JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soYou are not alone, and keep writing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WATCH LOS FRIKIS: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Los-Frikis/0H49M436MMS223JUKJ26Q95EKJREAD ALONG: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3QojbCeXG11xowk5u6y-RONQhCSguwG/view?usp=drive_linkTyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz are the first to admit "they're not the cool kids." Their widely celebrated debut THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON was bootstrapped by grit, hard work, and a ferocious commitment to making something authentic, and that same spirit fills every frame of their follow-up film, LOS FRIKIS. Like the filmmakers themselves, the movie follows a group of lovable outsiders finding their own way to make beautiful art in a system that opposes it. In today's conversation with Jeffrey Crane Graham, they discuss how filmmaking is like building a house: pre-production is a blueprint, production is about "collecting lumber," and post-production is an act of construction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are launching a brand new monthly BONUS show this Thursday in feed, hosted by our producer Jeffrey Crane Graham. Don't miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soWhether you're on your billionth draft, or stuck in post on a docuseries, finding a connective THEME to tell your story is one of the most valuable ways to create a cohesive and satisfying story. Today's guest, John Henion, understands that better than anyone. His impressive career as an episodic documentary filmmaker includes shows like CHEF'S TABLE and WELCOME TO WREXHAM, but whatever the project may be, John tells us how it always comes down to finding the emotional center of your story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://twslworkshops.circle.soThe Molyneux Sisters (BOB’S BURGERS, THE GREAT NORTH) believe that character is at the center of all great comedy. For Wendy and Lizzie, specificity, character quirks, and close observations about the friends (and strangers) around them will always provide the cocktail for a great character. Hear about how these two found their voice, honed their craft, and became important voices in the world of adult animation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soGeorge Saunders is a writer of novels, short stories, and non-fiction, whose work has amassed a collection of awards, including The Booker Prize for his debut novel, Lincoln in the Bardo. His essay collection A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, which focuses on the storytelling prowess of four Russian masters, was not only a bestseller, but invited passionate responses from his readers, who are as obsessed with story math as we are. George is the ultimate story junkie, as evidenced by his wildly popular Substack, Story Club, which features his musings about the mechanics, mystery, and magic of great storytelling.CHECK OUT GEORGE'S SUBSTACK: https://georgesaunders.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this lively discussion, Hollywood writer Dana Fox, known for her work on 'Cruella' and 'Wicked', candidly admits that writing feels "REALLY torturous" for her. She shares her strategies for overcoming writer's block and the pressures of creative storytelling. Dana dives into the delicate balance of adapting beloved material like 'Wicked' while making it fresh for new audiences. Plus, she reveals the secrets of crafting emotional narratives and impactful dialogue, and navigates the complexities of pitching in the competitive screenwriting world.

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.cricle.soFor decades, if you wanted to make it as a Hollywood writer, the first step was simple: move to Hollywood. But increasingly, screenwriters have found that they're able to create and foster screenwriting careers outside of Los Angeles. Two folks who have done that successfully, Will Fetters and Chris Sparling, join us today to talk about the practical logistics of making your Hollywood writing career work no matter where you live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcolm Washington, co-writer and director of the film adaptation of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, and Virgil Williams, an Oscar-nominated writer known for Mudbound, discuss the unique challenges of adapting a beloved play into film. They share their creative process, emphasizing collaboration and the balance between personal stories and thematic depth. The duo also highlights the importance of character development and narrative conflict, revealing how their backgrounds influence their storytelling. Their passionate commitment to honoring Wilson's legacy shines through.

Liz Feldman shares the hard truths about TV writing, emphasizing the struggle with self-doubt and perfectionism. The conversation dives into how personal experiences shape storytelling and the importance of authenticity in character development. Feldman reflects on the challenges of collaboration and the emotional complexities of creating morally ambiguous characters. The journey of navigating creativity is intertwined with the lessons learned from failures, urging writers to embrace their uniqueness and persist in their craft.