The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslwokshops.circle.so Trey Edward Shults is an inspiration to directors everywhere — including Jeff. His debut feature, KRISHA, was a no-name psychological drama shot in his own home on a shoestring budget under $30K. Against all odds, it won SXSW, screened at Cannes, and eventually sold to A24. KRISHA stands as a beacon for anyone looking to make a personal, ambitious feature with limited resources. Now Trey is collaborating with The Weeknd, and even though their new film HURRY UP TOMORROW feels bigger in scale, Trey's storytelling ethos remains unchanged: center the character, prioritize emotion, and use the camera as a tool to highlight the story — not to distract from it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special mailbag installment, professional screenwriters share their real-world struggles. They tackle the challenge of balancing plot and character, emphasizing the need for honesty and collaboration. Zoom pitching techniques are discussed, focusing on engaging audiences effectively. The emotional crossroads of decision-making in projects are explored, revealing the delicate balance of self-worth. They also blend humor with media insights, touching on the unique challenges of motherhood while pursuing a creative career.

Veteran director Rob Spera, with over 20 years of teaching experience at AFI, shares invaluable insights from his handbook on directing. He emphasizes the significance of clarity and emotional truth in both directing and screenwriting. The conversation covers essential topics like collaborating with actors, the art of visual storytelling, and the importance of conflict in narratives. Spera also highlights overcoming creative blocks and how deadlines can spark creativity, making this discussion a treasure trove for writers looking to enhance their craft with a director's perspective.

Emily Brundige was tired of waiting around for gatekeepers to say yes. So, she stopped asking.In this candid conversation with Lorien, Emily shares how her frustration with the traditional hurry-up-and-wait pitch process pushed her to self-produce an animated short. That project — born from passion, resourcefulness, and a refusal to wait — eventually became GOLDIE, a series now on Apple TV+.They dive into what it actually takes to make your own work, how festivals and buzz helped build momentum, and why animation is such a powerful space for self-starters. If you've ever felt stuck in development limbo, this episode might just give you the spark (and strategy) to make your move.CHECK OUT EMILY'S BOOK HERE: https://www.emilybrundige.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carla Banks-Waddles, an accomplished writer and producer known for her work on Good Girls and Bel Air, shares her inspiring journey through the diverse worlds of multi-camera comedies and single-camera dramas. She discusses finding balance between personal well-being and creative passion, emphasizing self-care amidst the demands of writing. Carla reflects on the evolution from intern to showrunner, weaving in the importance of growth and adaptation in storytelling. With a touch of humor, she even dives into favorite writing snacks and the quirks of language.

Brent Forrester, a comedy writer and producer known for hits like The Simpsons and The Office, shares his journey from self-doubt to successful comedy master. He emphasizes the importance of studying comedy like a science and encourages aspiring writers to embrace authenticity. The conversation touches on overcoming challenges in the writing process, the significance of community support, and crafting character-driven humor. With insights from his iconic career, Brent inspires listeners to navigate their creative journeys and tackle self-doubt head-on.

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