE STORY, FRANCES HA) and Emily Mortimer (THE PURSUIT OF LOVE, DOLL & EM) join Lorien to talk about co-writing their new Netflix film JAY KELLY, from long conversations and false starts to discovering the emotional core of the story together. They talk about writing without outlines, why not knowing is part of the job, how acting informs writing, and the surprising gift of having permission to be “whimsical, wrong, and brave” before locking a script into shape. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TSL Workshops⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠- use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links: "Jay Kelly" on Netflix "The Pursuit of Love" on Prime Video Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TSL merch shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TSL on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Screenwriting Life is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jonathan Hurwitz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and edited by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kate Mishkin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Fox, a renowned TV and film writer known for her work on Wicked and Cruella, discusses the importance of high-concept ideas in today's film landscape. She emphasizes the value of a strong premise, encouraging emerging writers to sell their ideas before perfecting the execution. Dana shares insights on structuring stories for emotional impact across two films, and how lessons from musical writing can enhance screenplays. Plus, she reveals her strategies for staying productive and offers practical tips for crafting compelling stories.

This special supercut dives into the joy and frustration of writing, featuring insights from a variety of guests in film and TV. Writers share their happiest moments, like character surprises and the thrill of collaboration. They also tackle challenges, discussing perfectionism and the struggle with deadlines. The guests emphasize the importance of connecting with audiences and the satisfaction of 'having written.' There’s plenty of wisdom on navigating the creative process, encouraging resilience and gratitude along the way.

John August, a seasoned screenwriter known for films like Big Fish, and Craig Mazin, the Emmy-winning creator of Chernobyl, dive into the art of storytelling. They explore the pitfalls of rigid structure, emphasizing that true theme emerges from character depth. The duo candidly discusses how writers can navigate rejection and maintain creative confidence. With insights on emotional POV and the essence of great endings, they offer a humorous yet reassuring guide for writers at every stage of their journey.

Doug Mand and Dan Gregor, accomplished writers and producers known for their work on the Naked Gun reboot and popular comedies, delve into the art of fearless storytelling. They share insights on balancing emotional arcs with humor and embracing outlandish ideas in writing. The duo discusses the challenges of rejection and impostor syndrome while celebrating small victories and the miraculous nature of filmmaking. With a blend of humor and honesty, they highlight their creative processes, from crafting spoof structures to navigating the complexities of the industry.

In this engaging discussion, screenwriter Maggie Lane, known for her work on 'Hotel for the Holidays,' teams up with producer Eric Jarboe, co-CEO of Happy Accidents, to explore the magic of holiday films. They reveal the secrets behind crafting compelling rom-com premises and the need for irresistible titles. Eric shares insights on rapid filming schedules and the importance of producible scripts. Both guests highlight collaboration and quick rewrites as keys to success, offering invaluable tips for aspiring writers and producers.

In this episode, JOHN WICK creator Derek Kolstad joins us to break down how he crafts character-driven action on the page. Derek shares how he thinks about tone, rhythm, and world-building, why action is an extension of the hero’s journey, and the psychological tricks he uses to survive rewrites. We also dig into his collaborations with actors like Keanu Reeves and Bob Odenkirk, his approach to adapting IP, and the creative habits that keep him excited to write "fade in." --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠⁠⁠TSL Workshops⁠⁠ ⁠- use code HOLIDAY25 for 50% off your first month. Episode Links: Check out the ⁠⁠TSL merch shop⁠⁠ TSL on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠ The Screenwriting Life is produced by ⁠⁠Jonathan Hurwitz⁠⁠ and edited by ⁠⁠Kate Mishkin⁠⁠. Email us at ⁠⁠thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com⁠⁠. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening discussion, counselor and healer Madaline Blau delves into the roots of imposter syndrome and offers practical strategies for overcoming it. She introduces grounding exercises that help writers connect with their bodies and calm anxiety. Madaline shares insights on the necessity of embracing failure for artistic growth and the subconscious fears that lead to self-sabotage. With a powerful guided visualization, she invites listeners to reclaim their authentic selves and tap into their creative purpose.

In Part 1 of our deep dive into imposter syndrome, counselor and healer Madaline Blau helps us understand where creative insecurity really comes from - and why so many writers feel stuck between confidence and collapse. We unpack instinct, how insight shapes character and story, and the early experiences that form our creative identity. This episode ends at a powerful emotional pause, with Part 2 picking up next week as we move into grounding, embodiment, and a guided visualization with Madaline. --- Looking for more support on your writing journey? Join Meg and Lorien inside ⁠TSL Workshops ⁠- your first 5 days are free. Episode Links: Check out the TSL merch shop TSL on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky The Screenwriting Life is produced by Jonathan Hurwitz and edited by Kate Mishkin. Email us at thescreenwritinglife@gmail.com. --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices